Martinez found Stanley Morgan wide open for a 37-yard touchdown pass to begin the scoring. Later in the first quarter, the pair hooked up on a 32-yard TD pass that Morgan hauled in over his shoulder. But Martinez misfired a few passes to open receivers. He was less than his best but still put up excellent numbers — 24 for 34 for 290 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception.
Illinois broke from the gate quickly with an eight-play, 76-yard touchdown drive, running the ball seven times during the march. Nebraska caught a break when running back Reggie Corbin left the game with 5:25 left in the first half with an injury.