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

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs the ball as Jamal Milan #55 of the Illinois Fighting Illini tries to make the stop during the second half at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. Defense could not stop Adrian Martinez late

Adrian Martinez stepped up when the Cornhuskers needed him the most. The sophomore quarterback passed for 327 yards with three touchdowns. He hurt the Fighting Illini most in the fourth quarter with his feet where he ran for 118 yards on 18 carries. He kept drives alive with his feet and converted multiple third downs in the fourth quarter.

Nebraska entered the fourth quarter not leading the game and did not have its first lead until around the eight-minute mark in the fourth quarter.

The Cornhuskers out-scored the Fighting Illini 15-3 in the fourth quarter, giving Nebraska the 42-38 victory on the road at night. Martinez was electric and took command of the game and showed tremendous leadership, leading to almost 700 total yards of offense for Nebraska.

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With the win, Nebraska is 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play heading into next week’s home game against top-10 ranked Ohio State. Martinez will need to play at a high level again if the Cornhuskers hope to upset the Buckeyes.

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