Nebraska amassed 426 yards of total offense, but Illinois made the plays it needed to earn a 24-13 victory Friday night.
Anthony Colandrea threw for a season-high 284 yards and a touchdown, while Jacory Barney Jr. had 93 yards and a score for the Huskers, who fell to 5-4 on the season.
The Huskers struck first on a Nelson 15-yard rush into the end zone. NU took advantage of an Illini penalty early in the drive and Hunter and Gilmer each logged 17 receiving yards, as the Big Red took a 7-0 lead with 9:29 left in the half.