The Fighting Illini, led by their 5th-year quarterback, Luke Altmyer, went into the Wallace Wade Stadium against Duke being heavy favorites, courtesy of their 2024 10-win season. But Duke, led by Manny Diaz’s defensive fortress, had 4 sacks on Atlmyer in just the first half, and the score was 14-13 for Illinois. Clearly something needed to change, and that’s when Bret Bielema asked his senior wide receiver, “I called him and I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to put you in at QB, are you good with that? ‘” said Bielema in the post-game presser. The receiver’s response? It showed the type of team Bielema is building after his 2024 success.

“Coach, I did that in high school really good,” replied Hank Beatty . By the time the creative play came that Bielema was planning, Luke Altmyer already had s

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