Illinois Leads Nebraska 28-10 At Half

Running backs Dedrick Mills and Ronald Thompkins are out for this game. Marvin Scott got the start.

Nebraska’s first offensive play was Luke McCaffey tossing what was ruled a backwards pass and a fumble that was recovered by Illinois. Three plays later Chase Brown scored one a one-yard run.

PAT: McCourt,James kick attempt good.

Scoring Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:17

Alante Brown returned the following kickoff to the 29 yard line. From there, Nebraska went on an efficient, long drive full of successful plays without committing a single penalty! Marvin Scott looked good running the ball, Zavier Betts had a nine-yard reception, and Levi Falck added a seven-yard reception. Luke McCaffrey scored on a five-yard run up the middle to even the score.

Rushing Touchdown Scored by McCaffrey, Luke

PAT: Culp, Connor kick attempt good.

Scoring Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 4:05

Ensuing kickoff, Illinois had an 75-yard efficient drive. The drive started when Brandon Peters hit Brian Hightower for a 12-yard gain. The Illini converted two 3rd-and-1 plays into first downs.

Key Play: Chase Brown on a 35-yard run being knocked out of bounds on the two-yard lin by Cam Taylor-Britt. Brown scored one play later.

PAT: McCourt,James kick attempt good.

Scoring Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:41

Our beloved Huskers continue to self-destruct on offense as Nebraska went for a first down on 4th and 4. The snap was high, Luke McCaffrey chased it down, then through an interception which gained 7 yards more than if he’d thrown the ball away.

Once again, the Illini were efficient on their scoring drive. Nebraska’s defense hasn’t done much as so far, Illinois is 4-for-4 on third downs. The Illini have 146 total yards, averaging 7.7 yards per play.

Brandon Peters hit Josh Imatorbhebhe for the touchdown reception.

PAT: McCourt,James kick attempt good.

Scoring Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:44

Nebraska scored a touchdown on this drive on a 4th and 1, but it was negated due to a holding call on Cameron Jurgens. McCaffrey did a nice job on the drive, picking up a first down on 3rd and 10 with a toss to Austin Allen for 11 yards.

Connor Culp hit a field goal to at least give our beloved Huskers some points.

Nebraska 30 yd FG

Scoring Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 4:00

Illinois fumbled the ball into the air on the ensuing kickoff. It flew into the hands of a Nebraska player, who had it knocked loose and back to an Illinois player. Illinois was called for a low block so they start on the nine yard line.

It didn’t make a difference. Chase Brown carried for 8 yards, then Mike Epstein ran for 58 to the Nebraska 23. Next Peters hit Imatorbhebhe for 22 yards. On the next play Epstein ran the ball in from the one. Yay.

Rushing Touchdown Scored by Epstein,Mike

PAT: McCourt,James kick attempt good.

Scoring Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 1:35

Nebraska played about as bad a half as they could. The game started horribly, then didn’t get any better. Luke McCaffrey looked indecisive and his play reflected his inexperience. His passes were off target, late, and when thrown, ducky.

It is a disappointing game so far. (What an understatement.)