Carriker Chronicles: Gut Reaction to Nebraska’s Road Win Over Illinois

The Blackshirts delivered while the offense did a lot of stumbling

Joe Hudson | Oct 7, 2023

In this story:

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Huskers won on the road on a short week at Illinois to get their first Big Ten victory of the year. Adam breaks down a GREAT performance from the Blackshirts, talks about the offense's woes, where overall improvement is needed & what Husker fans should be excited about going forward on this edition of the Carriker Chronicles ... The People's Show!

NU vs Illinois 2023 - Luke Altmyer — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer passes the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Memorial Stadium.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Kaden Feagin — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois running back Kaden Feagin runs through an opening in the Nebraska Cornhuskers defense during the first half of the game.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Phalen Sanford and Isaiah Williams — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska defensive back Phalen Sanford brings down Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams as he lunges to the goal line during the first half.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Anthony Grant and Heinrich Haarberg — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg hands the ball to running back Anthony Grant during the first half against the Fighting Illini.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Tristan Alvano — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska kicker Tristan Alvano watches his field goal during the first half of the game.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Heinrich Haarberg — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg passes the ball as defensive lineman Alec Bryant applies pressure during the first half.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Tristan Alvano celebrates fumble recovery — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska kicker Tristan Alvano celebrates Nebraska's recovery of a mishandled kickoff during the second quarter.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - celebrate recovered fumble — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska's kickoff coverage players celebrate a recovered ball after Illinois failed to field the short kick during the second quarter.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Heinrich Haarberg touchdown run — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

One play after the recovery on the kickoff, Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg runs for a touchdown.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Matt Rhule — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule on the sidelines during the first half.

Nu vs. Illinois 2023 - Quinton Newsome and Pat Bryant — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome during the second quarter.

NU vs. Illinois 2023 - Pat Bryant and Quinton Newsome — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant catches a pass and falls into the end zone as Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome drags him down during the second quarter.

Kaden Feagin run 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21587556 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Kaden Feagin runs through an opening in the Nebraska defense during the first half

Bret Bielema 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21588294 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois coach Bret Bielema talks with an official during the first half.

Mikai Gbayor 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590520 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Mikai Gbayor tackles Illinois running back Reggie Love III during the second half.

Anthony Grant 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590523 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Dylan Rosiek tackles Nebraska running back Anthony Grant during the second half.

Malcolm Hartzog 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590518 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver Isaiah Williams tries to elude the tackle of Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog during the second half.

Mikai Gbayor Nebraska at Illinois football — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Mikai Gbayor reacts after making a stop during the second half.

Heinrich Haarberg run 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590519 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Heinrich Haarberg tries to get past Illini defensive back Tahveon Nicholson during the second half.

Nebraska defensive back Tommi Hill runs with the ball after an Illinois turnover in the second half.

Matt Rhule 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590897 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska Matt Rhule on the sidelines during the second half.

Ty Tobinson 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590898 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Luke Altmyer is pursued by Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson during the second half.

Illinois Luke Altmyer pass 2023 vs Nebraska football USATSI_21590899 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer gets a pass away during the second half.

Heinrich Haarberg 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590894 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Heinrich Haarberg is pursued by Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott during the second half.

Xavier Scott Illinois interception vs Nebraska 2023 football USATSI_21590895 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott intercepts the ball in front of Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock during the second half.

Emmett Johinson runs against Illlinois defender — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson tries to elude Illinois defensive back Nicario Harper during the second half.

Heinrich Haarberg 2023 Nebraska at Illinois football USATSI_21590900 — Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg smiles with teammates on the bench during the second half.

Published Oct 7, 2023

JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.