Champaign, Ill. - Nebraska rallied from a 21-point deficit late in the third quarter to pull within a touchdown, and had the ball with a chance to tie in the game's final minute, but Illinois held on for a 30-22 season-opening victory on Saturday afternoon.
The Huskers produced more yards of total offense (377-326) than the Fighting Illini, but a pair of pivotal second-quarter plays contributed to the outcome. A key roughing the passer penalty that wiped off a Nebraska defensive interception, and a Nebraska fumble late in the second quarter that led to a 41-yard scoop and score touchdown provided the momentum Illinois used to build a 30-9 lead late in the third quarter.