Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has had a great season, but metrics indicate he’s not the same QB when he’s hurried. Here’s why Michigan will beat Illinois if they pressure Altmyer.
When the No. 24 Michigan Wolverines (4-2) take on the No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini this weekend, they’ll be facing one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been great this season and is a major reason why the Fighting Illini are ranked above the Wolverines.
Altmyer has thrown for 1,426 yards this season with 14 touchdowns, one interception and a 66.7 completion percentage.
As great as Altmyer’s numbers are, there’s a major difference between how he performs with a clean pocket and how he fares when he’s pressured, according to PFF.
- Altmyer when kept clean: 83-of-114 (72.8%) for 1,051 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception.
- Altmyer when pressured: 28-of-51 (54.9%) for 375 yards with one touchdown.
Altmyer’s completion percentage dips nearly 18 percent when he’s pressured as do his touchdown opportunities. That’s where Michigan’s pass rush comes in.
Per PFF, Michigan’s pass rush is ranked No. 1 in the nation and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart has the highest PFF grade at his position (94.0). Overall, Michigan ranks No. 19 in team sacks with 17. Stewart leads the team with five sacks while defensive lineman Mason Graham is second with 3.5 sacks.
If Michigan’s able to get to Altmyer and disrupt his timing, it could be a long day for the Illini offense, something Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. is aware of.
“When you get to sit down and watch the film on Sunday, you see a very disruptive, fast, physical front,” Lunney Jr. said. “Some really high-level players across the board and a good scheme, well-coached. A very good defense that we’re going to be playing against.”
If Michigan doesn’t get to Altmyer and he’s able to have time to throw, Sherrone Moore realizes it could be a long day for the Wolverines.
“Luke Altmyer, the quarterback, he’s gotten so much better,” Moore said. “He’s just progressed from last year to this year. You can see him being in the system for another year.”
It has been a night and day difference for Altmyer compared to last year, a season where he threw 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions and was benched late in the season. The type of season Altmyer is having wasn’t expected to happen, yet his stats are impeccable overall this year — except for when he’s pressured.
If Michigan can neutralize Altmyer they’ll likely neutralize the entire Illinois offense, because Michigan has the upper hand against the run. Michigan ranks No. 4 in rushing defense, while Illinois ranks No. 87 in rushing offense.