CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Deep breath.
Despite falling behind by double digits in the second half, Illinois rallied back and escaped Toledo to open the 2023 season, 30-28.
Caleb Griffin’s 29-yard field goal with 4 seconds left sealed the deal on a stressful yet exciting start to Bret Bielema’s third season in Champaign.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
Spirits were high at Memorial Stadium after Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense started fast, cashing in a 1-yard Josh McCray touchdown on its 10-play, 75-yard season-opening drive.
Those good feelings didn’t last long, however.