Altmyer, Olano Lift No. 23 Illinois Past No. 21 Southern California, 34-32

The Asssociated Press

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Luke Altmyer and David Olano delivered in the clutch as No. 23 Illinois edged No. 21 Southern California 34-32 on Saturday, handing the Trojans their first loss of the season in a wild finish at Memorial Stadium.

Olano drilled a 41-yard field goal as time expired, capping off a poised eight-play, 51-yard drive orchestrated by Altmyer after USC had taken the lead with under two minutes remaining. “I turned around and looked at Luke before our final drive. He gave me a head nod. That’s all I needed to see,” Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said.

Altmyer, who was sharp all afternoon, went 20-of-26 for 328 yards, throwing two touchdowns, rushing for one, and even catching a touchdown pass. His versatility and poise helped Illinois (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) rebound from last week’s 63-10 debacle at Indiana.

The Illini seemed to be in control after opening a 31-17 lead early in the fourth quarter. But Southern Cal (4-1, 2-1 Big Ten) stormed back. Quarterback Jayden Maiava connected with Makai Lemon on a 16-yard strike with 1:55 left to give the Trojans their first lead of the game at 32-31.

That only set the stage for Illinois’ final answer.

Olano said he tried to keep the moment simple before delivering the game-winner. “It was a dream come true, but it was just another kick. Something we work on all the time,” he said. “I know I kicked the winning field goal, but it’s the guys in the locker room who really won the game.” Maiava finished 30-of-43 for 364 yards and two touchdowns, both to Lemon, who had a monster performance with 11 catches for 151 yards. Running back Waymond Jordan added 94 rushing yards and two scores. Still, USC head coach Lincoln Riley lamented the missed opportunities. “We showed a lot of fight coming back to take the lead, but the reality is we squandered too many opportunities on both sides of the ball,” Riley said.

Illinois’ offense looked like a completely different unit compared to last week. After managing just two rushing yards and giving up seven sacks against Indiana, the Illini rolled up 171 rushing yards and 502 total yards while allowing just one sack against the Trojans.

Altmyer’s touchdown passes went to Kaden Feagin and Justin Bowick. He also caught a trick-play touchdown from Hank Beatty, who continues to be a Swiss Army knife for Illinois, having passed, caught, rushed, and returned scores this season.

Defensively, linebacker Dylan Rosiek came up with a rare interception of Maiava — his first pick of the season. Both quarterbacks remain tied with 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions for Altmyer through five games.

Historic Win

Illinois had never beaten Southern California in Champaign before Saturday, having lost all six previous home meetings, including a 55-3 rout in 1996, the last time the teams clashed at Memorial Stadium.

Poll Implications

With the win, Illinois should regain ground in the AP poll after dropping 14 spots following their lopsided loss to Indiana. USC, despite its fourth-quarter comeback, faces questions about consistency as it navigates a grueling Big Ten schedule.

For now, the Illini can celebrate one of their most dramatic wins in recent memory — engineered by Altmyer’s steady hand and sealed by Olano’s golden leg.