LINCOLN, Neb. – The Illinois College football team nearly pulled off a stirring comeback on Saturday, but a last-minute possession came up empty and allowed Nebraska Wesleyan University to escape with a 25-20 win. The Blueboys head into their bye week with a 1-1 overall record.
There weren't many positive takeaways in the first half for Illinois College as Nebraska Wesleyan built up a 19-0 halftime lead. Quarterback Jonathan Curti had touchdown passes of 20, 27 and 28 yards to Kevin Tims. The Prairie Wolves missed one extra point and had another blocked by
Jaylin Swan. Swan also blocked a field goal in the first half for the Blueboys.
Swan recovered a fumble by NWU running back Ryan Lawrence to start the third quarter and Illinois College was able to convert that takeaway into points. Getting the ball downfield with a big 30-yard completion from
Drew Chance to
Allen Smith, the Blueboys eventually punched it in on their seventh play from scrimmage on a six-yard pass from Chance to
Seth Vaughn. IC's point-after was also blocked, leaving the score at 19-6.
A touchdown by Nebraska Wesleyan before the third quarter was over left the score at 25-6 entering the final 15 minutes play.
Mike Koos grabbed some momentum for Illinois College on the second play of the quarter with an interception of Curti that he returned 24 yards down to the NWU 6-yard line. Chance found Smith for a three-yard touchdown pass to make it 25-12, then went to his junior wideout again for a two-point conversion, leaving the score at 25-14.
With less than six minutes remaining, Illinois College took over on its own 32. The Blueboys went backwards on a holding call, leaving them in a 1st and 20 on their own 22. Looking for a deep option, Chance dropped a ball right into Smith's hands for him to pull in and race all the way to the house for a 78-yard touchdown. An unsuccessful two-point conversion made the score 25-20.
Nebraska Wesleyan was unable to score on its next drive, but the Prairie Wolves were successful in draining more than four minutes off the clock. By the time Illinois College took over, only 59 seconds remained in the game. A pair of penalties early in the drive put the Blueboys in a tough spot and IC couldn't convert a fourth down with less than 10 seconds to play, sealing the win for NWU.
Chance ended the day 14-of-29 for 229 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Trevor Nott led the ground game with 11 carries for 32 yards. Smith caught four passes for 119 yards and two scores.
Mike Koos led the defense with 18 tackles (15 solo).
Kyle Lane tacked on another 15 stops (10 solo). Swan ended the day with four tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and two blocked kicks.
Following an off weekend, Illinois College returns to action at home at England Stadium on Sept. 28, hosting Ripon College at 1 p.m.
