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Common Fan: Nebraska Football Takes a Step Back in Loss to Illinois

Old habits and new concerns arise in Huskers' disappointing defeat.

TJ Birkel

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks with officials after an interception during the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium.
Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks with officials after an interception during the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s gut-punch loss to Illinois:

  • Huskers lose in familiar fashion, with late mistakes, crucial penalties, and an atrocious overtime performance.
  • Outcoached, out-schemed, outplayed. 
  • Perhaps more concerning than anything was the performance of the defense, which never really looked to be in control. 
  • Resetting expectations. 
  • Another underwhelming performance by the offensive line.
  • Special teams still costing the Huskers.
  • Another rough performance by the officials. 

It wasn’t all bad, as the Huskers still almost pulled out the W even in the face of numerous mistakes and setbacks:

  • Dylan Raiola is absolutely the real deal.
  • Wide receivers Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks shine. 
  • Thomas Fidone is back! 
  • Defense forcing turnovers at key moments.
  • Reflecting on the 400th consecutive sellout. 
  • Time to turn the page and get back on track with a win against Purdue. 

Finally, the Common Fans discuss the remaining schedule and whether/how much expectations have changed after the performance against Illinois. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Listen on the Common Fan website, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeart Radio, and PocketCasts.

Or watch now! 

MORE: Dave Feit: Hard Lessons and Silver Linings in Nebraska’s Loss to Illinois

MORE: Topline Takeaways: More Questions than Answers After Nebraska Loses to Illinois

MORE: Film Review: Nebraska Football Commit Dayton Raiola

MORE: Another Top-5 Sweep for Nebraska Volleyball; Huskers Dominate Louisville

MORE: Bret Bielema: Illinois Football 'Planned to Wear Down' Nebraska

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TJ Birkel

TJ BIRKEL

T.J. Birkel is the creator and co-host of the Common Fan Podcast, a Nebraska football podcast focused entirely on Husker football, all the time. We aim to create meaningful episodes and written commentary that fans like us will enjoy, infused with heavy doses of fun and frivolity. We work hard to cover the latest Husker news of the day; to provide insightful commentary and analysis on all things Husker football; and to bring unique stories and perspectives that may not be covered by the media but that Common Fans will enjoy. GBR for LIFE!

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