‘He’s a mentally tough kid’: Illini confident in Altmyer bounce back

There’s no need to sugarcoat it: Luke Altmyer played extremely poorly on Saturday against Penn State.

He knows it, the coaching staff knows it, and everyone around the program knows it.

Altmyer went just 15-for-28 passing for 163 yards and four interceptions in the 30-13 loss. It was a performance that the Illini couldn’t afford, but also one that’s a part of the learning process for a young quarterback.

After a tough 3-week stretch to begin the season that saw Illinois face three opponents that currently sit a combined 8-1, the Illini may finally get some relief this week. Against Florida Atlantic, Altmyer will have the opportunity to prove that his play against the Nittany Lions was no more than an anomaly.

“Luke has to process it,” said Illinois head coach Bret Bielema. “One of the things we say all the time in our building is adversity is going to strike and you learn more from yourself in moments of adversity than you do in moments of success.”

This is the…