Last-second field goal propels Illinois to 27-24 win over Maryland football

Illinois kicker Caleb Griffin saw himself in a familiar situation. 

In a week one win over Toledo, Illinois’ faith was put on Griffin’s right leg. He nailed the field goal try and the Fighting Illini celebrated a win.

History repeated itself on Saturday at SECU Stadium. Griffin got another chance to send Maryland football (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) home empty-handed. The senior stepped up to the spot, nailing a 43-yard attempt as time expired. Illinois (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten) celebrated a 27-24 win over the Terps.

“I’m disappointed in the things we didn’t do, not as much as what Illinois did,” coach Michael Locksley said. “It goes back to us, we didn’t play our best. And that’s the frustrating part for me as a coach. My job [is] to get us ready to play our best.”

A four yard rushing touchdown by Antwain Littleton II gave the Terps momentum heading into the fourth quarter as they cut the Illinois lead to single digits. The Terps’ defense carried their weight by forcing three three-and-outs in the final quarter, but the offense was unable to capitalize beyond a field goal to tie the game up at 24.

Maryland’s defense struggled on first downs in the run game, surrendering 4.7 yards per carry. In the secondary without starters Dante Trader Jr. and Tarheeb Still, the Terps were susceptible to big plays.

“I thought we played decent, gave [up] some big runs,” senior linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II said. “Just got to tackle better. I know I missed two tackles, two key tackles. It burns inside for me to admit that but you just got to tackle better, be better on fundamentals.”

Much of the same occurred in the special teams department. The Fighting Illini had just under 100 yards in the return game, setting themselves up with strong field position throughout the contest.

Taulia Tagovailoa played a clean game despite having to make up for a lack of a run game. The Terps were held under 100 yards rushing and a yard per carry mark of 3.2. Illinois ranked last in the Big Ten in rushing yards allowed per game with 176. 

“I got to get my body right, jump on the film as fast as possible to see how I can make plays to help this offense move more smoothly,” redshirt sophomore running back Roman Hemby said. “It’ll come down to a lot of fundamental things for me.”

The Terps didn’t embody their philosophy of getting off to a fast start. Illinois scored first after a Maryland punt. Junior wide receiver Pat Bryant caught his fifth touchdown of the season from 44 yards out in single coverage. 

But redshirt junior defensive back Glendon Miller intercepted Luke Altmyer on a tipped pass and returned it near midfield. The Terps capitalized, scoring seconds before the first quarter ended. They ranked first among all Big Ten schools in first quarter points entering the matchup. 

A heavy formation and play action fake set up Sean Greeley for a four-yard touchdown. The senior linebacker recorded his second touchdown of the season. 

The defense settled in during the second quarter with a pass breakup from senior cornerback Ja’Quan Sheppard and a sack from junior defensive end Donnell Brown. Illinois came away empty after missing a field goal despite starting its drive on the Terps’ 27-yard line.

A 27-yard Kaden Prather score gave Maryland its first lead with under six minutes before half. The West Virginia transfer has quickly became one of Tagovailoa’s favorite targets as it’s his fifth touchdown in seven games. 

Altmyer was sacked twice in five plays on Illinois’ ensuing possession, but a Prather fumble prevented the Terps from adding points before halftime. It was the first fumble lost by the Terps this season.

Two Maryland penalties allowed Illinois to tie the score at 14 seconds before halftime. Freshman running back Kaden Feagin scored his first touchdown from two yards out on fourth down.

“It’s always deflating to give up a score,” Hyppolite II said “You don’t want to give up a score as a defense, that’s just something you don’t want to do. They have playmakers as well, and we have playmakers too so it’s all about bouncing back.”

Junior receiver Isaiah Williams helped the Fighting Illini regain their lead with his first touchdown of the year to begin the second half. The Big Ten’s leader in catches and yards scored on a 15-yard reception. 

Jack Howes missed a 45-yard field goal and Caleb Griffin knocked a 40-yarder through on the other end to extend the Fighting Illini’s lead to double digits, 24-14. 

Maryland’s defense was unable to stop Illinois on the final possession. The Fighting Illini marched down the field with 1:30 left in the game and the Terps walked away with a crushing loss.

“We just got to get back to work,” Hyppolite II said. “Good thing with us, time is on our side with this bye week. So we have time to really look within and really get right. But you know, we’re going to get it fixed. I believe in us, I believe in me too.”