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Illinois RB Mike Epstein rips off massive run, finishes drive with TD for huge first-half lead
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Illinois entered Saturday’s game as a double-digit underdog, but Lovie Smith’s squad is not playing that way against Nebraska.
The first half has been all Illini with Huskers quarterback Luke McCaffrey throwing a lateral on an awkward play to start the game. That resulted in a fumble called on the field that was recovered by Illinois deep in Nebraska’s territory.
Since then, Illinois had built a 21-10 lead before Mike Epstein took over. He picked up a huge chunk of change on this run, going around left end and down the sideline for 58 yards:
Mike Epstein 58 yard run! Helped set up a 1 yard TD to give Illinois a 28-10 lead! pic.twitter.com/U4LD7pvYfm
— . (@FTBBurner11) November 21, 2020
After getting down near the goal line, the Illini once again went to Epstein who capped the drive off with a short run:
Mike Epstein (@Dat26Kid) ran for over 60 yards on this drive, including this TD.
It’s 28-10 @IlliniFootball: pic.twitter.com/vIrTbhsrdD
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 21, 2020
As that game heads to the half, Illinois has scored 28 points against Nebraska. That’s the best output in a single half against a B1G team by the Illini in over 10 years.
After a late win against Rutgers last weekend, it looks like Illinois is trying to put this one away early.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.