Oct. 05--Illinois has needed last-minute saves to pull out its last two victories. But the Illini are 4-1, off to their best start since 2011 after Saturday's 14-13 victory against Nebraska in their Big Ten opener.
Offense
B. Illinois deserves an A+ for the game-winning drive. The Illini scored all 14 points in the fourth quarter. But they struggled to complete drives, going 1-for-3 in the red zone. Quarterback Wes Lunt completed 23 of 45 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
Defense
A. The Illini held the Big Ten's top passing offense, averaging 324.8 yards per game, to 105 yards. The defense won the game, forcing six three-and-outs. Safety Clayton Fejedelem recorded his first career interception when he picked off Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong.
Special teams
C-. Taylor Zalewski missed two field goals (from 51 and 41 yards out) before making a game-winning extra point. Ryan Frain struggled punting, averaging 33 yards to prompt his benching for David Reisner.
Coaching
B. Interim coach Bill Cubit has the Illini winning games they typically would have lost in previous seasons.
