CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois quarterback
Luke Altmyer was named to the Davey O'Brien Award's Great 8 and the Manning Award's Stars of the Week lists for his performance in the Fighting Illini's victory to reclaim The Cannon from rival Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. This is the second time this season Altmyer has been recognized, also appearing on both lists following Illinois' Week 4 win at then-#22 Nebraska.
The National QB of the Week will be announced by the Dave O'Brien Award on Tuesday at 11 a.m. CT.
Altmyer led then-#23 Illinois to the thrilling 50-49 (OT) victory over the Boilermakers, throwing for a career-high 379 yards and adding 60 more yards on the ground for 439 yards of total offense. Altmyer rushed for one touchdown and threw for three more, including a 25-yard strike to
Pat Bryant on the Illini's first play of overtime that proved to be the game-winner.
It marked Altmyer's fourth game-winning drive of his Illini career in the final minute or overtime, and his second of the season, following the OT win at Nebraska.
Illinois moved up to #22 in the AP Top 25. The Fighting Illini host #24 Michigan on Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. CT matchup on CBS. The game, which is sold out, will serve as the Memorial Stadium 100th Anniversary Rededication Game, 100 years and one day after Illinois' historic Memorial Stadium Dedication Game on Oct. 18, 1924. Illinois has announced detailed plans for the Rededication Weekend, set for Thursday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Oct. 19.
To see the complete schedule of Memorial Stadium Rededication plans, click here.
Davey O'Brien Great 8: Week 7
Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Evan Bullock, Louisiana Tech
Bryson Daily, Army West Point
Brett Gabbert, Miami (OH)
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Jordan McCloud, Texas State
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
E.J. Warner, Rice
Manning Award Stars of the Week: Week 7
Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Evan Bullock, Louisiana Tech
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
Jordan McCloud, Texas State
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
E.J. Warner, Rice
