Officials initially marked Collin Dixon a yard short of the end zone. After a replay review, Illinois had its first touchdown of the night and Dixon had a school record. Dixon’s 3-yard catch from Katin Houser late in the second quarter helped Illinois erase Nebraska’s early lead Friday night in Champaign.
The Fighting Illini went on to earn their fourth consecutive win and secure bowl eligibility after opening the season 2-3. Both teams arrived at Gies Memorial Stadium needing one more win to qualify for a bowl. Nebraska had been chasing its sixth victory since a 5-0 start.
Illinois had won three straight, including a 21-10 victory over Oregon and a 20-17 win at Maryland on a field goal as time expired. After a scoreless opening quarter, the Cornhuskers took over at their own 2-yard line and drove the length of the field in 10 plays. Mekhi Nelson finished the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run to put Nebraska ahead 7-0.
Illinois punted on its next possession. When the Illini got the ball back at their own 27 with 4:32 left in the half, Houser had another chance against a Nebraska defense that entered the week leading the country in third-down stops. This time, Illinois covered 73 yards in seven plays.
Dixon’s catch capped the drive, and the extra point tied the game at 7. According to Big Ten Football, the touchdown was Dixon’s 11th of the season, the most receiving touchdowns in a single season in Illinois history. He reached the mark in just nine games.
Through his first eight, Dixon had 60 catches for 781 yards and ranked fourth nationally with 10 touchdown receptions. Nebraska outgained Illinois 200-146 before halftime and held the Illini to 11 rushing yards. But the Huskers missed two field goals, and Dixon’s touchdown sent the teams to the locker room even.
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