The Cornhuskers’ spirit has been high since they defeated the Colorado Buffaloes in their heroic feat. While they thought to do the same with Illinois Fighting Illini as well, in the first quarter itself the red tribe got a huge blow enough for a Heisman voter to be shocked. Dylan Raiola might have been the star of the show for beating the Buffs, but on September 20, even before Matt Rhule’s star QB could turn the spotlight towards himself, Illini QB Luke Altmyer had all eyes on him. Thanks to Illini WR Pat Bryant.

However, things would not have been possible without Nebraska’s thunder-blunder. Not only, the duo, but there are three more Illinois phenoms who might leave Rhule reconsidering his game plan. 

Pat Bryant and Luke Altmyer leave the Cornhuskers in a pool of cold sweat

What an opening drive for the Illini! As fans believe there is no place like Nebraska, the time has come for them to stop taking things easy. September 20 started on an ugly note for them. Thanks to the Illini boys for gifting a magical start! While the Nebraska fans were still in shock, one of them took to X to share his thoughts. A Heisman voter points out how maybe Rhule’s tribe had taken Illini lightly which came off as an advantage for Illinois, “Nebraska covers Pat Bryant with a single defensive back. Probably a mistake. Luke Altmyer doesn’t hesitate in sending it Bryant’s way for a catch.” But what’s the hype all about?

The Illini players’ partnership paid off well. It was Bret Bielema’s weapon WR Bryant who drew first blood for the program, snagging a 27-yard touchdown catch from QB Altmyer. But what went wrong with the Huskers’ plan of action? They got way too confident and thought one DB would be enough to put out QB Altmyer’s fire.

It took them another minute to realize how they had been SO SO WRONG! While Bryant and Altmyer had come up with a grounding alert for Nebraska, Rhule’s army better watch out for three other Illini phenoms.  

The three-headed threat that Nebraska must be prepared for

The Illini are an 8.5 underdog in Lincoln. NFL legend Howard Griffith who has also been one of the greatest stars in Illini’s history believes that Illinois’ success is determined by Altmyer. Why so? Well, the second-year starting QB has amped up his game by giving himself the space to grow as a leader. “Altmyer has been really patient this year,” assured the former RB. While Bryant and Altmyer have got the party started in Lincoln, the Cornhuskers must proceed with caution since they are not the only ones to give them a hard time.

Top the list is a three-star prospect from the 2023 recruiting class, Kaden Feagin. He has been quite a name as the RB has already found the end zone in his first three games this year. Besides he carries with himself a record of 173 rushing yards along with 3 touchdowns on 42 carries. Well, Xavier Scott might be the next one in the line for the Huskers to look all pale. The Illini DB has landed the ‘best’ tag in the nation for recording 12 total tackles, 11 of which were solo.   

Another Scott to be kept a safe distance from is 2022 redshirt freshman Illinois DB Miles Scott who recorded 13 tackles, out of which six were solo. Maybe, it’s time for the Patrick Mahomes clone, Dylan Raiola to no longer think highly of himself. So, as of now, it’s only QB Luke Altmyer and WR Pat Bryant who have crashed Nebraska’s party. Let’s wait for the others to join in! 

Like the match updates, if NIL in college football and the ongoing NFL season interests you, there is the Think Tank podcast with Dough Sanders that you may find interesting.