Nebraska’s Blackshirts got a taste of the Big Ten and some improvement is needed

There was a lot to like — two fumbles caused and recovered, a key stop at the end of regulation.

But a lot to clean up, too many penalties, and Illinois caught the secondary and linebackers flat-footed too often for short pass gains, including a touchdown to an offensive lineman.

And too many rushing yards allowed, including the big gain at the beginning of overtime.

Bottom line: this wasn’t Colorado’s offensive line. I think the Blackshirts will improve from this. But they found out a lot about where they are.

The freshman was superb, unbelievable, all that and more.

He puts it where his receivers can catch it, and sometimes where only they can catch it.

Raiola took a few shots after the pass, too, but hung in there.

Rushing yards were hard to come by in this one, as they will be in other Big Ten games. But it’s nice to have a passing game that’s a strength.

Welcome to the Big Ten, Dylan. Welcome to Dylan, Big Ten.

It didn’t feel like a game day. But a couple hours before kickoff, the student section was packed.

Then, closer to kickoff, the rest of the stadium filled in.

Husker fans, you are amazing. They raised their own bar and, yeah, it feels like you could have Nebraska play any day of the week and they would be here.

Don’t get any ideas, Big Ten and Fox. And that fourth quarter light/drone show raised the bar, too. Friday Night Red Lights.