Watch: Illinois WR Pat Bryant Calls His Own Shot in OT to Beat Purdue

Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant suggested the decisive overtime play on which he scored in a 50-49 win

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) scores a touchdown in overtime against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Pat Bryant might have a future as a play-caller.

Bryant, Illinois' leading receiver, hauling in the 25-yard touchdown reception on the Illini's first play of overtime to account for what would be the decisive score against Purdue on Saturday in Champaign wasnt the big news – though it was plenty big:

ILLINOIS WITH THE TD STRIKE TO OPEN OT!!! 💥 @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/b79P3i5S1g

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 12, 2024

The real revelation came postgame, in an interview segment with WCIA 3 News, when Bryant revealed that the play itself was his suggestion to Illini offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. at the onset of overtime – a decision endorsed by quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Lunney gave the duo the go-ahead, and Altmyer hurled a missile over the top to Bryant, who high-pointed it at the back of the end zone to put Illinois on top.

The overtime touchdown was a play call Pat Bryant requested. Says he pitched it to Barry Lunney and Luke Altmyer when the game went to OT. (Highlight included at end)

"Coach Lunney believed in us, allowed us to go out there and play... I tell him [if] he put it up I'm going to… pic.twitter.com/bnZTgNlsBd

— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) October 13, 2024

After kicker David Olano's extra point, the Illini endured a couple hairy moments. Purdue threatened to equalize with a touchdown of its own, but a daring decision to go for two was foiled by an Illini blitz and a linebacker Dylan Rosiek's sack of Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne to seal the deal.

All told, Bryant finished with 104 receiving yards (a season high) on four catches and a touchdown during regulation. But none of his production was more important than that catch – or that call – in overtime. Watch your back and hold that clipboard tight, Coach Lunney.

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