Watch: Illinois LB Dylan Rosiek's Game-Winning Sack Against Purdue

The Illini linebacker chased down Boilermakers QB Ryan Browne to send Illinois home 50-49 winners

Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Dylan Rosiek (28) reacts to a fumble recovery during the second half against the Easter Illinois Panthers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

On the first play of overtime in Saturday's bonkers Illinois-Purdue game in Champaign, Illini offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. took a risk and dialed up a shot to receiver Pat Bryant. It paid off. The receiver climbed the ladder and toe-tapped in the back of the end zone to give the Illini the go-ahead score.

The electric Memorial Stadium crowd was quickly hushed by the Boilermakers when they found the end zone in two quick plays. Then the Boilermakers decided to go for 2.

Talk about taking risks. 

Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne dropped back and was immediately under pressure from Illinois linebacker Dylan Rosiek. Browne tried scrambled backwards desperately to escape, but after being forced deeper and deeper into the backfield, Rosiek brought him down to end a 50-49 nail-biter in the Illini's favor.

The sack that sealed the deal in Champaign 🔥#B1GFootball x @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/2XtqpN3WeB

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 12, 2024

The Illini improved to 5-1, and the hopes of a dream run to the College Football Playoffs stayed (barely) alive.