In the 400th consecutive sold-out Memorial Stadium, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are leading at halftime.
At halftime, No. 22 Nebraska leads No. 24 Illinois 17-10. NU has led at halftime in every game this season.
The Husker offense took some time to get going, punting after a single first down on the opening drive. The next offensive possession ended in a field goal that took more than eight minutes.
The field goal was the answer to Illinois’ quick attack down the field, looking for an easy touchdown on their first drive. The next possession was not as successful, as Blackshirt John Bullock ripped the ball loose. The Big Red scored a touchdown four plays later.
After Illinois tied the game 10-10 with a field goal of their own, Nebraska seemed to answer with another attack. Dylan Raiola threw a beautiful ball into the end zone, but the Illini defender ripped the ball away from Isaiah Neyor, giving the freshman QB his second unfortunate interception in as many games.
The Illini were unable to capitalize on their extra possession and failed to create a fourth down in Nebraska territory.
With 3:22 minutes left in the half, NU needed 3:06 minutes and caught a spectacular touchdown by Neyor to go into halftime with a lead.
Nebraska has outgained Illinois in total yardage, 235 to 160. Neither team has run the ball particularly well, although NU has 79 yards to UI’s 37.
Raiola completed 16 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, including an interception. Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 9 of 12 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Illinois will have possession of the ball at the start of the second half.
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