On Saturday, the Illinois Fighting Illini had the redemption game of their lifetime when they defeated the USC Trojans, just a week after an abysmal performance against the Indiana Hoosiers.
After the two-point victory over USC, the Fighting Illini received some well-deserved praise from the nation and, more specifically, the Big Ten.
Following his 356-yard performance and two touchdowns, quarterback Luke Altmyer was named the conference's co-Offensive Player of the Week, alongside Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Alongside Altmyer in the Big Ten honor roll, Illinois kicker David Olano was named the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Luke Altmyer vs. USC Trojans
Alongside 328 passing yards, Altmyer earned an additional 28 rushing yards, with one touchdown through the air and another on the ground. He threw zero interceptions and earned a resounding 97.5 quarterback rating.
Arguably the best part of his game? Altmyer caught a touchdown reception on a three-yard pass from wide receiver Hank Beatty.
David Olano vs. USC Trojans
Olano, who started kicking for Illinois last season, made four out of four extra point attempts and two out of two field goals, including one from 45 yards out.
The veteran kicker earned 10 out of the Fighting Illini's 34 total points, including a game-winning field goal as the clock ticked down to zero. Simply put, Olano's performance quite literally pushed Illinois to victory and is the reason the team now sits at 4-1 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play.
This weekend, Illinois will take on the Purdue Boilermakers. The two conference opponents are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 4, and the game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.