5 massive observations from the Illinois football win over Nebraska

2. Luke Altmyer had his coming out party

I will be the first to admit that I was not fond of Luke Altmyer last season. Every chance I got, I was calling for John Paddock to replace him.

To start this season, I saw something different in Altmyer. From the first game against Eastern Illinois, you could tell he had improved year over year. The full offseason with the team had not only built better chemistry but also helped him develop his game.

In the win over No. 19 Kansas, Altmyer had another good game. I was already fully on the Altmyer hype train entering that game, but on a national level, I feel like people still weren’t taking notice. He needed a statement game.

That is what I believe Friday night was for Altmyer. It was a statement game. It was his national coming out party to say to the world that he is here and ready for the big stage.

Altmyer had one of the best games from an Illinois quarterback in recent memory. He was 21-of-27, 77.8%, for 215 yards and four touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception, and the only mistake he made all night was the fumble when the defensive back blitzed and hit him from his blind spot.

I continued to be impressed with Altmyer’s ability to step up in the pocket. He delivered balls accurately and on time. He didn’t hold on to the ball, and he wasn’t overzealous when it came to pulling the ball down and running. Altmyer can go through progressions now and find his open man.

Illinois fans have seen Altmyer’s ability in the first few games of the season. Now, after the Nebraska win, I am happy the entire world is seeing what this kid can do on the football field.