Illinois Extends Nebraska’s Losing Streak to Four

Nebraska’s promising 5-0 start has given way to a four-game skid after Illinois won 24-13 in Champaign on November 6. The Illini have now won four straight. Since Matt Rhule took over, Nebraska is 2-11 in November.

Penalties hindered Nebraska early, including a holding call that erased a run to the Illinois 10-yard line. The Huskers later produced a 98-yard scoring drive, capped by Mekhi Nelson’s 15-yard run. Illinois answered with a touchdown and then scored on three of its next four possessions, excluding the drive before halftime.

Nebraska moved within striking distance in the fourth quarter when Jacory Barney Jr. caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Colandrea. The Huskers’ two-point attempt failed, leaving them down by 11. A personal foul stalled a later drive, and Nebraska could not mount another scoring threat.

The Huskers gained 426 yards to Illinois’ 376 and held the Illini to 84 rushing yards. Colandrea had 284 yards and a touchdown on 32 completions from 43 attempts, with no interceptions. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Barney had 93 receiving yards; Illinois’ Collin Dixon caught two touchdown passes and finished with 129 yards.

Nebraska travels to face Rutgers next Saturday, November 7, with kickoff set for 11:30 a.m. Central time, televised by Big Ten Network. Rutgers is 2-6 and is scheduled to play Wisconsin on November 6.