Nebraska-Illinois football game moved to Friday, Oct. 6
A Week 6 matchup between Nebraska and Illinois has been moved to Friday, Oct. 6, the Cornhuskers announced Monday. The game was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday that same week.
With the change, Nebraska is now slated to play two Friday night games in the 2023 season. The Cornhusker were already scheduled to close the regular season on Friday, Nov. 24 against Iowa. They also open the season on a Thursday night with an Aug. 31 game at Minnesota.
This marks the second straight season that Nebraska will play in two Friday night games. Last season they went 2-0 in those matchups, defeating both Rutgers and Iowa.
Since joining the Big Ten in 2012, the Cornhuskers have a 6-4 record against the Fighting Illini. However, Illinois has won the past three meetings, including a 26-9 victory last season in Lincoln.
Nebraska is entering the first season under coach Matt Rhule, who replaces Scott Frost. The Cornhuskers never finished with a winning record in five seasons under Frost but will hope to turn things around quickly with Rhule in charge. With the two Friday night games and one Thursday game, college football fans should get plenty of TV exposure to the Huskers this year.
The game between Nebraska and Illinois will take place in Champaign, but the time and TV designation have yet to be announced. The Cornhuskers wrapped up spring practice with their Red-White spring game on Saturday, which the White team won 21-7.
Nebraska reveals new-look Herbie Husker at spring game
With the beginning of a new era under Rhule, it was the perfect time to shake up the school mascot. The new Herbie Husker debuted at the team’s spring game on Saturday, rolling out onto the football field in style on the back of a motorcycle.
Sporting a big red cowboy hat and overalls, he was escorted onto the field as the bike roared. Check out his entrance below.
The new-look Herbie Husker is a modernized version of the mascot and logo that have served Nebraska for nearly 50 years.
“Herbie Husker has been one of the iconic symbols of Nebraska Athletics for nearly 50 years,” athletics director Trev Alberts said. “Our fans are passionate about all things related to the Huskers, and they have a particular fondness for Herbie. We are excited to present modernized Herbie Husker marks and logos and thrilled to unveil our new Herbie mascot at Saturday’s spring game.”