journalstar
In a Friday night Big Ten clash at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, the Fighting Illini secured a 24-13 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Nov. 6, 2026. The game featured a series of momentum-shifting plays and standout performances from both sides.
Nebraska's offense, led by quarterback Anthony Colandrea, showed flashes but was unable to consistently move the chains. Colandrea connected with receiver Jacory Barney Jr. for a touchdown in the second half, but a subsequent two-point conversion attempt was broken up by Illinois' Xavier Scott, leaving the Huskers short of closing the gap. The Illinois defense also managed to sack Colandrea multiple times, with Mason Muragin and Joe Barna combining for a key takedown.
Illinois' quarterback Katin Houser efficiently managed the game, throwing for a touchdown to Collin Dixon, who evaded a tackle by Nebraska's Cameron Lenhardt to reach the end zone. The Illini also benefited from the leg of kicker Ethan Moczulski, who converted extra points. Nebraska's kicking game had a hiccup when John Hohl missed a field goal attempt in the first half.
Key Analysis
The Huskers' ground game saw contributions from Jamal Rule, who ran hard against a stout Illinois front seven. Defensively, Nebraska applied pressure at times, with Williams Nwaneri and Vincent Shavers Jr. each registering pressures on Houser. However, the Illini's balanced attack and timely defensive stops proved decisive. The victory improves Illinois' standing in the conference, while Nebraska is left to regroup. The game also marked the final appearance of now-former offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen on the Husker sideline.
Originally reported by journalstar.