On Saturday in Piscataway, N.J., No. 25, the University of Illinois scored a late-game touchdown for a thrilling 38-31 victory over Rutgers University.
Trailing 31-30, the Illini had a fourth-and-13 opportunity with 14 seconds left in the game and were poised for a game-winning field goal from 58 yards left. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called a timeout and ice kicker Ethan Moshulski went for a try-and-try.
Moczurski actually kicked the ball wide left, about 15 yards in front, but the attempt was canceled due to a timeout. After watching the kick and giving him a chance to reconsider, Illinois coach Bret Bielema denied the field goal try and opted for a first down.
The choice ultimately worked out better than Bielema could have imagined.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmayer connected with Pat Bryant for a first down and more. Bryant evaded several Rutgers defenders and sprinted to the right corner of the end zone with four seconds left to score a touchdown.
The Illini attempted a two-point conversion but failed. But on the ensuing kickoff, Rutgers got those two points anyway when the ball went sideways out of bounds in the end zone.
Altmaier completed 12 of 26 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 74 yards rushing and a score. Josh McCray added 58 yards and a TD on 13 carries. Bryant had seven receptions for 197 yards and an unforgettable touchdown.
Rutgers QB Eysan Kaliakmanis also completed 18-of-36 passes for 174 yards and two TDs, and he rushed for 84 yards and two scores on 13 carries. Kyle Monangai led the Scarlet Knights with 122 yards rushing on 28 carries. Ian Strong caught six balls for 66 yards and one TD.
With this win, Illinois improved to 8-3 overall and tied for fourth place in the Big Ten with Iowa State at 5-3. With the loss, Rutgers falls to 6-5 (3-5 in the Big Ten).
