After a well-deserved bye week, Illinois (7-3, 4-3) took down Maryland (4-6, 1-6) 24-6. It wasn’t a flashy game, but the Illini controlled it the whole way. Another good performance from the defense and a dominant ground attack led to the victory.
“We just gotta keep sawing wood,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “I think we’re a good football team that hopefully gets better every week, and this week needs to be another … step in the right direction.”
Ran right through them
The Illini dominated the ground game against the Terrapins. Illinois put up 225 rushing yards to Maryland’s 55. Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer was once again a big part of the rushing attack. He had 62 rushing yards, and could’ve had more if an 18-yard touchdown run wasn’t called back by a holding penalty.
The dual-headed running back threat of junior Kaden Feagin and sophomore Ca’Lil Valentine showed out as well. Feagin and Valentine had 81 and 64 rushing yards, respectively.
After quieter performances the last few games, Feagin finally found his groove again. His 81 yards are the highest he’s put up since playing Western Michigan. The running back also found the endzone for the first time in over a month.
Defense stays hot
After lots of criticism following the loss to Washington, Illinois’ defense stepped up. The Illini allowed just 13 points to Rutgers, the third-lowest total they’ve allowed so far this season.
It seemed like it was going to be the same old defense against Maryland, however. Illinois let Maryland march right down the field on its first drive. 13 plays and 65 yards later, the Illini finally slowed down the Terrapins to hold them to a field goal.
After that drive, Illinois took control of the game. On Maryland’s next six drives, it gained just over 100 yards and only three points.
“We have to go out and get what we want,” said senior defensive back Matthew Bailey. “It’s not just going to happen. We can’t just sit back.”
In the second half, things weren’t much better for the Terrapins. The Illini held them scoreless for the rest of the game.
Maryland did get close in the fourth quarter. After starting on its own five-yard line, Maryland drove the length of the field and found itself knocking on the door of the endzone. Despite getting inside Illinois’ five-yard line, Maryland couldn’t convert.
Two short rushes and an incompletion led to fourth down. Maryland’s freshman quarterback Malik Washington tried to find a man in the endzone, but his throw couldn’t be corralled and the Terrapins turned it over.
“For them to score six, and for them to hold them … they got no touchdowns, that’s special — that’s winning football,” Altmyer said about the defense.
Clement continues breakout
Two weeks ago, junior receiver Hudson Clement found the endzone for the first time this season. He also tallied a season-high 84 receiving yards against Rutgers. Despite the bye week, Clement didn’t cool down.
In the first quarter, Altmyer dropped a dime to Clement. It went right over the defender into Clement’s outstretched hands for the touchdown.
It wasn’t as pretty, but Altmyer found Clement again for another score. The receiver was wide open, and while the pass was slightly low, Clement corralled the pass and waltzed into the endzone for his second score.
“Throughout the middle of the year, reporters and TV people would ask me, ‘Who’s the guy you watch out for?’ It was always Hudson,” Altmyer said. “Special talent, special ability.”
Clement finished the game with three catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He’s been looking more and more comfortable as of late. Clement now has over 150 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games.
Luke gets it done
Once again, Altmyer was on his game. As he has in the last few games, he utilized his legs as well as his arm. Altmyer threw for 172 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as well as an interception.
However, it was his legs that really shone. Throughout the game, Altmyer was able to escape pressure and complete a pass or find a rushing lane to gain a few — or more — yards. The Terrapins’ defense had a hard time keeping up with the quarterback, and it certainly showed.
Next up
Illinois goes right back to work, traveling to Madison to take on Wisconsin (3-7, 1-6). It’s the second-to-last regular-season game of the year, and the final away game.
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