Nebraska Falls to Illinois, Extending Skid to Four Games
The Cornhuskers' 24-13 defeat in Champaign was marked by missed field goals, a fake field goal, and a defensive performance that allowed four long scoring drives.
By Daniela Ortega ·
Nebraska’s losing streak reached four games after the Cornhuskers lost 24-13 to Illinois on Saturday in Champaign. The result dropped the team to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play. The loss caps a stretch in which the program has failed to win in its last four attempts, including a previous setback against a top-ranked opponent.
The offense produced 13 points, but the field goal unit gave up an additional six points. Nebraska kicker John Hohl attempted two field goals and missed both. He replaced starting kicker Kyle Cunanan, who had gone 4-for-9 on attempts earlier in the season. Hohl, a native of Lincoln, had converted a 42-yard kick in the previous week’s game.
Illinois capitalized on Nebraska’s special teams struggles during the second half. On a fourth-and-12 situation, the Fighting Illini faked a field goal attempt and gained 29 yards to secure a first down from the Nebraska 32-yard line. Illinois scored a touchdown on the following drive to take a 14-7 lead. The margin of victory held for the remainder of the game.
The defense allowed four scoring drives that each covered 70 or more yards. The drives measured 73, 75, 74, and 76 yards, respectively. Nebraska entered the game ranked as the eighth-best defensive unit in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The team gave up the most points it has allowed all season in the loss to Illinois.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule has the team in its fourth season under his leadership. The Cornhuskers started the season 5-0, their best start under Rhule. The team has since lost four straight. An offensive play that provided the team’s best scoring opportunity came from a 51-yard pass from quarterback Anthony Colandrea to Jacory Barney. The subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed.
Special teams coordinator Brett Maher will likely not retain his position for the 2027 season. The unit’s performance in Champaign added to concerns that began earlier in the fall. Former special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler served for one year before leaving the program. The current unit has struggled to maintain consistency in both kicking and defensive returns.
The Cornhuskers play their next game after a break in the schedule. The team must improve its execution in all phases of the game to end its four-game losing streak. The loss to Illinois marks the program’s third defeat in its last four games against Big Ten opponents.
Nebraska’s next fixture is not yet listed in the immediate schedule provided by the source. The team will return to action to attempt to reverse its recent form. The Cornhuskers have lost all four games since their initial five-win start.
