Illini Hang-On to Edge Florida Atlantic, 23-17

By Jeff Mayfield

[September 25, 2023] 

The Illinois Fighting Illini clawed, scraped, and hung on to a 23-17 victory that was a mystery wrapped inside of an enigma. A mystery as to how and why the Illini didn’t execute 3 or 4 more plays to extend a cushion to win much more handily. An enigma in the sense of what to make of this Illini team.

This one started in ways you hope to avoid. Illinois lost the toss-that seems to happen way too often. An early miscue allowed the Owls to put 3 quick points on the board and then after more Illini offensive struggles, FAU struck aerially from 19 yards out to lead the home squad 10-0.

We don’t want to say panic set in for the Illini at that point in the proceedings, but you could sense that the season was certainly on the brink. Illinois used a double-reverse dipsy doodle pitch-back play that led to an Altmyer to Griffin Moore TD strike that more importantly cut the deficit to 10-7. What was even more exciting to see was that play seemed to ignite the entire Illinois team!

Illinois’ defense finally began to stiffen and Illinois took the ball all the way down the field. As the Illini peered into the end zone looking for an eligible receiver, Illinois QB Luke Altmyer found a seam and sprinted past the goal line himself to put the Illini on top and gave them a lead they would never relinquish. So, after lots of first half angst, the Illini took a 14-10 lead at the halftime intermission.

But the Owls were going to receive the 2nd half kick-off. They did but refused to do anything with it. Illinois used their newfound momentum and marched down the field again. This time the Illini used a young running back who is coming into his own, Aidan Loughery, from nearby Gibson City, Illinois. Loughery jetted in from 3 yards out to cap an 8-play 94-yard drive. Unfortunately, the ensuing point after kick, by usually reliable Illini kicker Caleb Griffin, hit the upright and bounced away. I don’t mind telling you that miscue made me a nervous wreck-I’ve seen games eventually lost by 1 point-that’s why!

The Illini could only tack on another field goal next, but you did breathe a sigh of relief as at least the lead was extended to 23-10. At that point, the Illini had scored 23 unanswered points, but in many ways you were still concerned that this game was anything but put away. And when FAU took the ball the length of the field and scored a TD with over 4 minutes remaining, this game was anything but over. But somehow Illini hung on and could have scored a late TD but ran out the clock instead.

So, that’s the game report but what does it mean?

According to my fellow LDN Illini correspondent Greg Taylor, there’s still plenty of season left and there is work to be done. The Illini offensive line has got to find their groove. IF Illinois continues to struggle to run the football all other aspects of the offensive attack will be smothered. We’re also still concerned about the defense being a little too much bend-don’t break, but maybe we’ve just been playing it straight and not trying to show too much before we get back into Big Ten play.

Also, the Illini need to improve in minimizing mistakes, turnovers, and penalties. We continue to be flagged for penalties when we’ve stopped opponents on key third down plays and that is maddening.

Whatever happens the Illini will be back in action Saturday on the road at Purdue.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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