Chambana Sun

No. 22 Illinois secured a 43-27 victory over Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, marking the team's first back-to-back wins in the Cannon rivalry since 2001-02. The Illini improved their season record to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play.

Illinois built its lead with a 27-point second quarter, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer who threw for a career-high 390 yards and one touchdown. Altmyer's performance included connecting five times with receiver Hank Beatty for a career-best 186 yards, highlighted by a 62-yard touchdown reception. Running back Ca'Lil Valentine contributed 95 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Kaden Feagin added two rushing scores.

David Olano was perfect on field goals, converting all five attempts to tie the Illinois record for makes in a single game. He also made all four extra points.

Purdue took an early lead at 7-0 before Illinois responded with key defensive plays, including Dylan Rosiek forcing a fumble recovered by JoJo Hayden. On the next play, Altmyer connected with Beatty for the long touchdown that gave Illinois its first lead of the game.

Illinois extended its advantage with its longest scoring drive of the season—a 94-yard march capped by Feagin's six-yard touchdown run. Additional big plays from Altmyer and Valentine kept pressure on Purdue throughout the first half.

In the second half, Purdue narrowed the gap to nine points but could not get closer as Illinois continued to add points through Olano’s field goals and another Feagin rushing score.

Head coach Bret Bielema commented after the game: "I'm excited. I give a lot of credit to Purdue. I thought Barry had done a great job. It was a competitive four quarter game to get a win over here is important. To get The Cannon in the 101st meeting and to win back-to-back it's been a long time for all the Illinois fans who haven't been able to do that. The biggest thing is I think we're at a point where if we don't play our best we can still find a way to get it done. The key for us this week, we have an unbelievable opportunity to play Ohio State, we must get our guys healthy and fresh."

Bielema also praised his team’s performance across all areas: "We had some special things in all three phases of the game today. Luke had a career day, and we don't even really know it because it's so routine for him...Our response when we gave up the big touchdown play before the half which is inexcusable...Then we came out with a momentum changer with a turnover on the punt and were an opportunistic group all day and it was a full team effort."

Discussing quarterback Luke Altmyer’s growth, Bielema said: "The thing I love about working with Luke is he shuts out the noise and takes care of his day...I've been in this business for a long time and have quarterbacks who have played in the NFL and still are playing in the NFL. This guy's as good as I've ever had."

On receiver Hank Beatty’s impact: "People that are in the game when I say this know what I mean...There are things we design and put him in position, but he just lets the game come to him naturally...He's a fun player to be around and a piece of work with everything he does preparation wise."

Regarding Josh Kreutz's absence due to injury and TJ McMillen stepping into his role: "He got rolled up last week...That's why we went with TJ...To see him get that first opportunity on the road in the Big Ten is a big statement..."

Luke Altmyer reflected on his development: "The game is slowing down for me; I've gotten better as a physical quarterback for sure...I believe I'm very gifted and a lot of good things culminate into what you see on the field."

Altmyer also addressed McMillen filling Kreutz’s position: "When you're without a captain it's not great...But nobody had doubt at all or was worried about TJ going out there..."

Defensive player Gabe Jacas said about their resilience: "I think we persevered. We gave them couple big plays beating ourselves, but we just kept fighting..."

Jacas also spoke about winning The Cannon trophy again: "It's been rivalry for so long...Illinois hasn't won back-to-back I think in 23 years..."

Dylan Rosiek praised Altmyer's leadership: "I mean he's doing tremendous job...That one go ball he had to Hank Beatty was crazy..."

Rosiek looked ahead at facing top-ranked Ohio State next week: "I think it's great opportunity…we're going attack game same way as any other…"

Hank Beatty discussed his growing connection with Altmyer: "I feel like we're getting better every game…He's thrown some dots out there…"

Beatty evaluated their offensive showing against Purdue: "We had good day…I think everybody did their job well…but there's obviously things need work on…"

With this win, Illinois has now gone 15-4 over two seasons—including nine victories over their last ten games—and remains strong when ranked or forcing turnovers during games.

Illinois will return home next Saturday to face No. 1 Ohio State at Gies Memorial Stadium; tickets are sold out.