The least surprising member of the Illinois football team won the Music City Bowl MVP

If you didn't think that Luke Altmyer was going to be the MVP of the Music City Bowl, then you haven't been paying attention.

Altmyer, who played his final game for the Illini Tuesday night, was a pivotal part of Illinois' success over the past three years. Ever since he decided to leave Oxford for Champaign, the senior year quarterback was able to turn things around in a short amount of time.

Altmyer has been a special player for the Illinois football program, and he certainly showed that in the Music City Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers. He was dominant through the air and on the ground, completing 20-of-33 for 196 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 54 yards and a score on 10 carries.

Illinois' success hinged on Altmyer and what he brought to the table. He was the top dog all night long, which led to him being named the MVP of the game.

It was a momentous occasion for arguably the best quarterback in the history of the program. When asked about the award and his time with the Illini, Luke Altmyer proudly said;

"I am so glad I play in the best conference in America."

MVP of the Music City Bowl wasn't the last accolade for Luke Altmyer

Altmyer had a very fruitful tenure with the Illini in such a short amount of time. In just three years with the program, he recorded 7,607 passing yards on a 64.4% completion percentage. His senior year was easily the best of his career, logging 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.

The run was legendary during Altmyer's career with the Illini, but Tuesday night's win put him in elite company, which includes the likes of former Illini Jack Trudeau and Juice Williams. As of Tuesday night, Altmyer is now tied with Trudeau for the second-most career wins with Illinois and has surpassed Juice's record for the second-most touchdown passes.

To some, Altmyer has cemented himself as the greatest quarterback in the history of the program. His cool and calm demeanor, mixed with the complete 180 that the program has taken, has really shot him up the history books for the program.

But regardless of any of that, he has still provided fans with memories that will stick with them for generations. This was the perfect capstone for a legendary career, and all I can really say is thank you and congrats.

We're going to miss you, Luke! Thank you for choosing us all of those years ago.

I-L-L