Illinois Football: 3 takeaways from tough loss to Nebraska in Week 4

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Tony Adams #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes a hit on Austin Allen #11 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and causes a fumble during the second half at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Forced fumbles nearly led to Illinois win

After Illinois had taken a 7-0 lead over the Cornhuskers, Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez fumbled the football and it was recovered by linebacker Jake Hansen. Five plays later, the Fighting Illini scored their second touchdown of the game to make it 14-0.

The second fumble of the game by Nebraska was costly as well for the Cornhuskers. Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills fumbled the ball due to linebacker Dele Harding’s big hit and it was recovered by defensive back Jartavius Martin who returned it to the Nebraska 2-yard line. Illinois once again capitalized on the turnover to make it 21-7.

The third fumble was by Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman and that was recovered by Illinois but did not result in any points. However, it once again put Nebraska in poor field position after the Illinois punt.

The fourth fumble by the Cornhuskers was a costly one like the first and second as it appeared to be an incomplete pass by Martinez that was almost intercepted. But the refs determined that it was a fumble recovered by the Fighting Illini defense. It led to a Brandon Peters 10-yard touchdown run, making it 35-21 Illinois.

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