West Lafayette, Ind. — Does Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer get enough national recognition for his play on the football field?
An emphatic “No” is how Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty answered that question.
“He needs to get up there,” Beatty added.
Illinois began the day with a three-and-out against Purdue on Saturday afternoon. But soon after, fireworks ensued, and Illinois’ offense scored on its next six consecutive drives, en route to keeping the cannon in Champaign, comfortably winning, 43-27.
At the center of it all was Altmyer, who had a career day, completing 19 of 22 passes for 390 yards, one touchdown and had a 86% completion percentage.
“The game has just slowed down for me, obviously, I’ve gotten better as a physical quarterback,” Altmyer said after the game. “I see the field very well. I’m very comfortable back there. I’ve played with the same five or six offensive linemen for the past two years now, and the same coordinator for a while. I believe in myself greatly. And work ethic eliminates fear.”
Illinois had nine passing plays of 15 or more yards; four of those plays became plays of 40 or more yards. Those plays accelerated drives for Illinois and were key in keeping Illinois playing ahead of the sticks on Saturday afternoon.
“We got guys that can make plays, and I think that came to light today. Ashton had a big catch. Colin had a big catch down the sideline. You know, guys are getting open,” Wide receiver Hank Beatty said.
Altmyer spread the ball out throughout the course of the game, completing a pass to seven different receivers. At the top of that list was Hank Beatty who has firmly seperated himself as WR1 on Illinois’ roster.
Altmyer’s circuitious path to sustained success in college football is a mix of finding yourself in the right place at the right time and a testament to what an extended stay at a program can do for a modern quarterback.
“I was good last year because I trusted the people around me,” Altmyer explained. “It’s the same thing this year, I have that same trust in the people I’m doing it and I don’t have a doubt in the work I put in.”
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema admitted he can’t do much to make national pundits talk more about their star quarterback, but understands the caliber of quarterback under center for his program.
“He just does a great job of putting himself in a preparation mode to get ready for Tuesday’s practice, execute Wednesday, make corrections Thursday, get the game plan together,” Bielema said. “I’ve been in this business for a long time. I’ve had quarterbacks that play in the NFL are still playing the NFL, and this guy’s as good as I’ve ever had.”
