Nebraska football (5-4, 2-4) is at a crossroads. They have now lost four straight Big Ten games. Illinois (6-3, 4-3) defeated the Huskers 24-13 in Champaign, Ill., on a cool Friday evening.
The Husker defense gave up a season-high 24 points. They also allowed 376 yards, the second-highest total of the season.
Strategist Anthony Colandréa went 32-for-43 for 284 passing yards and a touchdown. Jacory Barney Jr. led with 93 passing yards on six catches. Jamal Rule turned 15 carries into 69 yards.
Here are three snapshot takes from another very disappointing loss.
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Too many costly penalties, mistakes
Nebraska is one of the most penalized teams in the Big Ten. This was on full display in Champaign. The Huskers had 11 penalties for 82 yards. They had three very expensive flags in the first half.
On the first drive, NU was charged with an illegal change on third-and-2 that called back a first down rule. Colandrea’s massive run on the next ride was called off after a pending flag on Tree walk.
25 seconds from the end of the half, Colandrea found Kwazi Gilmer up the middle for a 13-yard gain. Nyziah Hunter earned a pass interference penalty, moving NU from the 13-yard line to the 36.
Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Mekhi Nelson threw an illegal block from the blind side to turn back a rolling Husker attack 15 yards. NU couldn’t overcome the penalty and turned the ball over after an incomplete pass to Gilmer on fourth-and-3.
John Hohl missed the 54-yard field goal. Hohl, who started his first game of the season, missed two field goals. He also kicked lightly to the right on a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Nebraska’s special teams contributed to Illinois’ second touchdown. They fell for a fake field goal and allowed holder Lars Rau a 29-yard run to the three-yard line.
The Huskers’ offense and special teams are struggling to score. They cannot afford or overcome costly penalties.
Fourth quarter woes continue
Nebraska led early in the fourth quarter in the eight games leading up to Friday. But they lost three games in a row in crushing fashion in the fourth. Illinois led 14-7 entering the final 15 minutes.
The Huskers continued their losing trend in the final quarter. NU preached about the importance of the final quarter. Nebraska’s coaching staff is at a loss for how to improve over time. They haven’t cracked the code yet.
The Fighting Illini scored less than 90 seconds into the fourth quarter. They took a 21-7 lead. Barney’s 51-yard touchdown run cut their lead to 21-13. Nebraska failed its two-point conversion. Illinois’ 25-yard field goal forced NU into a two-point game.
Colandrea got the offense going on the next drive, but Nelson’s personal foul ended the offense. Barney had a nine-yard reception on third down. But a pass to Gilmer was broken up on fourth down. NU was 1 of 3 on fourth down and 6 of 13 on third down.
Nebraska moved the ball well. They recorded 426 total yards including 142 yards rushing. But they only scored 13 points. Missed goals and penalties put a dent in Dana Holgorsen’s offense.
Illinois piece plays, Dixon tears apart Husker defense
Nebraska’s defense gave up way too many big plays, especially in the passing game. Illinois recorded 10 catches for 15 yards with five plays for 20 yards.
Dixon was excited to have his QB1 return from injury. He and Katin Houser connected for 129 passing yards on eight catches. Dixon had a 58-yard catch in the fourth to set up a field goal and go up 24-13.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior scored two touchdowns and broke the Illinois program record with 12 touchdowns in a single season. Dixon was constantly confronted by the cornerback Andrew Marshall. He had eight catches on 15 targets.
The black shirts held Bret Bielema88 yards on the ground. Vincent Razors, Cameron Lenhardt, Owen Chambliss And Jordan Ochoa had tackles for loss for 26 yards. Lenhardt and Ochoa each had a sack.
Nebraska’s defense has always been good in the run game. But the Illinois offense and Houser beat the Huskers in the passing game.
With four straight losses, it’s going to be hard for coaches and players not to hit the panic button. Fans have already smashed it several times.
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