The Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4) took on the Tennessee Volunteers (8-5) on Tuesday evening in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Fighting Illini led the Volunteers 10-7 at halftime. Leon Lowery Jr. recovered a fumble for Illinois and scored a touchdown for a 17-7 lead in the third quarter. Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop scored a one-yard touchdown, and Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer scored a two-yard touchdown.
The Fighting Illini had a 24-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Tennessee stormed back to score two touchdowns, and Illinois kicker David Olano made a 28-yard field goal. Tennessee led Illinois 28-27 with a minute left in the game.
Illinois’s offense marched to the 10-yard line, where kicker David Olano kicked the game-winning 29-yard field goal. The Fighting Illini beat the Volunteers 30-28. It was Illinois’s second straight bowl victory.
Illinois’s offense had 417 yards (196 yards passing, 221 yards rushing), 27 first downs, and the team was penalized four times for 20 yards. Quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 20 of 33 passes (60%) for 196 yards, one touchdown, 10 carries for 54 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Aidan Laughery had 13 carries for 77 yards. Wide receiver Hudson Clement made three catches for 48 yards, while Justin Bowick made three catches for 31 yards and one touchdown. Kicker David Olano made 3 of 3 field goals (100%) with a long of 30 yards, and made three extra points. The defense made 65 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown.
Tennessee’s offense had 278 yards (121 yards passing, 157 yards rushing), 18 first downs, and the team was penalized four times for 46 yards. Quarterback Joey Aguilar completed 14 of 18 passes (77%) for 121 yards, nine carries for -3 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back DeSean Bishop had 19 carries for 93 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and three catches for eight yards. Wide receiver Mike Matthews made three catches for 43 yards. Kicker Max Gilbert missed a field goal and made four extra points.
The defense made 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and eight pass breakups. Joakim Dodson had two kick returns for 114 yards and one touchdown.
