David Olano kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal as time expired and Luke Altmyer passed and ran for one touchdown apiece as Illinois edged Tennessee 30-28 on Tuesday in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn.
Illinois finished 9-4 as the program secured nine victories in consecutive seasons for the first time. Bret Bielema also became the first Fighting Illini coach to earn a bowl victory in successive campaigns.
A senior and third-year starter, Altmyer shined in his Illinois swan song. He went 20-for-33 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown while rushing 10 times for 54 yards and a TD.
Aidan Laughery gained 77 yards on 13 carries for Illinois, which outgained Tennessee 417-278.
Jordan Anderson’s 13-yard run on fourth-and-1 from the Tennessee 31 helped set up the winning kick for Olano, who also connected from 30 and 28 yards.
Tennessee (8-5) drew within 24-21 on DeSean Bishop’s 12-yard rushing touchdown with 11:40 remaining. Tennessee limited the Fighting Illini to Olano’s 28-yard field goal with 5:14 to go, then stormed ahead as Joakim Dodson returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and a 28-27 Volunteers lead.
Joey Aguilar was 14-for-18 for 121 yards for Tennessee, while Bishop rushed 19 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
The Fighting Illini were in control for much of the game and twice led by 10 points, including when linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. recovered the ball in the end zone after Joe Barna’s strip sack of Aguilar early in the third quarter.
Illinois led 10-7 at halftime as Bielema twice bypassed field goal attempts in favor of going for it on fourth down. Illinois was unable to convert in both instances, turning the ball over on downs from the Tennessee 33 and 29.
Tennessee capitalized on the first such turnover, driving 67 yards in 11 plays and punctuating the possession with Aguilar’s 7-yard scoring run with 6:16 remaining in the first quarter.
Illinois answered with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, with Altmyer connecting with Justin Bowick for an 18-yard TD with 36 seconds left in the first.
Olano kicked a 30-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the second quarter after Volunteers counterpart Max Gilbert was wide right from 39 yards about three minutes earlier.
Tennessee has lost 23 straight games when trailing by 10 points or more in the fourth quarter.
