Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Illinois battles the Illini Quarterback Luke Altmyer had an incredible night against the Tennessee Volunteers in a Music City Bowl victory, but one play in the third quarter caught the attention of college football fans.
The Fighting Illini were up three points in the third quarter and had the ball first from the Volunteers’ 41-yard line. Altmyer took the snap and dropped back to pass. He faked a pass to his right and collected the ball in the middle of the field.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmyer spun away from Tennessee defenders and ran into an official. The quarterback bounced off the official and gained a first down before going out of bounds. It took a minute for the official to get up. He would score a touchdown later in the drive.
Tennessee made a nasty comeback. DeSean Bishop scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown early in the game and the team took the lead on a 94-yard kick return touchdown from Joakim Dodson.
Altmyer came back and completed a 13-play, 65-yard drive to set up a David Olano field goal for the 30-28 victory.
MINNESOTA WIDE RECEIVER MAKES INCREDIBLE DIVING CATCHES TO WIN BOWL GAME
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmyer finished 20 of 33 with 196 passing yards and a touchdown pass. He totaled 54 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Illinois recorded the first consecutive nine-win seasons in program history.
“We don’t need to read about other years anymore,” head coach Bret Bielema said after the game. “I think people generally read about history or write history, and this group is writing history and I think we will continue to do that.”
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema shouts to an official during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The team is now 2-1 in bowl games under Bielema.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
