Miracle On First Street: Lunt Finds Allison For GW TD As Illinois Defeats Nebraska

The Fighting Illini took over with 51 seconds left in the fourth quarter down by 6 points and were looking for a miracle in order to come away with the victory against the Cornhuskers. Illini QB Wes Lunt gathered his troops and led a 6 play, 72 yard drive spanning 41 seconds and ended in a 1 yard touchdown toss to Geronimo Allison. The only thing missing from a game like this was Al Michael’s enthusiastic call of, “Do you believe in miracles!”

In his fourth game as the head coach of Illinois, Bill Cubit has taken his Illini to a 4-1 start and more importantly 1-0 start in conference play. “Tonight, people are feeling good about the orange and blue,” Cubit said. “Defensive was just unbelievable.”

The win was Illinois' first against Nebraska since 1924. To put it in perspective, the president the last time the Illini beat the Cornhuskers was Calvin Coolidge.

Illinois' defense throughout the game was exceptional, but the problem for them was the offense. Illinois had way too many dropped passes and three and outs, and too many missed field goals. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Illinois got going.

The Fighting Illini trailed by 10 at the half and never led until Geronimo Allison’s last second touchdown catch. Illini kicker Taylor Zalewski converted the extra point after missing two first-half field goals. Quarterback Wes Lunt finished the day 23-45 for 251 yards and two touchdowns, the first touchdown was a 22-yarder to Marchie Murdock early in the final quarter. Geronimo Allison caught eight passes for 91 yards and the winning touchdown.

For Nebraska their QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. finished the game 10-for-30 for 105 yards; a 3.4 yard per attempt average. The Huskers ran the ball 34 times for a total of 187 yards. Running back Devin Ozigbo had 7 rushes for 70 yards and a touchdown, while Andy Janovich rushed 11 times for 47 yards. This was a heartbreaking loss for Tim Beckman's squad, and many are putting the blame squarely on the new head coach.

This was a big win for the Illini as they head into next week’s game against the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City.

Stats:

Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1, 1-0 B1G)