David Olano’s 41-yard field goal as time expired helped No. 23-ranked Illinois avoid a late collapse, as the Illini held off No. 21 Southern California 34-32 on Saturday at Champaign, Ill.
The Illini (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) built a two-touchdown lead in the second half behind a strong all-around performance from quarterback Luke Altmyer. He became the first Illinois player to pass, rush and catch for a touchdown in the same game since Kurt Kittner in 1999.
But while Illinois scored on six of its nine possessions, and only punted once, a pair of fumbles at the goal line gave USC (4-1, 2-1) an opportunity to rally after a slow offensive start.
Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava was intercepted for the first time on the season when he was picked off by Dylan Rosiek in the third quarter. USC managed just 17 points for the game’s first 50 minutes after entering with an average of 52.5 points per game.
Maiava regrouped down the stretch, connecting with Makai Lemon on touchdown passes of 19 and 16 yards in the fourth quarter. USC converted a two-point conversion following the first, then took a 32-31 lead with 1:55 remaining on the second Lemon TD.
Maiava’s second scoring pass to Lemon capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive after USC linebacker Eric Gentry forced a fumble from Ca’Lil Valentine, who was breaking toward the end zone on a potential win-sealing Illinois score.
The Illini also coughed up the ball just shy of the end zone in the second quarter on Braylon Conley’s takeaway from Kaden Feagin.
Illinois recovered after conceding the lead, marching into Trojans territory behind Feagin runs of 6, 8 and 9 yards, and an Altmyer carry of 13 yards. Altmyer finished with 28 rushing yards, including 12 on a first-quarter touchdown.
The Illini quarterback also scored on a 3-yard pass reception from Hank Beatty and threw a 25-yard score to Justin Bowick early in the fourth quarter.
Altmyer hooked up with Feagin on a 64-yard touchdown. Feagin walked a tight rope at the sideline to complete the long, third-quarter score that put Illinois ahead 24-10.
Altmyer was 20-of-26 passing for 328 yards. Maiava finished 30 of 43 for 364 yards.
Waymond Jordan carried 20 times for USC, gaining 94 rushing yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Illinois earned its first victory over USC since a 14-13 decision in 1989.
