Caleb Griffin’s 43-yard field goal on the final play lifts Illinois over Maryland 27-24

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Illinois secures its first Big Ten win of the season with a thrilling 27-24 upset of Maryland. Caleb Griffin seals the victory for the Illini with a clutch 43-yard field goal at the final whistle.

Luke Altmyer shines with two touchdown passes and leads Illinois into field goal range after Jack Howes’ 48-yard kick for Maryland ties the game with 1:31 left in regulation. Griffin’s winning field goal sends him sprinting towards the opposite end of the field, sliding on his stomach in a triumphant celebration.

Seth Coleman’s impressive three sacks add to Illinois’ dominant performance.

Kaden Feagin contributes a touchdown as the Illini make their mark before and after halftime. Maryland, fresh off their first loss of the season, fail to find their rhythm on a dreary, drizzly day.

Taulia Tagovailoa showcases his talents with 266 passing yards, two touchdowns, and even a reception on a trick play. However, the Terps struggle to sustain drives against a solid Illinois defensive front.

Entering the third quarter with a 24-14 lead, Illinois allows Antwain Littleton II to score a 4-yard touchdown as time expires, narrowing the gap for Maryland.

Maryland initially takes a 14-7 lead in the second quarter, but Kaden Prather’s fumble at the Illinois 27 allows the Illini to capitalize. Benefiting from key penalties, Illinois ties the game with a touchdown on fourth-and-1 from the 2, courtesy of Feagin.

Illinois maintains their momentum into the third quarter, scoring on a 15-yard pass from Altmyer to Isaiah Williams following a failed onside kick attempt by Maryland.

Altmyer connects with Pat Bryant for a 44-yard touchdown in the first quarter, putting Illinois on the board. Maryland responds with touchdown passes from Tagovailoa to Sean Greeley and Prather.

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois: Finally breaking their losing streak in the Big Ten, the Illini’s performance at the line of scrimmage effectively contains Maryland’s potent offense.

Maryland: A setback for a program striving for improvement. The Terrapins’ schedule leaves them as potential favorites or underdogs in every game this season. Losing this expected win invites warranted criticism.

UP NEXT

Illinois: The Illini welcome Wisconsin next Saturday.

Maryland: Following an open date, the Terps head to Northwestern on Oct. 28.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll