Nebraska’s football’s defense stepped up in a big way on Friday night, leading the Huskers to a 20-7 victory over Illinois.
Nebraska’s offense struggled at times, but the defense was able to keep the Illini in check and force several turnovers.
The Huskers held Illinois to just 21 rushing yards and 260 total yards. They also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble.
Nebraska’s defense was led by linebacker Garrett Nelson, who had 10 tackles and two sacks. Defensive back Isaac Gifford also had a strong game, with seven tackles and an interception.
Nebraska’s offense struggled at times, but was able to make the plays it needed to win. The Huskers scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, and then added a field goal in the second quarter to take a 20-7 lead into halftime.
Nebraska’s offense did not score in the second half, but the defense was able to hold off the Illini. Illinois had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but Nebraska’s defense forced a turnover on downs.
The win was Nebraska’s first Big Ten victory of the season. The Huskers are now 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten.
Nebraska’s defense is starting to come together
Nebraska’s defense has been inconsistent this season, but it showed signs of improvement on Friday night. The Huskers were able to hold Illinois to just 21 rushing yards, which is a significant accomplishment considering that the Illini are a run-first team.
Nebraska’s defense was also able to force three turnovers, which is something that the Huskers have struggled to do this season. The turnovers were all critical plays in the game, and they helped Nebraska to secure the victory.
One of the most encouraging things about Nebraska’s defensive performance on Friday night was that it came against a good offense. Illinois has one of the best running backs in the Big Ten in Chase Brown, and the Illini also have a solid passing game. Nebraska’s defense was able to slow down both aspects of Illinois’ offense, which is a testament to the progress that the Huskers have made on defense.
Garrett Nelson is emerging as a star
Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson has been one of the Huskers’ best defensive players this season, and he had another outstanding game on Friday night. Nelson had 10 tackles and two sacks against Illinois. He also forced a fumble.
Nelson is a physical linebacker who is always around the ball. He is also a good pass rusher. Nelson is one of the few players on Nebraska’s defense who has been consistent this season, and he is a big reason why the Huskers’ defense is starting to come together.
Nebraska’s offense needs to improve
While Nebraska’s defense was the star of the show on Friday night, the Huskers’ offense still needs to improve. The Huskers scored just 20 points against Illinois, and they had several opportunities to score more points but failed to do so.
Nebraska’s offense struggled to run the ball against Illinois, and the Huskers’ passing game was also inconsistent. Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions.
The Huskers need to find a way to run the ball more effectively if they want to be successful on offense. They also need to improve their pass protection and reduce the number of turnovers they make.
Conclusion
Nebraska’s defense carried the Huskers to a victory over Illinois on Friday night. The Huskers’ offense still needs to improve, but the defense is starting to come together.
Nebraska’s next game is against Rutgers on October 15th. The Scarlet Knights are 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten. Nebraska will need to continue to improve on defense if it wants to defeat Rutgers.