Nebraska falls to 2-11 record in November after 24-13 loss
Penalties and missed field goals derailed the Huskers' offense as Illinois won its fourth straight game in Champaign.
By Austin Reed ·
Nebraska football fans are facing a difficult stretch this month. The Huskers lost 24-13 to Illinois on Friday night in Champaign. That defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss.
The loss extends a trend that began after the team started the season 5-0. Since head coach Matt Rhule took over, Nebraska has gone 2-11 in November games.
Illinois broke out of a sluggish start to build a lead. The Illini punted on their first three drives but then found a rhythm. They completed a 75-yard drive to tie the game in the second quarter. After that, Illinois scored on four straight drives, with only the halftime drive ending in a punt.
Nebraska struggled with penalties early on. An illegal motion wiped out a first down on the opening drive, forcing a punt. On the next possession, a holding call negated a run to the Illinois 10-yard line. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea led the team on a 98-yard drive on the third possession. Running back Mekhi Nelson capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run.
The Huskers failed to convert on key downs. In the second quarter, a penalty pushed the ball back to the Illinois 36-yard line. Kicker John Hohl missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. In the fourth quarter, Colandrea threw an incomplete pass on fourth and one. He later threw a scramble pass that Jacory Barney Jr. caught for a 51-yard touchdown. Nebraska failed on the subsequent two-point conversion attempt.
Colandrea completed 32 of 43 passes for 284 yards. He did not throw an interception. The quarterback surpassed 11,000 career total offense yards during the game, finishing with 11,183. He also added 27 rushing yards.
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Collin Dixon caught eight passes for 129 yards and two scores. Aidan Laughery ran for 55 yards on 11 carries.
Nebraska outgained Illinois 426 yards to 376. The Huskers rushed for 142 yards while holding Illinois to 84 rushing yards. Jamal Rule led Nebraska with 69 rushing yards. Barney had six receptions for 93 yards.
The Huskers stay on the road next Saturday to play Rutgers. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. CST on the Big Ten Network.
