Nebraska coach Matt Rhule says it's time for the games to begin for real. That's the attitude the coach of the No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers takes into his team's Big Ten opener against No. 24 Illinois Friday night in Lincoln.

Luke Altmyer's fourth touchdown pass of the night, a 4-yarder to Pat Bryant in overtime, led Illinois to a 31-24 win over No. 22 Nebraska on Friday in Lincoln. Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) started overtime with a 21-yard run by Kaden Feagin.

Luke Altmyer threw for four touchdowns, including a short toss to Pat Bryant in overtime, to give No. 24 Illinois a 31-24 win over No. 22 Nebraska

Nebraska (3-1) came into Friday night's game against the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0) with their first AP Top 25 ranking since 2019, sitting at No. 22. However, after a 31-24 loss in overtime, the Cornhuskers may find themselves unranked yet again.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with the media following his team's 31-24 overtime loss to Illinois. The game was the first time that Nebraska opened Big Ten Conference play at home since 2017 The loss dropped the Huskers record in Big Ten openers to 6-8 overall.

Nebraska football suffered their first loss of the season on Friday night, dropping a shocker in Lincoln against No. 24 Illinois 31-24 in overtime. Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers had plenty of chances to win the game in regulation,