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Jan. 21—CHAMPAIGN — Sure, the 2024 Illinois football season doesn’t start for another 223 days. But spring practice is just around the corner.
During the next two months, I’m going to take a position-by-position look at Bret Bielema’s fourth Illini team. My 35 years on the Illinois football beat should come in handy. I have seen it all.
First up: quarterbacks.
Projected starter: Luke Altmyer, junior
The Mississippi transfer pulled a Wally Pipp (ask your grandparents), losing his starting spot in 2023 because of an injury suffered late in the game at Minnesota on Nov. 4.
That used to be a no-no for a starter. But college sports are upside down and the old rules don’t apply anymore.
John Paddock came in against the Gophers and led an improbable victory. Then remained as the starter the following week against Indiana and had the second-best passing game in school history.
Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. did the right thing and stuck with the hot hand.
To his credit, Altmyer became a supportive teammate and helped Paddock as best he could during the final month of the season, even though he was relegated to the bench. Next time I see Altmyer, the question about his disappointment will certainly be asked.
It would have been nice for him to get a few snaps in the finale against Northwestern, but the coaches stayed with Paddock.
In nine games, Altmyer hit 65 percent of his passes for 1,883 yards. He threw 13 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, most early in the season that included four in a disappointing performance against Penn State.
He helped the offense with his legs too, running for 282 yards and three scores.
Another New Jersey product following Art Sitkowski and Tommy DeVito. The coaches should get him on the field for the first time early in the 2024 season. The opener against Eastern Illinois seems…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bob-asmussen-taking-deep-dive-154800130.html
Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
Publish date : 2024-01-21 15:48:00
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