Nebraska beats Illinois on strength of run game, defense

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska football defeated Illinois 20-7 on the road Friday night for its first Big Ten win.

The Huskers outran the Illini by more than 100 yards and overcame three late turnovers.

On the opening possession, the Illini drove all the way to Nebraska’s 1-yard line, but they couldn’t convert on fourth-and-goal.

It was the first red zone stop for the Blackshirts this season.

Quarterback Heinrich Haarberg then led an 86-yard drive that culminated in a 31-yard field goal by Tristan Alvano to put the Huskers in the lead.

Nebraska scored again in the second quarter when Anthony Grant ran the ball into the end zone from 1 yard out.

The Huskers recovered their own onside kick, and on the next play, Haarberg ran 25 yards for another touchdown.

Illinois got on the board late in the first half with a 46-yard pass by quarterback Luke Altmyer to Pat Bryant.

In the second half, Nebraska defensive back Tommi Hill recovered a fumble deep in Illinois territory.

A few plays later, Alvano kicked a 32-yard field goal.

The Huskers’ Blaise Gunnerson then blocked an Illini punt, giving the Huskers short field position again.

But Alvano missed a 36-yard field goal attempt.

Turnovers, which have plagued Nebraska all year, reared their head in the fourth quarter.

The Huskers lost two fumbles, and Haarberg threw an interception.

But the Blackshirts didn’t let Illinois take advantage of any of them.

Haarberg finished 12 for 24 in the air with 154 yards.

He was more successful on the ground, rushing for 82 yards and one TD.

Total, Nebraska had 158 rushing yards, and Haarberg had more than all the Illini combined.

The Blackshirts held Illinois to 310 yards overall, and only 21 on the ground.

Nebraska enters a bye week, and Illinois will play Maryland.