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Loss to Cornhuskers forces Illini into win-out scenario

LINCOLN, Neb. — One and done.

That was the message from Lovie Smith after Nebraska defeated his third Illinois football team 54-35 Saturday at the other Memorial Stadium.

The Illini dropped to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the Big Ten.

To achieve the season-long goal to play in a bowl game, the Illini must sweep Iowa and Northwestern the next two Saturdays.

"For us, we have two games left," Smith said. "It's playoffs. Win or go home, whatever you want to say. We have two games left against two teams we have history with. That's the big picture.