Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: 2021 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

Illinois Fighting Illini defeated Nebraska Cornhuskers 30–22 in Week 1, 2021. Final score: Nebraska Cornhuskers 22, Illinois Fighting Illini 30.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Nebraska Cornhuskers	0	15	6	6	22
Illinois Fighting Illini	2	6	12	0	30

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Artur Sitkowski (356) — 0.0 yds · 2 TD · +0.21 EPA/play +3.16 EPA
• Brandon Peters (356) — 0.0 yds · -0.49 EPA/play -2.96 EPA
• Adrian Martinez (158) — 0.0 yds · 2 TD · -0.16 EPA/play -5.42 EPA

Rushing

• Mike Epstein (356) — 0.0 yds · 1 TD -0.04 EPA
• Adrian Martinez (158) — 0.0 yds · 1 TD +0.82 EPA
• Reggie Love III (356) — 0.0 yds -0.14 EPA

Receiving

• Oliver Martin (158) — 6 rec · 0.0 yds +1.05 EPA
• Isaiah Williams (356) — 6 rec · 0.0 yds -0.02 EPA
• Wyatt Liewer (158) — 2 rec · 0.0 yds -0.21 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Artur Sitkowski	356	15	73.3%	0	2	+0.21	+3.16
Brandon Peters	356	6	50.0%	0	0	-0.49	-2.96
Adrian Martinez	158	34	47.1%	0	2	-0.16	-5.42

Team EPA comparison

Stat	NEB	ILL
Plays	0	0
EPA / play	—	—
Total EPA	—	—
Success rate	—	—
Pass EPA / play	—	—
Rush EPA / play	—	—
Yards	0	0

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	158	5	0	-0.16	Ended
Q1	356	10	0	-4.37	Safety
Q1	158	5	0	-1.58	Punt
Q1	356	4	0	-1.75	Punt
Q1	158	5	0	-1.35	Punt
Q2	158	3	0	-11.01	Touchdown
Q2	158	2	0	-0.06	Ended
Q2	356	4	0	-3.13	Fumble
Q2	158	5	0	-2.56	Punt
Q2	356	1	0	+0.61	Rush TD
Q2	356	10	0	+2.59	Ended
Q2	158	0	0	—	Field goal
Q2	158	7	0	+0.48	Ended
Q2	356	3	0	-1.83	Punt
Q2	158	1	0	-0.32	Rush TD
Q2	158	5	0	+3.00	Ended

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q2 · Nebraska Cornhuskers · Adrian Martinez sacked by Keith Randolph Jr. for a loss of 6 yards Adrian Martinez fumbled, recovered by Illin Calvin Hart Jr. , return for 41 yds for a TD, (James McCourt KICK) (-7.92 EPA)
2. Q3 · Nebraska Cornhuskers · Adrian Martinez run for 75 yds for a TD, (Connor Culp KICK) (+7.53 EPA)
3. Q4 · Nebraska Cornhuskers · Adrian Martinez pass complete to Oliver Martin for 4 yds for a TD, (Connor Culp PAT MISSED) (+3.36 EPA)
4. Q4 · Nebraska Cornhuskers · Adrian Martinez pass complete to Oliver Martin for 28 yds to the Illin 37 for a 1ST down (+3.28 EPA)
5. Q2 · Illinois Fighting Illini · Artur Sitkowski pass complete to Donny Navarro III for 21 yds Donny Navarro III fumbled, forced by Luke Reimer, recovered by Neb Myles Farmer (-3.16 EPA)
6. Q2 · Nebraska Cornhuskers · Adrian Martinez sacked by Jer'Zhan Newton for a loss of 11 yards to the Neb 12 (-2.99 EPA)
7. Q1 · Illinois Fighting Illini · Mike Epstein run for 45 yds to the Neb 31 for a 1ST down (+2.95 EPA)
8. Q4 · Nebraska Cornhuskers · Adrian Martinez pass complete to Samori Toure for 16 yds to the Neb 45 for a 1ST down (+2.71 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Illinois Fighting Illini controlled the final (30–22) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Artur Sitkowski (356) — yds, 2 TD.
• EPA edge: NEB at EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini?

Nebraska Cornhuskers 22, Illinois Fighting Illini 30 in Week 1 of the 2021 college football season.

Who won Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini?

Illinois Fighting Illini won with a final score of 22–30.

Where can I find the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401282714.

Who led Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini in passing?

Artur Sitkowski (356) led passers with 0.0 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.