Huskers Inept, Inefficient, and Intolerable as Illini’s Bielema Baffles the Blackshirts
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Illinois Illini overcame a seven-point deficit with a 21-point streak to defeat Nebraska Cornhuskers 24-13, extending their winning streak to four games while Nebraska suffered their fourth consecutive loss.
- Nebraska's offense was inefficient despite gaining 426 yards, committing 11 penalties for 82 yards, and failing to score on four long drives; their yards per point (YPP) was an alarming 32.8 in the game.
- Questionable coaching decisions by Nebraska, including a failed 4th-and-1 pass and a risky two-point conversion attempt, contributed to the team's struggles alongside poor offensive execution.
- Nebraska's defense, ranked 14th nationally, allowed Illinois to convert 53.3% on third downs and gave up season-high points, though they limited Illinois to just 84 rushing yards.
- Quarterback Anthony Colandrea passed for 284 yards and rushed for 27, but the team’s special teams faltered with missed field goals and costly errors, while injuries and penalties further hampered Nebraska’s performance.
