LINCOLN, Neb. Illinois ended Nebraska’s undefeated run in the Huskers' first-ever home game on a Friday night.
Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) fell to the Fighting Illini (4-0, 1-0) with a score of 31-24 at Memorial Stadium. This marked Nebraska's first weekday home game since 2001, aside from the traditional Black Friday matchup. Illinois also extended its winning streak in Lincoln to three games.
Nebraska climbed in the AP Top 25 after their victory over Northern Iowa, while Illinois made its debut in the rankings this season.
The Fighting Illini struck first, scoring a 27-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
*Touchdown, Fighting Illini.*
Q1 11:54 » Nebraska 0, Illinois 7
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 21, 2024
John Hohl's successful field goal put Nebraska on the board, making it 7-3.
*Husker fans would prefer a touchdown, but Nebraska responded with an 18-play drive, culminating in a 21-yard field goal by Hohl. The score is now 7-3 in favor of Illinois — Coach Matt Rhule spent the break discussing calls with the officials after Turner Corcoran was helped off the field.*
— Andy Kendeigh (@AKendeighKETV) September 21, 2024
Dylan Raiola then connected with Isaiah Neyor for a 6-yard touchdown, giving Nebraska a 10-7 lead.
*Great team defense — Malcolm Hartzog stands up the receiver, John Bullock strips the ball, and DeShon Singleton recovers the fumble. Just four plays later, Raiola hits Neyor, and Nebraska leads 10-7 with 32 seconds left in the first quarter.*
— Andy Kendeigh (@AKendeighKETV) September 21, 2024
In the second quarter, Illinois tied the game with a 26-yard field goal.
*Illinois adds a field goal, making it 10-10 with 11:37 left in the half.*
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 21, 2024
Neyor seemed to score again with a 36-yard touchdown, but after review, the play was ruled an interception, keeping the score at 10-10.
*After review, it’s confirmed: no touchdown — it’s an interception in the end zone. Illinois retains possession with 7:57 remaining.*
— Andy Kendeigh (@AKendeighKETV) September 21, 2024
Neyor finally found the end zone again on a pass from Raiola, putting Nebraska up 17-10 as they headed into halftime after Hohl added another field goal.
*WOW!! RAIOLA AND NEYOR CONNECT AGAIN! 💪🎯@HuskerFootball TD TO END THE HALF!!*
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
Illinois tied the game once more with 1:55 left in the third quarter.
*17-all after an Illini touchdown. 1:55 left in the third.*
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 21, 2024
Raiola found Janiran Bonner for a one-yard touchdown, restoring Nebraska's lead at 24-17.
*Nebraska back on top! Bonner runs it in for @HuskerFootball 🌽*
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
The Fighting Illini answered with a 6-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 24.
*All tied at 24. 10:36 remaining.*
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 21, 2024
A fumble by Illinois was recovered by the Huskers with 8:25 left in the fourth quarter.
*FUMBLE!!!@HuskerFootball recovers it!!!*
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
The game then went into overtime.
*OT up next.*
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 21, 2024
Nebraska won the coin toss and chose to start on defense.
*Huskers win the toss and will start OT on defense. FIND. A. WAY.*
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 21, 2024
Illinois scored quickly in overtime, taking a 31-24 lead, and Nebraska couldn't recover, losing the game.
The Huskers celebrated their 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium, a testament to their dedicated fanbase. Despite it being a weekday, many fans gathered outside the stadium early, excited for the matchup.
