Luke Altmyer threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns, leading Illinois to a 24-6 win over Maryland on Saturday and handing the Terrapins their sixth straight loss.
Hudson Clement caught both of Altmyer’s touchdown passes and finished with 72 yards on three receptions for the Illini (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten). Kaden Feagin ran for 81 yards and a score, and Ca’Lil Valentine added 64 rushing yards as Illinois controlled the line of scrimmage throughout.
“I preached all week about us having to play complementary football,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “The game wasn’t pretty, but we did enough good things to win. Our offensive line’s play was inspiring.”
Maryland (4-6, 1-6) dropped below.500 for the first time this season after opening 4-0. Malik Washington completed 25 of 46 passes for 238 yards but couldn’t generate a touchdown drive. DeJuan Williams had 93 total yards, and Shaleak Knotts added 62 receiving yards.
The Terrapins’ lone highlight came late in the first half, when Jalen Huskey’s diving interception extended their streak to eight straight games with a pick.
“We’ll keep fighting and finish this the right way,” Maryland coach Michael Locksley said. “Our older players deserve that.”
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