Illini now

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Football Bouncing Back With Win Over Rutgers

After back-to-back losses, the Illini responded by throttling Rutgers, and as usual social media sounded off
Pranav Hegde|
Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights line during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights line during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting IlliniRutgers Scarlet Knights

It had been a rough couple of weeks for Illinois football. After back-to-back losses, the Illini’s College Football Playoff hopes were effectively kaput, and questions about their defense and consistency started to grow louder. But Bret Bielema’s squad seemed to show up in Week 10 with something to prove, putting together one of its most complete performances of the season in a dominant win over Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights opened the game with a quick three-and-out, and from that moment on, it was clear Illinois was locked in. Luke Altmyer continued his incredible season by leading a 99-yard touchdown drive, capped by a short strike to Kaden Feagin. The drive featured a perfect mix of tempo and balance as the Illini offense methodically marched down the field to seize control early.

Defensively, Illinois looked like a different unit. After being heavily criticized in recent weeks, defensive coordinator Aaron Henry’s group responded with energy and discipline, holding Rutgers to just six points for most of the contest. Even when Altmyer threw an interception that gave the Scarlet Knights a short field, the defense held its ground. It was the type of stand we haven't seen from the Illini all year.

With the Illini clinging to an early 7-6 lead, offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. dialed up one of his best sequences of the year. On the goal line, he called a clever counter to his earlier “ILLy Special,” this time resulting in an Altmyer rushing touchdown that extended the lead. After another defensive stop, Altmyer orchestrated a flawless two-minute drill with no timeouts, connecting with Hank Beatty for a score to make it 21-6 heading into halftime.

The second half followed the same script. The Illini came out of the locker room to piece together another long scoring drive. After a Scarlet Knight three-and-out, Altmyer’s command of the offense was on full display when he twice used a hard count to draw Rutgers offsides on critical fourth downs – one of which led directly to a touchdown pass to Collin Dixon. From there, the Illini never looked back.

The victory marked Illinois’ sixth of the season, which secured bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year under Bielema. With a favorable closing schedule, the path to a potential 10-win season remains alive. For the first time in weeks, the Illini looked like the team many expected – tough, balanced and confident – and social media took notice of their emphatic rebound win in Champaign.

Saturdays at Gies Memorial Stadium

Happy Dad's Day

That Altmyer kid is pretty good

Take a bow Barry Lunney Jr.

Illini fans, remember how good you have it

Aaron Henry with a huge bounce-back performance

Where was this defense all season?

What a snag!

Rutgers fans not having a good time

Lunney might be too qualified for his job

Bielema has worked miracles in Champaign

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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