Controversial no-call on potential late hit goes against Nebraska in OT loss

There was controversy in the closing moments of Illinois‘ 31-24 win over Nebraska. Trailing 31-24 in overtime and third-and-42 from the first down, Huskers QB Dylan Raiola completed a pass to wide receiver Jahmal Banks.

After Banks was already pushed out of bounds, Illinois linebacker Seth Coleman made contact again with the Nebraska wideout. However, no penalty was called on the play and Illinois sacked Raiola on the next play to secure a victory.

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In the loss, Nebraska committed nine penalties, resulting in 89 total lost yards. In comparison, Illinois was called for three penalties, only losing 20 yards due to its mistakes. If the referees had called a late hit on the play in overtime, Nebraska would’ve been rewarded an automatic first down.

Should this have been a flag? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Rq1mKOm3Wq

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024

Alas, Nebraska’s fate wasn’t decided by one play. The Huskers’ defense couldn’t find stops on Friday night, allowing Illinois to amass 381 yards. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer was efficient in his work, completing 21-of-his-27 pass attempts for 215 yards and four touchdowns, without throwing an interception.

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Nebraska’s offense did its best to combat Illinois’ offensive onslaught. The Cornhuskers amassed 361 total yards of their own, highlighted by Dylan Raiola’s 284 passing yards and three touchdowns. Nonetheless, Nebraska couldn’t find the end zone when it mattered most: overtime.

Nebraska was sacked on three of its final four plays. The Cornhuskers have now failed to score in eight straight overtimes, dating back to a 2014 win at Iowa. Now, Nebraska will have one week to recompose itself before it faces off against Purdue on Sept. 28.

Nebraska DB Tommi Hill suffers injury vs. Illinois

In Nebraska‘s showdown against Illinois on Friday, Cornhuskers defensive back Tommi Hill left the game with an apparent head injury. After heading back to the locker room for further inspection, he was ruled out of the game and returned to the sideline in street clothes.

It’s a massive loss for the Cornhuskers, who allowed the Fighting Illini to amass 123 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone. Before leaving the game with an injury, Hill recorded two tackles.

Tommi Hill has started every game for Nebraska this season and entered the game on Friday with 12 tackles and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown against Colorado. It was Nebraska’s first pick-six since 2019.

In the 2023 campaign, Hill appeared in all 12 of the Huskers’ games, notching 26 tackles, nine pass breakups and four interceptions. Fans will receive further details on Hill’s condition throughout the week.