Every now and then, “one of them ones” shows up on campus at Illinois.
Recently, you think of Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon, and Devon Witherspoon.
Luke Altmyer is one of them ones.
The senior signal caller
has an argument to be in the Heisman conversation with his blistering stat line and incredible performance so far in his last season donning the orange and blue.
The Illinois offense has been electric and Altmyer is the head of the snake.
Through six games this season, Altmyer and fourth-year offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. have proven to be a perfect marriage.
Altmyer’s decisiveness in RPO’s is much improved this year compared to his first two years under center.
He gets the ball out quick and on the money, especially to Hank Beatty who’s had an electric season as well.
While Altmyer still has trouble taking sacks, he’s a good improvisor and you trust him to make a play with his legs.
His deep ball has been effective too. Altmyer and the Illini receivers’ ability to stretch the field has reached another level this year.
Altmyer has thrown for 1,573 yards — good enough for sixth in the country — with zero interceptions, and is completing passes at over a 70 percent clip.
Not too shabby.
However, he faces his toughest test this Saturday against No. 1 Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have a suffocating defense which has allowed 25 points through five games.
Per usual, they’re loaded with talent.
It’s not going to be easy.
After this weekend, though?
After this weekend, though? The road should be as favorable as it has been this year.
The final five games of the season simply don’t pose the same threats on the defensive side of the ball as Indiana and Ohio State do.
As long as Altmyer is given time to wheel and deal, he’ll have a day.
There’s no reason for him to not keep this up, and break some records along the way.
We’re watching one of the best quarterbacks in Illinois history paint his final masterpiece. Savor it.
I-L-L.
