Illinois Bounces Nebraska, 41-23

RUSHING ATTACK FUELS OFFENSE

Illinois ran for 285 yards in the win while scoring four touchdowns on the ground. Illini running backs Mike Epstein and Chase Brown both surpassed 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive week.

Mike Epstein tied his career high, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown. This marks his fourth consecutive game with a score.

Chase Brown had another big day for the Illini, rushing for over 100 yards for the second straight week and also adding two touchdowns, both in the first quarter. Brown's first score of the game was also his first career touchdown.

TURNOVER PARTY

The Illini defense forced five turnovers on the afternoon, including three interceptions and two fumbles. Illinois set the tone early, recovering a fumble on the Huskers' first play of the game, followed by another first-quarter turnover.
Senior linebacker Jake Hansen had another huge game for the Illini, racking up 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

PETERS BACK IN ACTION

Illinois starting quarterback Brandon Peters played in his first game since October 23rd at Wisconsin. Peters was sidelined for three weeks following positive test results on October 29th for the COVID-19 virus.
The senior quarterback completed 18 of 25 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown. He also added 36 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

FOR THE BRAND

Even the Illini special teams unit made the highlight reel as Blake Hayes had a 14 yard rush on a fake punt during the third quarter. The scramble by the senior punter led to an Illini field goal later in the drive.

NOTES

• Illinois won at Nebraska for the first time since 1924.

• Illinois is 4-13-1 all-time against Nebraska, including a 2-9 record in Lincoln.

• Illinois won Big Ten road games in consecutive weeks for the first time since Nov. 3, 2007 at Minnesota (44-17) and Nov. 10, 2007 at No. 1 Ohio State (28-21).

• Mike Epstein and Chase Brown both rushed for over 100 yards. It is the first time Illinois has had back-to-back games with two 100+ yard rushers since 2000. Rocky Harvey and Antonio Harris both rushed for over 100 yards against Middle Tennessee (9/2/00) and San Diego State (9/9/00)

• Illinois forced 5 Nebraska turnovers.

• Illinois was 10-14 on third downs and 1-1 on fourth downs.

• Illinois started four different QBs in the first four games and two QBs at Nebraska.

• Illinois started two quarterbacks for the first time since 10/19/2013 against Wisconsin when Nathan Scheelhaase and Aaron Bailey were both in on the first play.

• Illinois captains: LB Jake Hansen, P Blake Hayes, CB Nate Hobbs, C Doug Kramer, QB Brandon Peters.

• Illinois started an all-Illinois offensive line of LT Vederian Lowe (Rockford, Ill.), LG Kendrick Green (Peoria, Ill.) , C Doug Kramer (Hinsdale, Ill.) RG Verdis Brown (Chicago, Ill.), RT Julian Pearl (Danville, Ill.).

• Illinois started five transfers -  RB Chase Brown, WR Brian Hightower, WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, QB Brandon Peters, DL Roderick Perry II.

• Six of Illinois' 22 starters against Nebraska have 20+ starts: , OT Vederian Lowe (37th), OL Kendrick Green (30th), LB Jake Hansen (27th), DB Sydney Brown (25th), CB Nate Hobbs (34th), DB Tony Adams (24th)

• RB Mike Epstein rushed for a touchdown, making four straight games with him reaching the endzone. Epstein tied his career high 113 rushing yards. 

• RB Chase Brown rushed for his first career touchdown and added another. Brown has rushed for 100+ yards in back-to-back games.

• Senior P Blake Hayes' 14-yard rush during a fake punt led to an Illinois field goal.

• Redshirt-Freshman DL Seth Coleman, Redshirt-Freshman Kyron Cumby and Sophomore OL Julian Pearl made their first career starts.

• Senior LT Vederian Lowe started for the 31st straight game.

• Junior OL Kendrick Green started for the 32nd straight game.

• Starting QB Brandon Peters returned this week after being sidelined for 21 days following positive test results Thursday 10/29/20 for the COVID-19    virus. Peters was 18-25, threw for 205 yards and a touchdown in his first game back.

• Jake Hansen had his third interception of the season and second interception in back-to-back games.