Looking to string together consecutive wins for the first time since September 14-21, 2019, the Nebraska Cornhuskers welcomed Lovie Smith’s Illinois Fighting Illini to Lincoln on Saturday.

Jumping out to a 28-10 halftime lead, Illinois was able to top the Cornhuskers, 41-23, for their first victory in the series since 2015.

Now standing at 1-3, redshirt freshman quarterback Luke McCaffrey said postgame he was disappointed in his team’s energy level.

Making his first career start in Nebraska’s victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 14, the Valor Christian (Colorado) High School product struggled throwing the football in this one, completing 15-of-26 passes for 134 yards and three interceptions.

He did have success in the running game, however, carrying the football a team-high 26 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Adrian Martinez played the Cornhuskers’ final series, throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to redshirt senior wide receiver Levi Falck.

Nebraska will hit the road to battle the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2) on Friday, November 27 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

Illinois (2-3) will return to Champaign to face the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0).