3 biggest reasons why Nebraska lost to Illinois in Week 4 encounter
After Friday's game, the No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers could have been 4-0, but they are 3-1. Matt Rhule's team, who started as favorites coming into the matchup, were pinned by the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini down the stretch. Missed penalty calls also didn't help Nebraska's cause, as it fell 31-24 in overtime in their own backyard.
There were many reasons that can be attributed for Nebraska's loss. Let's take a look at three biggest reasons why the team suffered the loss on Friday.
Three reasons why Nebraska lost to Illinois in Week 4 encounter
1) Poor third-down conversions in second half
Nebraska's offense was completely opposite to what it was in the first half of the game. In the first half, the Cornhuskers converted 7-of-10 third downs.
However, they couldn't convert even a single third down in the third quarter. Overall, in the second half, the Cornhuskers went 1-of-5 on third down and 0-of-1 on fourth down.
Contrary to that, in the third quarter alone, the Illinois converted 4-of-6 on third down. It was the same story in the second half, where the Fighting Illini overhauled a seven-point halftime deficit.
2) Nebraska's defensive line couldn't do damage
The Illinois Fighting Illini did much damage in the second quarter in the rushing game. The team averaged 4.3 yards per carry and 129 rushing yards in the second half.
Moreover, inability to hurry allowed Illinois quarterback Luke Altmeyer to find his wideouts to make easy plays. He completed 21-of-27 for 215 yards and four touchdowns. While Altmeyer is a decent signal-caller, Nebraska's front seven made him seem like the legendary Tom Brady in the mid-passing game.
3) Missed field goal by second string kicker for Nebraska
Down the stretch, the Cornhuskers got an easy opportunity to take the lead and win the game at 24-24. After Dylan Raiola couldn't complete a 3rd & 3, Matt Rhule opted to go for a 39 yard field goal attempt from John Hohl, who was kicking in place of the injured Tristan-Alvano.
He missed, and Illinois got back the ball for the final offensive drive in the fourth quarter. The Cornhuskers fumbled and punted, sending the game to overtime, where the Fighting Illini emerged triumphant.