LINCOLN, Neb. — Luke Altmyer threw for four touchdowns, including a short toss to Pat Bryant in overtime, to give No. 24 Illinois a 31-24 win against No. 22 Nebraska on Friday night.
The Illini (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have beaten two ranked opponents in the same season for the first time since 2007 and are off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2011. The Illini beat the Cornhuskers in Lincoln a third straight time and spoiled the celebration of their 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska (3-1, 0-1) has dropped 25 straight games to Top 25 teams since 2016 and is 8-31 in one-possession games since 2018.
The teams traded touchdowns in the second half before the Illini went 75 yards in nine plays to tie it at 24. Altmyer threw 6 yards to tackle Brandon Henderson on a fourth-and-2 for the touchdown with 10:36 left in regulation. It was the 6-foot-5, 335-pound Henderson’s first career reception.
Nebraska punted and missed a field-goal attempt on its last two possessions of regulation, with backup John Hohl, kicking in place of the injured Tristan Alvano, missing wide left from 39 yards with 2:59 to play.
Illinois fumbled and punted, and Raiola took a knee to send the game to overtime.
Illinois’ Kaden Feagin ran for 21 yards on the first play of overtime before Altmyer found Bryant for a 4-yard touchdown.
Nebraska’s OT possession was a disaster as Raiola was sacked three times, including on fourth down to end the game.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer celebrates while exiting the field after a 31-24 overtime victory against Nebraska on Sept. 20, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (Bonnie Ryan/AP)
Altmyer threw for 215 yards, and Bryant had five catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
Raiola passed for 297 yards and three touchdowns and was intercepted once. Jahmal Banks caught eight balls for 94 yards and Isaiah Neyor had four catches for 90 yards and two TDs.
The takeaway
Illinois tight end Tanner Arkin scores a touchdown during the second half against Nebraskaon Sept. 20, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (Bonnie Ryan/AP)
Illinois: The Illini converted four more times in the red zone and are 16-for-16 when their offense reaches the opponent’s 20. The biggest concern is the status of WR Zakhari Franklin (leg), who leads the team with 21 receptions.
Nebraska: Undisciplined play is hurting the Huskers. They committed nine penalties, including three personal fouls, and have been flagged 28 times in four games.
Sellout streak
Nebraska extended its NCAA-record sellout streak that started in 1962, though boosters and local businesses have at times bought unsold tickets at the last minute to keep the streak alive. The Huskers are 324-76 during the streak.
Up next
Illinois: Visits No. 10 Penn State on Sept. 28.
Nebraska: Plays at Purdue on Sept. 28.
Originally Published: September 20,