Why Matt Rhule was ‘really, really upset’ at Big Ten officials after Nebraska’s win
Nebraska #Nebraska
Illinois defensive end Keith Randolph jumped up and down, pointing at right tackle Bryce Benhart, who finally tried to shoo Randolph’s hand away.
Flag. On Nebraska. An official whistled Benhart for one of NU’s many false starts on Friday night. It’s the kind of before-the-whistle penalty that tends to drive a coach batty.
And Husker coach Matt Rhule was frustrated — at the Big Ten referees.
“I was really, really upset at the officials tonight — and I never talk about officiating, but I want to make sure I defend my guys,” Rhule said after Nebraska’s 20-7 win over Illinois. “For a second week in a row, that team came out and was yelling ‘move’ and ‘stem’ and you’re not supposed to be able to do that, as far as I know.”
Rhule said he called the league office last week and was informed the defenses aren’t supposed to be able to yell in ways that mimic an offense’s cadence. A “stem” is a pre-snap shift from the defensive line.
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“We’re not a sloppy team, OK?” Rhule said. “We’re not a sloppy team. That is not football to me. And I’m not faulting Illinois for doing it. If they say you can do it, you can do it.”
After Illinois kept doing it, according to Rhule, he gathered up his offense and warned them to watch and listen for it on third-and-short.
“Our guys are just trying to play football,” Rhule said. “They’re yelling ‘move’ and ‘stem’ and the D-line is stemming. And if that’s legal, I guess — I’ve asked if it’s legal. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, I don’t know. But I just want to make sure I’m defending my guys.
Rhule’s comments were the third time a Nebraska coach has commented on pre-snap defensive signal adjustments in the last decade.
In 2014, then-coach Bo Pelini said Michigan State’s linebackers were clapping before the snap to adjust their defensive linemen, creating false starts and a few early snaps. In 2020, Scott Frost accused Iowa’s sideline of clapping in an empty stadium to confuse and disorient Cam Jurgens, who was firing bad snaps. Frost’s comments infuriated Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.
“What the hell are we talking about? It’s stupid. I have no idea,” Ferentz said in 2020.
On Friday night, Benhart didn’t want to talk much about it when asked.
“Just stemming, movement, suddenly yelling something, that’s all,” Benhart said. “… Sometimes you’re so locked in on doing your one job that a small thing catches you off guard.”
Photos: Nebraska football takes on Illinois
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10), center, celebrates a touchdown with his teammates during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, left, celebrates with Nebraska’s Marcus Washington (13) after defeating Illinois, 20-7, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tamon Lynum (15) and Nebraska’s Billy Kemp IV (1) celebrate after Nebraska defeated Illinois, 20-7, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Jimari Butler (10) reacts after a penalty flag was thrown against Illinois during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska players kneel in the end zone before the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (13) stops Illinois’ Reggie Love III (23) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) throws during the first quarter of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) throws during the first quarter of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome (6) and Nebraska’s Phalen Sanford (37) stop Illinois’ Casey Washington (14) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Reggie Love III (23) runs the ball during the first quarter of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome (6), Nebraska’s Phalen Sanford (37) and Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) stop Illinois’ Kaden Feagin (3) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White motions during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks the sidelines during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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The Nebraska defense stops a touchdown attempt from Illinois during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois head coach Brett Bielema motions during the first quarter of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Officials review a touchdown attempt by Illinois during the first quarter of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) looks to throw during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) throws during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Marcus Washington (13) is helped off the field during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (24) is tackled by Illinois’ Nicario Harper (0) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) waits for the snap from Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) moves to block Illinois’ Denzel Daxon (6) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Donovan Leary (10) runs the ball during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) is tackled by Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek (28) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (23) runs the ball against Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek (28) during the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (30) kicks a field goal held by Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (18) during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (30) watches his field goal sail through the uprights during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium as Illinois takes on Nebraska during the second quarter of a college football game in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (13) stops Illinois’ Pat Bryant (13) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs the ball against Illinois’ Nicario Harper (0) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium as Illinois takes on Nebraska during the second quarter of a college football game in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) blocks Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek (28) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks the sideline during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Jack Woche (17) motions for a first down during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Nouredin Nouili (63) blocks Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton (4) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Billy Kemp IV (1) runs the ball during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (30) kicks an extra point during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium as Illinois takes on Nebraska during the second quarter of a college football game in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska fans celebrate a play during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska fans react after a play during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs the ball into the end zone to score during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10), right, celebrates a touchdown with his teammates during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (18) kicks the ball during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Arik Gilbert (89) and Nebraska’s Jacob Herbek (80) from the kick return during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher (0) is blocked by Illinois’ Brandon Henderson (75) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Julian Pearl (54) blocks Illinois’ Bryce Barnes (48) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) sacks Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) throws during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts after an interception by Illinois during the second quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts after Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) threw an interception during the second quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Fans huddle together for warmth during the second quarter of a college football game between Illinois and Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) is blocked from Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) by Illinois’ Jordyn Slaughter (66) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Phalen Sanford (37) tackles Illinois’ Griffin Moore (81) to force Moore to lose control of the ball during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (31) runs the ball during the third quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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An Illinois marching band member holds up a flamingo lawn ornament during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Billy Kemp IV (1) runs the ball during the third quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Billy Kemp IV (1) runs the ball against Illinois during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Reggie Love III (23) stiff arms Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Blaise Gunnerson (97) breaks through the Illinois offensive line during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (30) attempts a field goal during the third quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) dives to tackle Illinois’ Kaden Feagin (3) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Julian Pearl (54) blocks Nebraska’s Blaise Gunnerson (97) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (31) stops Illinois’ Ashton Hollins (6) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Nick Henrich (3) stops Illinois’ Kaden Feagin (3) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Josh McCray (0) tackles Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (23) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (23) runs the ball during the third quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) stiff arms Illinois’ Xavier Scott (14) during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois’ Xavier Scott (14) pushes Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) out of bounds during the third quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Illinois fans huddle together during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Jimari Butler (10) is blocked by Illinois’ Isaiah Adams (78) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) breaks up a pass by Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Chief Borders (14) is blocked by Illinois’ Julian Pearl (54) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Nick Henrich (3) tackles Illinois’ Isaiah Williams (1) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome (6) makes an interception during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Billy Kemp IV (1) runs the ball against Illinois’ Ezekiel Holmes (33) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Billy Kemp IV (1) runs the ball during the fourth quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) pressures Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) dives in an attempt to sack Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (9) during the fourth quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) jogs off the field after Nebraska defeated Illinois, 20-7, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Luke Longval (19) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Chubba Purdy (12) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Alex Bullock (84) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Jeff Sims (7) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (23) warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts talks with sisters Audrey, 12, and Sara, 6, Sunnenberg of St. Louis before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska players warm up before taking on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Brothers Scott and Brett Jenkins play cornhole before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Flags blow in the wind before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look at Memorial Stadium through the changing fall foliage before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Brothers, Huck, 8, and Herrick, 6, Frund of Granville, Ill. play cornhole before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Brothers Trice and Trent Jenkins play cornhole before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A 1972 Volkswagen Bus is seen in the tailgating lot with Illinois signage before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Fans tailgate before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Dick Butkus is honored before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives at Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives at Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s John Bullock walks off the team bus as the Huskers arrive at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska players arrive at Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska players arrive at Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks off the field before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look inside Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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A look outside Memorial Stadium before the Huskers take on Illinois in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts watches warmups before the Huskers take on Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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Nebraska’s Gage Wager (39) kicks off the game during the first quarter of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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The Illinois marching band performs before the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
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