Illinois football fans wanted to believe that this year’s team would operate as an extension of the 2024 group that captured lightning in a bottle and won a program-high-tying 10 games. It seemed not only plausible but probable given the boatload of returning starters – including quarterback Luke Altmyer – Bret Bielema and his staff would be able to deploy throughout an exceptionally favorable schedule of regular-season games.
It hasn’t shaped up that way. Illinois’ margin for error last year was a razor’s edge, and for all the good vibes and fortune surrounding the team going into 2025, little had changed in that regard. When the Illini haven’t beaten up on lesser teams, consistently minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on those of their opponents, they have been exposed by superior talent and coaching. Altmyer wasn’t at his sharpest Saturday, but he was the least of Illinois’ problems in a 42-25 loss to Washington in Seattle.
The offensive line held the Huskies to zero sacks, but it also didn’t give Altmyer much time before he was forced to release or keep him from getting his bones rattled afterwards. Receivers dropped or were stripped on multiple throws that would have gone for first downs – or even scores. The run game was quieted by another defense able to create penetration and physically overwhelm the Illini at the point of attack…