By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Illinois defeats the Tennessee Volunteers 30-28 on a walk-off game-winning field goal to win the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl. Illinois wins back-to-back bowl games for the first time in program history.Â
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer was the player of the game. He was aggressive and made incredible plays. Luke accumulated 250 total yards with one touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Justin Bowick had a touchdown for Illinois.
Tennessee and Illinois used the run game to their advantage. Both teams played intense, competitive football. Joakim Dodson could’ve been the hero for the Volunteers when he ran for a 95-yard kickoff return to give the Volunteers a 28-27 lead with five minutes left. It’s a heartbreaking loss for Tennessee.
Illinois’ defense played well, especially at the start of the third quarter. One of the best plays happened when Illinois forced a strip sack that set up a defensive touchdown. Linebacker Joe Barna knocked it out, and Leon Lowry Jr recovered the ball in the end zone.
The third and fourth quarters were the best because both teams had an answer for each other. Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar brought his tenacity in this game. He did the most he could. Aguilar completed 14 of 18 passes for 121 yards. Aguilar rushed for two touchdowns and 93 yards on 19 carries. Deshawn Bishop rushed for a touchdown in the third quarter.
The Illinois offense is too much to handle. They beat the Volunteers in passing yards and rushing yards, and they had more first downs. Also, kicker David Olano made three field goals for Illinois. Tennessee missed a field goal in the second quarter. Little things like that can make the difference in the game.
Illinois finished the season with a 9-4 record. Tennessee falls to 8-5.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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