CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 24: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on during the college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 24, 2026, at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Stephen Cohn Mon, November 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to Watch Illinois vs. Nebraska Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
LINCOLN, Neb. — The cardiac Illini pulled off an improbable upset, this time in overtime fashion on the road in a sold-out crowd, against a No. 22 Nebraska, 31-24.
In a top-25 Big Ten conference matchup under the Friday night lights, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer and the Illini outplayed star Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola and the Cornhuskers.
After a five-plus minute drive Nebraska — with its backup kicker in the game — would miss a 39-yard effort to set up a game-winning drive opportunity for Illinois. It ultimately led to overtime.
Altmyer delivered in overtime as he threw a touchdown on the first drive to wide receiver Pat Bryant.
The Illinois defense then held up its end of the bargain, sacking Raiola twice to force a three-and-out 40 yards from the line of scrimmage en route to the victory.
The Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) offense looked poised all night. Altmyer in particular had another impressive performance going 21-of-27, four touchdowns, and again zero interceptions. Altmyer's most impressive stat was a 78% completion percentage.
For most of the night, a poised Raiola led the way for Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten), as he finished regulation with 284 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air.
Illinois opened the game doing exactly what it needed to do if they wanted to win: set the tone with an opening drive touchdown.
While Illinois has a wide variety of flavors in the running back room, the backs have struggled to put up big numbers in the trenches. That trend continued tonight as the Illinois running back room only combined for 166 yards.
Source: Sports
