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Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer had an incredible night against the Tennessee Volunteers in a Music City Bowl victory, but one play in the third quarter caught the attention of college football fans.
The Fighting Illini led by three points in the third quarter and had the ball on first down from the Volunteers’ 41-yard line. Altmyer took the center and dropped back to pass. He faked a pass to his right and took the ball to the center of the field.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmyer ran away from Tennessee defenders and ran directly into a referee. The quarterback bounced off the referee and picked up a first down before going out of bounds. It took the official a minute to get back up. He would score a touchdown later down the road.
Tennessee had a poor comeback. DeSean Bishop scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown early in the frame and the team took the lead with a 94-yard kick return touchdown by Joakim Dodson.
Altmyer returned and went on a 13-play, 65-yard drive to set up a David Olano field goal for the 30-28 victory.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) looks to throw a pass during the first half of the NCAA Music City Bowl college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Altmyer was 20 of 33 with 196 passing yards and a touchdown pass. He had 54 rushing yards and also a rushing touchdown.
Illinois recorded the first consecutive nine-win seasons in program history.
“We don’t have to read about other years anymore,” coach Bret Bielema said after the game. “I think people typically read about history or write history, and this group writes history and I think we’ll continue to do that.”
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells at an official during the second half of the NCAA Music City Bowl college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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The team is now 2-1 in bowl games under Bielema.
