Writing Illini
Fansided

5 key observations from the Illinois football win over Central Michigan

It was another great Saturday for the Illinois football program, as we moved to 3-0 on the seaosn.

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

Illinois football could have easily gone into the game against Central Michigan overlooking the Chippewas.

This was set up to be a trap game for the Illini. We just came off a win over the No. 19 ranked Kansas Jayhawks. This upcoming Friday, Illinois heads to No. 23 Nebraska. On top of that, MAC programs have given a scare to a few teams this season.

Thankfully, from the opening kickoff, it felt like Illinois had control of this game. Despite the score at halftime only being 13-6 in favor of the Illini, it always seemed like we had control.

That seven-point halftime lead turned into a 23-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Illinois continued to add points, and we eventually beat Central Michigan, 30-9.

Here are five key observations from the Illinois football win over Central Michigan

1. Luke Altmyer continues to impress with progress

I can’t get over what I am seeing on the football field. In 2023, the Luke Altmyer that was out there for the Illinois football program was less than impressive.

Granted, Altmyer was new to the program and didn’t have any starts under his belt in the college game, but there weren’t too many signs that he was going to be a suitable quarterback to help get Illinois back to at least a bowl game.

It is amazing what an offseason has done for Altmyer, though. He went from a lot of big question marks to now being one of the best quarterbacks I have seen at Illinois since Kurt Kittner. The biggest leap for him is the understanding of what is going on around him.

In the past, Altmyer would get sacked, lose the football, or scramble around with no plan when the edge rushers would come around the offensive tackles. That doesn’t happen nearly as much. Altmyer has the knowledge and ability to have a clock in his head. He knows when the time is up, and he steps up in the pocket to deliver a strike.

This is exactly what they mean when they say the game has slowed down for the players. I believe the game has slowed down for Altmyer. He threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns against Central Michigan. He also had a 65.5% completion rate.

For the season, Altmyer is now averaging 215 yards per game. He has six touchdowns and zero interceptions, and in all three games, he has completed at least 64% of his passes. This kid gets it, and that is exciting for Illinois football fans.

Home/Illinois Football