No. 22 Illinois secured a significant 21-7 victory over No. 24 Michigan in a thrilling matchup on Saturday. Luke Altmyer showcased his dual-threat abilities by throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another, leading the Illini to a memorable win.
The Illini paid homage to history by donning 1924 throwback uniforms to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Red Grange's legendary six-touchdown performance against Michigan. Tanner Arkin played a pivotal role in the victory, catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Altmyer and executing a 36-yard fake punt that set up Altmyer's 1-yard TD run.
Illinois' defense shined as well, with standout performances from Jabe Jacas, who tallied 13 tackles and forced a fumble, and the team's five sacks of Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle.
Michigan, the defending national champion, struggled offensively, scoring its fewest points since 2014. The Wolverines have now suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since 2020.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and setting a new standard. The sellout crowd of 60,670 created a home-field advantage that energized the Illini throughout the game.
Looking ahead, Illinois is set to face No. 2 Oregon next Saturday, while Michigan will host Michigan State in their upcoming matchup.
Overall, the victory marked a significant milestone for Illinois, breaking a losing streak against Michigan dating back to 2009. With this impressive win, Illinois is poised for a rise in the rankings, while Michigan faces the challenge of regrouping after a tough defeat.
