All the momentum was in Nebraska’s favor. Leading by a touchdown midway through the second quarter, Caleb Tannor laid a big hit on Illinois’ quarterback Artur Sitkowski, forcing a bad throw that wound up in the hands of Huskers defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt.

That hit ended up being the demise of Nebraska in the season opener in Champaign.

Tannor was penalized for roughing the passer and was also flagged for taunting. Instead of the Huskers regaining possession with a 9-2 lead late in the second quarter, Illinois kept the football and was gifted 30 yards. Eight plays later, Mike Epstein scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to tie the game.

From that point forward, Illinois dominated the game.

With 37 seconds remaining in the half and Nebraska trying to create some sort of offense, the Illini bull-rushed Adrian Martinez and defensive end Keith Randolph Jr. jarred the ball loose. Calvin Hart was there to collect the football and raced 41 yards the other direction to give Illinois a 16-9 lead through the break.

Illinois’ strong play didn’t stop after 30 minutes. The Illini scored the first two touchdowns of the second half to build an insurmountable 21-point lead in the third quarter. Bret Bielema’s squad opened the second half with a 14-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a 2-yard pass from Sitkowski to tight end Luke Ford, his first touchdown reception in Champaign.

After forcing the Huskers into a 3-and-out, Illinois then needed just 3 plays to drive 47 yards to get into the end zone again, building a 30-9 advantage on a 1-yard rush from Jakari Norwood.

Martinez answered on the following possession, catching the defense off guard and taking the first play of the drive 75 yards to close the gap to 14 points. It was a nice spark for the Huskers, but far from enough to mount a comeback.

Nebraska was able to score one more time on a 4-yard pass from Martinez to Oliver Martin, but Illinois held on for a 30-22 victory.

Bielema’s return to college football, and the B1G, was a triumphant one. For a full 60 minutes, Illinois showed fight, something it seriously lacked under previous head coach Lovie Smith. It’s only one game, but it’s a glimpse into what good coaching and a strong buy-in from players can lead to in Champaign.

Illinois ran the ball well. Epstein finished with 75 yards, and Reggie Love III added 45. Chase Brown and Norwood both chipped in as well, combining for 40 yards.

Then, there’s Nebraska.

Scott Frost spent all offseason harping about the “little things” that have cost the Huskers so many games in his time leading the program. Eliminating turnovers and ill-timed penalties were focal points for Nebraska heading into 2021.

Tannor’s two penalties in the second quarter proved to be costly. Martinez’s fumble and the ensuing scoop-and-score to close the half was about as poorly-timed as you could imagine. The Huskers failed on two extra point attempts.

Basically, the same things continue to haunt Nebraska.

What’s even more frustrating? Illinois cruised to a victory primarily using a backup quarterback. Brandon Peters was injured in the opening quarter following a hard hit, pushing Sitkowski into the spotlight. He was excellent in the emergency situation, completing 12-of-15 for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Sitkowski didn’t throw an interception.

Martinez’s day wasn’t as great. The four-year veteran was just 16-of-32 for 232 yards and 1 touchdown. He did add 111 yards and a score on the ground, but his inconsistent play and costly mistakes hindered the Huskers once again.

Saturday was just one game. Both Illinois and Nebraska still have 11 left on the schedule. A lot can happen between now and the final weekend in November.

Right now, though, the outlook for the season looks a lot brighter for Bielema and Illinois than it does for Frost and Nebraska.