James Franklin calls Illinois QB Luke Altmyer one of the ‘more improved’ players in college football

Illinois is a program that has been about building up the trenches and running the football. Think back to the 2021 game, where the Fighting Illini rolled out nine offensive linemen series after series. In 2024, the Penn State football team will need to adjust to a new era of Illinois football. Led by improved quarterback Luke Altmyer, someone who has impressed Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin.

Luke Altmyer started his college football career with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. After missing the starting job, he decided like many college quarterbacks to transfer to Illinois. The Penn State football team even faced Altmyer last season. Against the Nittany Lions, he had the worst performance of his career only throwing for 163 yards and four interceptions. He finished 2023 throwing 13 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

However, this season he is one of the biggest reasons why Illinois is ranked in the AP Poll. Altmyer has been rolling this season throwing for 863 yards, and 10 touchdowns against zero interceptions. James Franklin has taken notice of Altmyers play, on Monday he shared his impression with the Penn State media.

“I think the biggest difference is the quarterback,” Franklin said. I think he’s got 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s one of the more improved players in college football. So, I think that’s the big story…”

What specifically stood out about Altmyer?

Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

While stats are great, context is needed. Illinois has played Eastern Illinois, Kansas, Central Michigan, and most recently Nebraska. It’s more than Altmyer lighting up the scoreboard, he looks more poised in year two at Illinois. James Franklin described the traits that have impressed him about the Fighting Illini QB.

“I think a lot of times we want to point to a specific reason to why a guy is playing better,” Franklin said. ” And sometimes, it’s just that they’re a year older, right? A year older, more experienced, more comfortable, more confident, more confident in the system, more confident in their own skin. He’s just doing a really good job of managing the game.

“He’s throwing completions for a high percentage. He’s protecting the football, he’s getting the ball in the endzone. He’s doing a nice job and they’re doing a nice job of mixing the run and the pass so he doesn’t feel like he’s got to carry the burden himself. He’s slightly improved across the board, part of that is the offensive coordinator doing a good job. Part of that is his offensive coordinator knowing his quarterback better. So, I’ve been impressed with him…”

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