LINCOLN — If you’re inclined toward patience for coach Matt Rhule and Husker football, the template for development, savvy quarterbacks and playmaking defenders can be found 500 miles to the east in another Memorial Stadium.
People are also reading…
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Illinois
Sage Schulte, a senior sports media and communication major from Boulder, Colo., throws a football around prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Tailgaters set up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Brain Swift of Omaha grills some hot dogs prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A dog relaxes prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) and the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Fans watch as the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
David deVries, of Lincoln, sits in the stands with a paper over his head prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
The UNL drumline performs outside of the Sheldon Museum of Art prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Husker fans walk on University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
The UNL drumline performs on the lawn by the Sheldon Museum of Art prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Students walk on University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Husker fans listen as the UNL drumline performs outside of the Sheldon Museum of Art prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Husker fans gather on the lawn by the Sheldon Museum of Art to hear the UNL drumline perform prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as he is guarded by Bryce Benhart (54) and Henry Lutovsky (59) during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A look inside Memorial Stadium as Nebraska celebrates its 400th consecutive sellout in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska players celebrate after recovering a Illinois fumble during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) dives on the ball fumbled by Illinois' Hank Beatty (80) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (13) punts the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Pat Bryant goes up for a catch above Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Pat Bryant (13) catches the pass ahead of Nebraska's Tommi Hill (6) before running it in for a touchdown during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Illinois' James Kreutz (41) breaks past Nebraska's Turner Corcoran (69) and Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Illinois' Gabe Jacas (17) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A look inside Memorial Stadium as Nebraska takes on Illinois in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as he is tackled by Illinois' Daniel Brown (4) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska. The Osborne Legacy Complex is to the bottom left of the photo.
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches the ball to score a touchdown against Illinois during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Fans are illuminated by light during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs the ball past Illinois' Torrie Cox Jr. (5) and Dylan Rosiek (28) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball against Nebraska's John Bullock (5) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Collin Dixon (17) runs the ball against Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) and Isaac Gifford (2) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs the ball against Illinois' Xavier Scott (14) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A member of the Nebraska marching band plays the saxophone prior to a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Jets flyover Memorial Stadium before the first half of a college football game in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Herbie Husker points to the crowd prior to the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Mario Buford (29) and Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) take a moment together before a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska and Illinois players tackle each other during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Altmyer is back for his third year as starter.
Illinois' Pat Bryant (13) catches the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Pat Bryant (13) celebrates a touchdown with Illinois' Tanner Arkin (85) and Illinois' Josh Kreutz (64) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) runs with the ball as Illinois' Miles Scott and Illinois' Matthew Bailey attempt to tackle him during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) runs into the wall while trying to catch the ball and Illinois' Terrance Brooks runs after him during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule helps Nebraska's Turner Corcoran (69) stand up after an injury during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) celebrates causing a fumble with Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) celebrates causing a fumble with Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (2) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska players celebrate Nebraska's John Bullock (5) after he caused a fumble during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) jumps over Illinois' Miles Scott (10) with the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A red balloon floats over the field during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Matthew Bailey (7) and Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (24) crash into each other during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches the ball and makes a touchdown as Illinois' Torrie Cox Jr. tries to tackle him during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans celebrate a touchdown made by Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois fans react to a penalty called in their favor during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher (87), left, celebrates with Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) after Neyor’s touchdown during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Miles Scott (10) tackles Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs through Illinois defenders during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) passes the ball during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans boo after a touchdown is overturned during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Xavier Scott (14) defends Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska takes on Illinois in the first quarter of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
Sunset light hits Memorial Stadium and the Nebraska State Capitol during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
Sunset light hits Memorial Stadium and the Nebraska State Capitol during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska.
Memorial Stadium during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The game was the 400th sellout for Nebraska. The bottom of the photo is Bowlin Stadium and Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. To the right is Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska's Gunnar Gottula (77) walks off the field after Nebraska’s loss to Illinois 31-24 in overtime a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Maverick Noonan (22) walks off the field after Nebraska’s loss to Illinois 31-24 in overtime a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) walks off the field after Nebraska’s loss to Illinois 31-24 in overtime a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans react as Illinois scores a touchdown in overtime of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans react as Illinois scores a touchdown in overtime of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) celebrates after defeating Nebraska in overtime at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and Luke Altmyer (9) celebrate after defeating Nebraska in overtime at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska players walk off the field after falling to Illinois in overtime at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
From left, Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0), Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) and Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) walk away after a defensive play during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball as Nebraska's James Williams (90) tries to intercept during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) hands Illinois' Aidan Laughery (21) the ball during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) jumps over Illinois' Luke Altmyer (9) after he secured a down during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) celebrates a first down during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans record the light show during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A Nebraska fan records the light show during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans watch the light show during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Matthew Bailey tackles Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) as he misses a pass from Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) sacks Illinois' Luke Altmyer after Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) attempted to tackle him during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska players celebrate a sack by Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) jumps through a group of players during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (44) fails to catch a pass in the end zone during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) fails to pass the ball during overtime at a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Illinois' Dennis Briggs Jr. (6) as Nebraska's Gunnar Gottula (77) tries to push him off during overtime at a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Fans hold up their shoes for kick-off during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) tackles Illinois' Collin Dixon (17) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Kaden Feagin (3) carries the ball through Nebraska's Jimari Butler (1) and John Bullock (5) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska fans cheer after Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) scores a touchdown during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (59), left, and Bryce Benhart (54) celebrate a touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Matthew Bailey (7) defends Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois players huddle on the field during the second half of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (44) reaches for a pass but falls short during the second half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Alec Bryant (3) and Gabe Jacas (17) celebrate stopping Nebraska on a third down during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) carries the ball with Illinois' Ben Clawson (21) on defense during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois' Kaleb Patterson (22) tackles Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells on the sidelines during the second half of a college football game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
An Illinois fan covers his eyes as Nebraska works their way down the field during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
The clouds turn pink as the sun sets during the first half of a college football game between Illinois and Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Herby Husker has a 400 on his glasses as part of the celebration of the 400th sold-out game during the first half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
A majorette performs with the University of Nebraska Cornhusker marching band prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nebraska spirt squad members cheer during a light show during the second half of a college football game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
