Overview
- David Olano converted a 29-yard field goal as time expired to seal a 30-28 win over No. 23 Tennessee at Nissan Stadium.
- Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer went 20-for-33 for 196 yards with one passing and one rushing touchdown as Illinois outgained Tennessee 417-278.
- Key swings included Joe Barna’s strip-sack recovered by Leon Lowery Jr. for an Illini touchdown, Joakim Dodson’s 94-yard Tennessee kickoff return score, and Jordan Anderson’s fourth-and-1, 13-yard run to set up the winning kick.
- Opt-outs and injuries shaped lineups on both sides, with Tennessee missing SEC receiving yards leader Chris Brazzell and Illinois without Big Ten sack leader Gabe Jacas, among others.
- Illinois finished 9-4 for back-to-back nine-win seasons and 19 wins over two years, while Tennessee ended 8-5 and, per postgame reports, without a win over an FBS opponent with a winning record this season.