If you have issues with elevated stress levels or get too emotionally invested in games when things aren't going well, here's a suggestion moving forward when watching the Huskers play, wait about 2 hours after the game starts before tuning in.
After an emotional week, the Huskers looked tired and flat for much of the game, but the Huskers used another strong finish to put away an opponent late in the game as NU scored 21 unanswered points in the 4th quarter vs. Illinois to come emerge with the victory 31-16.
The game winning drive began with 7:40 remaining in the 3rd quarter with the Huskers trailing 16-10. Behind a steady dose of Devine Ozigbo and Terrell Newby, the Huskers held on to the ball for 18 plays and nearly 11 minutes of game time before Newby rushed over the left side for his first of two touchdowns in the quarter. The Huskers would tack on two more scores before time expired to make a nip and tuck game look more one-sided than it actually was.
The Huskers get a much needed break this week as they hit their bye week. It comes at a welcome time, too. The Huskers have endured more emotional turmoil than most teams will face during a season and at times it seemed to wear on the team during today's game. They also need the breather to get healthy, seeing starting tight end Cethan Carter go down on the Huskers first drive of the game, senior wide reciever Jordan Westerkamp was taken to the hospital after taking a hard hit in the third quarter and running back Devine Ozigbo was seen wearing a walking boot after the game. Rest will be welcome.
When the Huskers do take the field next, they will take on the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington on October 15th at 2:30. The Huskers and Hoosiers have yet to meet on the gridiron since NU joined the Big Ten Conference.