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Illinois Defeats Rutgers With Improbable Game-Winning Touchdown

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Nov 23, 2024 5:47 PM ET

Sometimes, all you need is a little luck. Illinois proved that Saturday with its comeback win over Rutgers.

Rutgers took a 31-30 lead over Illinois with just over a minute remaining thanks to a touchdown pass from Athan Kaliakmanis to Kyle Monangai. With only 13 seconds remaining and Illinois facing a fourth down from Rutgers' 40-yard line, the game seemed out of reach. And yet, against all odds, Luke Altmyer delivered a strike over the middle of the field to Pat Bryant, who then evaded a few tacklers to get into the end zone.

Bryant was surrounded by Rutgers defenders when he caught the pass from Altmyer. The fact that he managed to get around everyone and sprint to the house is truly remarkable.

NBC's broadcast crew was stunned by this improbable finish.

PAT BRYANT SCORES THE GAME-WINNING TD ON 4TH DOWN! @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/ndso5u3X8B
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 23, 2024

Altmyer finished the game with 12 completions for 249 yards with two touchdowns. He also had 74 yards and an additional score on the ground.

While the Fighting Illini will certainly celebrate this win for the next day or two, the Scarlet Knights must be wondering where things went wrong. This was supposed to be their big win on Senior Day. Instead, it ended in absolute heartbreak.

With the loss to Illinois in the books, Rutgers has dropped to 6-5. Illinois, on the other hand, improved its record to 8-3.

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 07: Illinois Fighting Illini Quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes during the college football game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 7, 2024, at Memorial Stadium, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Illinois will finish the regular season on the road against Northwestern. That game will be played next Saturday.

Rutgers will try to bounce back next week when it takes on Michigan State in East Lansing.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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