Nebraska Leads Illinois 23-5 At Half

Nebraska leads Illinois 23-5 at halftime.

The Huskers offense has played well, putting up 259 total yards on offense, 115 rushing and 144 passing.

Tommy Armstrong Jr went 7-for-9 passing for 99 yards and a touchdown while Ameer Abdullah has had nine carries and 80 yards and a touchdown. Quincy Enunwa has four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.

The much maligned Nebraska defense has limited Illinois to 169 yards at half. Nathan Scheelhaase is 8-for-13 for 63 yards, while Josh Ferguson has eight carries for 63 yards and four receptions for 27 yards.

Illinois got to a first and goal at one point, but missed a touchdown reception by an inch when their receiver couldn't come down in bounds. On third down, a blitz smothered Scheelhaase and the Illini were forced to settle for a field goal.

Illinois scored a safety when Nebraska running back Imani Cross was stopped in the end zone after Nebraska was called for a block in the back on a punt return and moved back close to the goal line.