(BCSNN | UPI) - Illinois closed out the most successful two‑year stretch in program history with a finish worthy of the moment. David Olano drilled a 29‑yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Illini to a 30–28 win over No. 23 Tennessee in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl on Wednesday night.

The victory gave Illinois (9–4) back‑to‑back nine‑win seasons for the first time ever and delivered head coach Bret Bielema his second straight bowl win - a first in program history. Over the last two seasons, the Illini have gone 19–7 with 15 Power‑4 victories, 11 Big Ten wins, and bowl triumphs over SEC opponents in consecutive years after previously never beating an SEC team in a bowl.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer, playing his final game in orange and blue, authored his seventh career game‑winning drive in the final minute or overtime. He marched Illinois 64 yards in 13 plays over the final 4:58, setting up Olano’s winner and earning Music City Bowl MVP honors.

Altmyer finished with 196 passing yards, a touchdown, 54 rushing yards, and a rushing score. His first‑quarter touchdown pass to Justin Bowick was his 22nd of the season, matching last year’s total and tying for the third‑most in a single season in Illinois history.

He leaves Champaign as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks the program has ever seen, ranking top‑five all‑time in passer rating (1st), completion percentage (1st), wins (2nd), touchdown passes (2nd), and passing yards (5th).

Illinois’ defense delivered four sacks - its second‑most in any bowl since 2011 - and produced the game’s biggest defensive swing in the third quarter. Joe Barna strip‑sacked Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and Leon Lowery Jr. recovered the ball in the end zone for his first career touchdown, giving Illinois a 17–7 lead.

Olano was perfect on the night, going 3‑for‑3 with field goals of 30, 28, and the 29‑yard game‑winner. His 37th career make tied him for ninth in program history, and he became just the eighth Illini to score 100 points in a season. He also finished the year 44‑for‑44 on extra points, matching the program record.

Bowick caught five passes for 31 yards and Illinois’ first touchdown. Ca’Lil Valentine added 114 all‑purpose yards, setting career highs in receptions and receiving yards. James Thompson Jr. tied his career high with seven tackles, while Daniel Brown added a career‑best five stops.

The Illini also tied program records for most wins over a four‑year (32) and five‑year (37) span, achievements unmatched since the early 1900s.

For Bielema, the win marked another milestone in a tenure defined by stability, toughness, and late‑game excellence.

Illinois leaves Nashville with a trophy, a walk‑off win over a ranked SEC opponent, and the clearest sign yet that the program has entered a new era.