CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer was named the Paul Hornung Award Player of the Week as the most versatile player in college football during Week 5. Altmyer led #23 Illinois to a 34-32 win over #21 USC.
Altmyer accounted for four touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving) and 359 yards of offense in the win. He became the first player to have 300+ passing yards, a passing touchdown, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown in a Big Ten game in at least 30 years. He was also the first Illini to have a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in a single game since 1999 (Kurt Kittner, MicronPC.com Bowl vs. Virginia).
Altmyer also came up clutch, as he engineered his national-leading sixth game-winning drive in the final minute or overtime over the last three seasons. He led Illinois down the field to set up David Olano's game-winning 41-yard field goal as time expired.
#22 Illinois is back in action Saturday at Purdue. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
