CHAMPAIGN — Emotion can carry a football team.
By propelling them upward. Or sending them into a downward spiral.
The latter is a scenario Illinois is all too well-versed in.
But not now.
Illinois pulled off a thrilling comeback, replete with all the drama one would want to see out of a Saturday matinee, before defeating Nebraska 14-13 in front of an announced crowd of 40,138 at Memorial Stadium.
“I don’t ever remember losing a game like this,” Nebraska coach Mike Riley said.
Illinois fans may have a hard time remembering their team winning a game, against a tradition-rich opponent, in this fashion.