Grades are in: Dixon's record-setting night helps key Illinois victory.
IllinoisIt's been kind of foolproof, and the volume of targets for the senior wide receiver has yielded one of the best individual seasons in program history. The most successful from a touchdown standpoint, with Dixon's two touchdowns ...
The Illini's answer was Katin Houser (and Dixon). Houser threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns to provided the needed offensive spark.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema has found a place where he's OK with his defense giving up some yards as long as there's not the accompaniment of points. The Illini found that sweet spot Friday night and made big plays when necessary, holding Nebraska to 7 of 18 on third and fourth downs combined.
The 'Huskers didn't bend quite as much, but they broke more often — particularly when it came to trying to cover Dixon. Lars Rau had quite the night at Gies Memorial Stadium.
KEY POINTS
- Grades are in: Dixon's record-setting night helps key Illinois victory.
- Nov. 7—Player of the game Illinois wide receiver Collin Dixon There's been an unofficial maxim for the Illinois offense this season.
- The Nebraska run defense performed as advertised, holding Illinois to 29 carries for just 84 yards — the bulk of which came in the second half after a couple sacks and a bad snap led to just 11 first-half rushing yards.
- Nebraska actually out-gained Illinois 426-376, but the Cornhuskers struggled to get in the end zone.