Luke Altmyer eager to rebound after humbling loss to Buckeyes

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Although the Fighting Illini are now sitting on two losses, their quarterback still believes that a Big Ten Title, and Playoff berth is a possibility.

After a 34-16 home loss to Ohio State last Saturday, Illinois is now on the outside looking in, but Luke Altmyer refuses to see it that way. He doesn’t want his teammates to hang their heads, or feel like losing is normal. Being the senior starting signal-caller comes with taking accountability during times of adversity, and strengthens leadership.

Altmyer is dealing with it all as Illinois approaches its’ bye-week. He learned a lot in the loss to the Buckeyes, and what needs to improve on offense. After all, Altmyer threw his first interception of the season on the first drive of the game, which was one of the Fighting Illini’s three turnovers on the afternoon.

The gunslinger also absorbed four sacks, which exposed a glaring weakness in protection. At times it was frustrating for Altmyer, but he never gave up, and continued to fight. Once the smoke cleared, he ended up with solid numbers. Altmyer completed 30 of his 44 passes for 244 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

The interception happened on a deflected ball, which wasn’t all of Altmyer’s fault. Regardless, the only stat that matters to Altmyer is a win, especially over the No. 1 team in the country, so there’s disappointment with not being able to deliver that for the fans.

“This is the most excited I’ve ever been for a game,” Altmyer said. “A lot of emotions, maybe that factored into some of the miscues early, being excited and losing a little bit of focus there for some guys.”

Illinois (5-2) did find some success on offense with tempo against Ohio State’s defense. The Fighting Illini scored 16 points, which is the most the Buckeyes have allowed all season. Not to mention the officials waived off Altmyer’s second quarter touchdown pass to wideout Justin Bowick. Altmyer even put together multiple long scoring drives, including one that consisted of 12-plays.

On top of that, Illinois led Ohio State in total offense, passing yards, first downs and plays. Those are the positive aspects that Altmyer wants to build on with his teammates during the week off. In his mind, the bye-week is coming at the right time too.

“Seven games in, the longest stretch in the country, not that we’re complaining about that at all, but there are a lot of guys out that are feeling the hits a little bit,” he said. “We’ve been going at it since August, and I think it’ll be good for our minds, and our bodies.”

There should be no shame in losing to two undefeated teams. It’s no mystery that Indiana and Ohio State are two of the best teams in the country. The Fighting Illini still have a lot to play for. Illinois will likely have to win out to stay in contention for a trip to Indianapolis. The bye-week will give the players time to recuperate, get healthy and iron out all of the wrinkles, which is Altmyer’s top priority.

“A whole lot in front of us, we believe that, and we’re an older, mature group,” the 22-year old said. “We know what’s in front of us, five guaranteed games that we’re going to maximize, you better believe it.”

Washington, Rutgers, Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern are all winnable games. Altmyer is very capable of inflating his production against those defenses. The Mississippi native is still one of the top gunslingers in the FBS, and his numbers show it. Altmyer has passed for 1,821 yards, 13 touchdowns and an interception.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is currently ninth nationally in passing efficiency. Altmyer plans on returning to the gridiron with a vengeance when Illinois resumes Big Ten play, and his teammates will have the same drive.

“We’re not going to get used to this feeling at all, we’ll bounce back, and I feel very confident about that.”