Collin Dixon made history Friday night, and Illinois kept its winning streak alive.
Dixon caught two touchdown passes against Nebraska to set a new single-season program record with 12 receiving touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Illini defense made several crucial stops down the stretch to secure a 16-13 victory, Illinois’ fourth consecutive win and its third straight season of bowl eligibility.
The Illini are now 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play.
Dixon makes history as Illinois pulls away
Dixon entered Friday night’s matchup tied with Pat Bryant,
Brandon Lloyd and David Williams with 10 touchdown receptions in a season. He broke that record with a second-quarter touchdown reception from Katin Houser, then added another early in the fourth quarter to push his season total to 12.
The first quarter was relatively quiet, with both teams struggling to move the ball. Nebraska missed a field goal, leaving the game scoreless after the opening 15 minutes.
The Cornhuskers eventually got on the board early in the second quarter, but Illinois answered late in the half when Houser connected with Dixon on a pass to the right side of the field for the record-breaking touchdown. Nebraska missed another field goal with just 16 seconds remaining before halftime.
Illinois came out of the break with a strong drive, marching 75 yards on 13 plays before Houser found Jordan Anderson for a touchdown.
Nebraska’s only possession of the third quarter ended with a turnover on downs after an 11-play, 50-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes.
Early in the fourth quarter, Houser and Dixon connected again for the receiver’s 12th touchdown of the season. Nebraska responded with a seven-play, 91-yard drive that ended with a spectacular 51-yard reception by Jacory Barney Jr.
The Illini added a field goal, and the defense took over from there, keeping Nebraska off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.
Other Illini performances worth recognizing
Dixon was undoubtedly the star of the night, finishing with eight receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns. It was his fifth 100-yard receiving game and fourth multi-touchdown performance of the season.
Through nine games, Dixon has 68 receptions for 910 yards and 12 touchdowns.
But several other Illini deserve recognition.
Hudson Clement: While much of the attention was on Dixon, Clement was equally reliable when his number was called. He caught five of the six passes thrown his way for 87 yards, with all five receptions resulting in first downs.
This is nothing new for Illini fans. When Illinois needs a big play, Clement has become one of Houser’s most dependable targets.
Adrian Laughery: Illinois struggled to establish its running game, finishing the first half with minus-one rushing yard. The Illini finished with 84 net rushing yards, with Laughery leading the way with 55.
Laughery has become the team’s workhorse back since Ca’lil Valentine’s injury. His workload could increase further after freshman running back Javari Barnett was injured and carted off the field in the second quarter. The extent of Barnett’s injury has not yet been disclosed, although he gave fans a thumbs-up as he left the field.
Lars Rau: Punters don’t often get much recognition, but Rau certainly earned some Friday night.
With Illinois facing fourth-and-12 early in the third quarter and the score tied at seven, Rau took the snap on a fake field goal and ran 29 yards to the Nebraska 3-yard line for a first down.
Three plays later, Houser connected with Anderson for a touchdown. It was a pivotal play in the game and a gutsy call that paid off for Illinois.
Katin Houser: After watching Houser against Maryland and Nebraska, it’s hard to believe he broke his throwing hand on Oct. 10 and underwent surgery.
Since returning, Houser has completed 40 of 68 passes (58.8%) for 515 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Against Nebraska, aside from the interception and a couple of throwaways, Houser looked composed and in control. His release remains smooth and quick, and he continues to show a strong, accurate spiral.
Defense comes up big when it matters
Much like the Oregon game, Illinois’ defense surrendered significant yardage but did an excellent job limiting the damage.
Nebraska finished with 426 total yards but managed just 13 points. The Illini held the Cornhuskers on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter, making the plays necessary to preserve the victory.
Linebackers James Kreutz and Ismael Kante, along with defensive backs Matthew Bailey and Juice Clarke, were among those leading the effort. But the entire defense contributed.
There were certainly some breakdowns, but when Illinois needed critical stops, the defense delivered. That ability to make plays in important moments has been a major part of the team’s recent success.
Illinois is going bowling — and history is within reach
At 6-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play, Illinois has secured bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season. The last time the program accomplished that feat was from 1990 to 1992.
Where the Illini will play their postseason game remains uncertain. Current projections include several possibilities, including the Military Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Music City Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl and ReliaQuest Bowl.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a rematch with Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. A matchup against Missouri or Texas would also be interesting.
But Illinois has bigger goals ahead.
The Illini have an opportunity to make program history in the coming weeks. An eight-win season would give Illinois three consecutive seasons with at least eight victories for the first time since 1902-04.
A nine-win season would be even more significant: It would mark the first time in program history that Illinois has recorded nine or more wins in three consecutive seasons.
The Illini have plenty left to play for.
Next up is UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
