Huskers Fall to Illinois in Overtime Thriller

Lincoln, NE – In a highly anticipated prime-time battle between unbeaten teams, No. 24 Illinois edged out No. 22 Nebraska with a 31-24 overtime victory at Memorial Stadium on Friday night, handing the Huskers their first loss of the season.

Playing before the 400th consecutive sellout crowd of 86,936, Nebraska took a 24-17 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Illinois responded with a game-tying touchdown and ultimately won the game in overtime. Nebraska, now 3-1 on the season, dropped its Big Ten opener, while Illinois improved to 4-0.

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Isaiah Neyor and one to Janiran Bonner, but Nebraska’s final drive in overtime stalled under pressure. The Huskers were unable to respond after Illinois scored a touchdown on the first possession of overtime.

Nebraska’s defense forced key turnovers, including a late fumble recovery by Mikai Gbayor, but a missed 39-yard field goal attempt and three overtime sacks ultimately doomed the Huskers’ chances.

Nebraska heads on the road for the first time this season to face Purdue next Saturday with an 11 a.m. kickoff.

Game Summary
#24 Illinois 31, #22 Nebraska 24
Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
Attendance: 86,936 (400th consecutive sellout)

Scoring Summary

First Quarter
ILL – Pat Bryant 27-yard pass from Luke Altmyer (David Olano kick), ILL 7-0
NEB – John Hohl 21-yard FG, ILL 7-3
NEB – Isaiah Neyor 6-yard pass from Dylan Raiola (Hohl kick), NEB 10-7

Second Quarter
ILL – Olano 26-yard FG, 10-10
NEB – Neyor 11-yard pass from Raiola, NEB 17-10

Third Quarter
ILL – Tanner Arkin 3-yard pass from Altmyer (Olano kick), 17-17

Fourth Quarter
NEB – Janiran Bonner 1-yard pass from Raiola (Hohl kick), NEB 24-17
ILL – Brandon Henderson 6-yard pass from Altmyer (Olano kick), 24-24

Overtime
ILL – Bryant 4-yard pass from Altmyer (Olano kick), 31-24