Nebraska put up a big number -- 363 yards on 5.7 yards per carry -- but fumbles were a big problem. Adrian Martinez's first-quarter fumble on a botched handoff was costly as Illinois responded with a touchdown. Dedrick Mills' second-quarter fumble led to the same result. Meanwhile, Maurice Washington ran for 6 yards on his first carry but immediately limped to the sideline. He came back and looked like his typical dynamic self before being sidelined for the entire second half -- apparently evaluated for a head injury.
Martinez finished 22-for-34 for 327 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions.