Illinois lined up for a 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to play in Piscataway, a last-gasp attempt to steal a victory. Rutgers had just retaken the lead with a minute to play, and now the hosts were one play away from ending the Illini’s own attempt at a game-winning drive.

Altmyer passed for 249 yards and two touchdowns on 12-for-26 passing. He also rushed for 74 yards and a score. Josh McCray rushed for an additional 58 yards and a TD on 13 carries. Bryant finished with seven receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown he'll never forget.

After Illinois' failed FG attempt is wiped out by a Rutgers timeout, Illini decide to go for it instead, scoring winning TD in wild finish.

Pat Bryant caught a 40-yard touchdown on fourth down with four seconds remaining as No. 25 Illinois rallied for a dramatic 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway,

Rutgers had a foot-and-a-half in the door to completing its November renaissance, one play away from ending a long-lasting drought and setting a new standard for the program. The Scarlet Knights just had to get one last stop.

It was a wild, momentum-shifting game but No. 24 Illinois ultimately escaped with a 36-31 victory over Rutgers football.