LINCOLN — Nebraska football contained Illinois’ rushing attack for the first three quarters.
But it’s a four-quarter game — sometimes more, even — and Fighting Illini coach Bret Bielema told his players that during the week. If they could keep it close late, he thought, it would favor his team.
That’s exactly how Friday night played out.
No. 24 Illinois pounded the rock when it mattered most and spoiled the 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium with a 31-24 overtime win over the No. 22 Huskers.
“I think we kind of wore ’em down,†Bielema said. “We thought, at times, they had some really good big players up front. We thought we could wear them down and make the (backups) play. In the second half, we gained advantages.â€
Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) had only 66 yards rushing — averaging 2.9 yards a carry — through the third. NU’s defense swarmed early and often and forced Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer to keep them in the game all night, and his four touchdown passes did.
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The Huskers (3-1, 0-1) kept Illinois running back Kaden Feagin bottled up for most of the game. A good chunk of those 66 yards was from Altmyer, who used his legs to evade pressure and escape the pocket.
Then Illinois — which finished with 39 carries for 166 yards, the most NU has given up on the ground since last year’s Michigan game — took it to the heart of Nebraska’s defense.
The Illini ran 19 plays in the fourth, including 15 runs for 79 yards. They had more rushing yards in that quarter than the previous three combined, and it played a large part in a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive that featured seven rushes and tied the game at 24 with 10 minutes left.
Feagin bounced to the outside and broke off a 21-yard run on the first play of overtime. Illinois scored a play later on a play-action pass that sucked the Husker defense into the backfield for a floater to an offensive lineman in the corner of the end zone.
That was the plan all along.
“We did think if we could turn this into a four-quarter game, it would play to our advantage,†Bielema said. “I didn’t script it to go to overtime, but I wasn’t mad when it did.â€
Bielema was complimentary of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, who gashed Illinois’ defense for 297 yards and three touchdowns — and would’ve been four, if not for a pick on a 50-50 ball that was wrestled away from the wideout Isaiah Neyor in the end zone.
Raiola diced the Illini through the first half. He patiently went through his reads in a clean pocket, found receivers in the middle of Illinois’ zone and placed multiple throws between defenders. He was everything the Huskers needed him to be in his Big Ten debut.
Then Illinois turned up the heat on a rookie quarterback, albeit a good one. Bielema and defensive coordinator Aaron Henry didn’t want to watch Raiola dice their defense for another half.
“They’ve done a really good job of game planning and making him be successful,†Bielema said. “But I think our guys, during the course of the game, really began to understand what pressure would do to him.â€
The Illinois coach what Raiola was capable of. Bielema knew Raiola’s uncle, Dominic, from his time as a DC and head coach at Wisconsin. He’s admittedly read all of the press clippings. He watched Raiola breathe life into Nebraska for two quarters.
That’s why it was important to bring pressure and speed him up as much as possible.
Raiola was sacked once in the first half. Illinois got to him four times after the break, including thrice on the Huskers’ four plays in overtime. The game ended with Illinois blitzing and dropping Raiola before he finished his dropback.
Raiola lay there, face down on the turf, with the Illini celebrating around him.
“To dial up that last one, I just said, ‘Hey, let’s make him throw the ball,’†Bielema said. “He was back there patting the ball, patting the ball. He kind of started flinching a little bit when I saw him put the ball on the ground a couple times. (It) took him out of his rhythm.â€
Bielema thinks highly of Nebraska. He thinks the Huskers, in the second year of coach Matt Rhule’s rebuild will go on to win a lot of games. They have a good offense, he said. They have a good defense. They’re opportunistic.
Now, as he saw for the first time on Friday, the Huskers have a quarterback — the quarterback — who, Bielema said, Illinois will unfortunately have to see many times over the next few years.
