Fake Punt Earns Illinois the Pop-Tarts Crazy Good Play of the Week

October 21, 2024

DALLAS (FWAA) – Florida Citrus Sports and Pop-Tarts have teamed up to present the Pop-Tarts ‘Crazy Good’ Play of the Week during the 2024-25 college football season, with each week's play selected in conjunction with the Football Writers Association of America.

Now in its second season, the award celebrates incredible athleticism, awe-inspiring strategy and jaw-dropping “did you see that?” moments from across the college football landscape each week.

Illinois is the winner of the Pop-Tarts Crazy Good Play of the Week for Week 8 thanks to the element of surprise that helped seal the Illini's first win over Michigan since 2009.

With a 13-7 lead, Illinois held Michigan to a three-and-out on its first possession of the third quarter. On its ensuing possession, facing 4th-and-7 at its own 48, the Illini trotted out the punting unit. Lane Hansen appeared to snap the ball back to punter Hugh Robertson, who sold it as disastrous. Tanner Arkin, in punt protection, instead took the snap and galloped 36 yards to the Michigan 16.

Three plays later, quarterback Luke Altmyer snuck into the end zone from a yard out to provide what turned out to be the final margin of victory for the Illini.

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