Nebraska Falls to Illinois 24-13, Extending Losing Streak to Four
Penalties and missed field goals derailed the Huskers' offense in a road loss that drops their season record to 6-11.
By Amina Yusuf ·
Nebraska football dropped its fourth consecutive game on Friday night, losing 24-13 to Illinois in Champaign. The defeat ended the Huskers' run after they began the season with five straight wins. The result places the team at 6-11 on the year, with all four losses occurring during the month of November.
The Huskers have struggled to convert yardage into points since head coach Matt Rhule took over. Illinois, which improved to 8-5, secured its fourth straight victory. The Illini offense found its rhythm after punting on its first three drives, then scored on four consecutive possessions to take the lead.
Nebraska's first two drives were nullified by penalties. An illegal motion call erased a first-down play early in the game. On the next possession, a holding penalty canceled a run to the Illinois 10-yard line. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea attempted a 45-yard field goal on the third drive but missed. The Huskers finally moved the ball on their fourth possession, driving 98 yards before Mekhi Nelson scored on a 15-yard run to give Nebraska a 13-7 lead.
The Illini tied the game at 13-13 in the second quarter. Illinois marched 75 yards for a touchdown, a drive that featured only one negative play. Nebraska answered with a two-minute drive but faced a penalty at the Illinois 16-yard line. The penalty pushed the ball back to the 36-yard line, resulting in a third-and-16 situation. After an incomplete pass, Colandrea missed a 54-yard field goal attempt.
In the second half, the Husker offense continued to gain yards without scoring. Nebraska outgained Illinois 426 to 376 total yards. The defensive line limited Illinois to 84 rushing yards, while Nebraska rushed for 142. Colandrea completed 32 of 43 passes for 284 yards and one touchdown. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns.
Nebraska's final scoring chance ended in a failed two-point conversion. Jacory Barney Jr. caught a 51-yard pass for a touchdown, but the Huskers could not convert the extra point. The team failed to cross midfield on their last possession. Nebraska now travels to Rutgers on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Central Time on the Big Ten Network.