“You can literally see this quarterback get better every play,†Bielema said.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Illinois
Sage Schulte, a senior sports media and communication major from Boulder, Colo., throws a football around prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Tailgaters set up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Brain Swift of Omaha grills some hot dogs prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
A dog relaxes prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) and the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans watch as the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
David deVries, of Lincoln, sits in the stands with a paper over his head prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
The UNL drumline performs outside of the Sheldon Museum of Art prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Husker fans walk on University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
The UNL drumline performs on the lawn by the Sheldon Museum of Art prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Students walk on University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Husker fans listen as the UNL drumline performs outside of the Sheldon Museum of Art prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Husker fans gather on the lawn by the Sheldon Museum of Art to hear the UNL drumline perform prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as he is guarded by Bryce Benhart (54) and Henry Lutovsky (59) during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
A look inside Memorial Stadium as Nebraska celebrates its 400th consecutive sellout in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after recovering a Illinois fumble during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) dives on the ball fumbled by Illinois' Hank Beatty (80) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (13) punts the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Pat Bryant goes up for a catch above Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Pat Bryant (13) catches the pass ahead of Nebraska's Tommi Hill (6) before running it in for a touchdown during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Illinois' James Kreutz (41) breaks past Nebraska's Turner Corcoran (69) and Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Illinois' Gabe Jacas (17) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
A look inside Memorial Stadium as Nebraska takes on Illinois in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as he is tackled by Illinois' Daniel Brown (4) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska. The Osborne Legacy Complex is to the bottom left of the photo.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches the ball to score a touchdown against Illinois during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans are illuminated by light during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs the ball past Illinois' Torrie Cox Jr. (5) and Dylan Rosiek (28) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball against Nebraska's John Bullock (5) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Collin Dixon (17) runs the ball against Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) and Isaac Gifford (2) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs the ball against Illinois' Xavier Scott (14) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
A member of the Nebraska marching band plays the saxophone prior to a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Jets flyover Memorial Stadium before the first half of a college football game in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Herbie Husker points to the crowd prior to the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Mario Buford (29) and Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) take a moment together before a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska and Illinois players tackle each other during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Pat Bryant (13) catches the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Pat Bryant (13) celebrates a touchdown with Illinois' Tanner Arkin (85) and Illinois' Josh Kreutz (64) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) runs with the ball as Illinois' Miles Scott and Illinois' Matthew Bailey attempt to tackle him during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) runs into the wall while trying to catch the ball and Illinois' Terrance Brooks runs after him during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule helps Nebraska's Turner Corcoran (69) stand up after an injury during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) celebrates causing a fumble with Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) celebrates causing a fumble with Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (2) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate Nebraska's John Bullock (5) after he caused a fumble during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) jumps over Illinois' Miles Scott (10) with the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
A red balloon floats over the field during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Matthew Bailey (7) and Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) crash into each other during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches the ball and makes a touchdown as Illinois' Torrie Cox Jr. tries to tackle him during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans celebrate a touchdown made by Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois fans react to a penalty called in their favor during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher (87), left, celebrates with Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) after Neyor’s touchdown during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Miles Scott (10) tackles Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs through Illinois defenders during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) passes the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans boo after a touchdown is overturned during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Xavier Scott (14) defends Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Sunset light hits Memorial Stadium and the Nebraska State Capitol during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Sunset light hits Memorial Stadium and the Nebraska State Capitol during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Memorial Stadium during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska. The bottom of the photo is Bowlin Stadium and Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. To the right is Pinnacle Bank Arena.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Gunnar Gottula (77) walks off the field after Nebraska’s loss to Illinois 31-24 in overtime a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Maverick Noonan (22) walks off the field after Nebraska’s loss to Illinois 31-24 in overtime a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) walks off the field after Nebraska’s loss to Illinois 31-24 in overtime a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans react as Illinois scores a touchdown in overtime of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans react as Illinois scores a touchdown in overtime of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) celebrates after defeating Nebraska in overtime at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and Luke Altmyer (9) celebrate after defeating Nebraska in overtime at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players walk off the field after falling to Illinois in overtime at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0), Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) and Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) walk away after a defensive play during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball as Nebraska's James Williams (90) tries to intercept during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) hands Illinois' Aidan Laughery (21) the ball during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) jumps over Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) after he secured a down during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) celebrates a first down during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans record the light show during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
A Nebraska fan records the light show during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans watch the light show during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Matthew Bailey tackles Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) as he misses a pass from Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) sacks Illinois' Luke Altmyer after Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) attempted to tackle him during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate a sack by Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) jumps through a group of players during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (44) fails to catch a pass in the end zone during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) fails to pass the ball during overtime at a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Illinois' Dennis Briggs Jr. (6) as Nebraska's Gunnar Gottula (77) tries to push him off during overtime at a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
LIZ RYMAREV, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans hold up their shoes for kick-off during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) tackles Illinois' Collin Dixon (17) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Kaden Feagin (3) carries the ball through Nebraska's Jimari Butler (1) and John Bullock (5) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans cheer after Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) scores a touchdown during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (59), left, and Bryce Benhart (54) celebrate a touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Matthew Bailey (7) defends Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois players huddle on the field during the second half of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (44) reaches for a pass but falls short during the second half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Alec Bryant (3) and Gabe Jacas (17) celebrate stopping Nebraska on a third down during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) carries the ball with Illinois' Ben Clawson (21) on defense during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois' Kaleb Patterson (22) tackles Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells on the sidelines during the second half of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
An Illinois fan covers his eyes as Nebraska works their way down the field during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
The clouds turn pink as the sun sets during the first half of a college football game between Illinois and Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Herby Husker has a 400 on his glasses as part of the celebration of the 400th sold-out game during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
A majorette performs with the University of Nebraska Cornhusker marching band prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska spirt squad members cheer during a light show during the second half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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