Total Yards
Illinois326
Nebraska392
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Standard
Data sourced from NCAA game stats archive (2021)
Game Center
Nebraska at Illinois
Aug 28, 2021 • Completed
Season 2021RegularWeek 1
Away
Nebraska
Big Ten
Final Score
22 - 30
NI
Home
Illinois
Big Ten
Game Pulse
Immediate edge indicators from the box score.
Passing Yards
Illinois159
Nebraska232
Rushing Yards
Illinois167
Nebraska160
Turnovers
Illinois1
Nebraska1
Game Conditions
Temperature87°F
Wind9 mph S
Humidity
61%
Precipitation
0.00 in
Player Game Leaders
Top individual performers and full player box data.
Full Player Box
Box Score Comparison
Illinois vs Nebraska box score comparison chart
Possession Split
Possession split chart
Illinois34:55
Nebraska25:05
Stat Dominance
Team comparison across key performance areas
Radar chart comparing team performance across key metrics
Game Story
Illinois holds off Nebraska 30-22
Illinois defeated Nebraska 30-22 in Week 1 of the 2021 regular slate, finishing with a 326-392 edge in total yards, and scoring 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdowns.
Illinois set the terms early in a game that finished 30-22. Team Safety came with {'seconds': 7, 'minutes': 4} left in the first quarter, giving Illinois the first major swing.
Illinois's box score carried the story: 326 total yards, 167 rushing yards, and 159 passing yards. Nebraska finished with 392 total yards, including 160 on the ground and 232 through the air.
Illinois converted 6-13 on third down, went 0-0 on fourth down, the turnover count was 1-1, Illinois led 16-9 at halftime. The explosive highlight was Artur Sitkowski pass complete to Luke Ford for 2 yds for a TD, (James McCourt KICK).
Key Moments
Safety
Team Safety (Illinois led 2-0 over Nebraska).
Rushing Touchdown
Mike Epstein run for 1 yd for a TD, (James McCourt KICK) (Illinois led 9-9 over Nebraska).
Sack
Adrian Martinez sacked by Keith Randolph Jr. for a loss of 6 yards Adrian Martinez fumbled, recovered by Illin Calvin Hart Jr. , return for 41 yds for a TD, (James McCourt KICK) (Nebraska led 9-16 over Illinois).
Rushing Touchdown
Markese Stepp run for 2 yds for a TD, (Connor Culp PAT MISSED) (Nebraska led 6-2 over Illinois).
Field Goal Good
Connor Culp 27 yd FG GOOD (Nebraska led 9-2 over Illinois).
Passing Touchdown
Artur Sitkowski pass complete to Luke Ford for 2 yds for a TD, (James McCourt KICK) (Illinois led 23-9 over Nebraska).
Stat Callouts
Final score
30-22
Illinois defeated Nebraska.
Total yards
326-392
Illinois held the yardage advantage.
Rushing yards
167
Illinois averaged 3.5 yards per rush attempt.
Passing yards
159
Illinois averaged 8.4 yards per pass attempt.
Third downs
6-13
Illinois's conversion rate helped sustain possessions.
Opponent third downs
5-14
Nebraska's offense worked through that conversion rate.
Turnovers
1-1
Turnover totals are listed winner first.
Analysis
Game Breakdown
| Statistic | Illinois | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 326 | 392 |
| Passing Yards | 159 | 232 |
| Rushing Yards | 167 | 160 |
| First Downs | 18 | 19 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 6-13 | 5-14 |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 0-0 | 1-2 |
| Total Penalties (Yards) | 3-40 | 5-67 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Completions / Attempts | 15-19 | 16-32 |
| Rushing Attempts | 48 | 39 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 2 |
| Kicking Points | 4 | 4 |
| Possession Time | 34:55 | 25:05 |