It should come as no surprise that a Nebraska Football defender is getting accolades after the Blackshirts' performance on Friday night. Against the Illinois Fighting Illini, the Husker "D" held their opponent to just two field goals, as the team finally had a comfortable win this season. The 28-6 victory was the largest margin for Mike Riley's squad this year. It also continued what has been a trend ever since the first half of the Cornhuskers' game against Oregon came to an end.

This time around, the defensive efforts were led by a more aggressive pass rush from the Nebraska football linebacking corps.

One young defender, in particular, stood out in the form of Ben Stille. Stille's three tackles and a sack against the Illini earned him the honor of Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Stille might have only had those three tackles, but his name was mentioned early and often as someone who was around the action all game long. It's a safe bet that kind of honor is especially appreciated by the Huskers, considering the 2017 season has already proved to be a difficult one. Not only did the Cornhuskers lose at home to Northern Illinois, but the school fired its Athletic Director. That has led many to judge that Mike Riley's time in Lincoln is short.

Nebraska Football defense leading the way

While Tanner Lee and the Huskers' offense has not lived up to the hype so far this season, the defense has certainly done its' part.

There was a time when it looked like Bob Diaco's unit was going to be the weak spot, especially after the Cornhuskers went down 42-14 at the half against Oregon. That effort was a follow up to an Arkansas State game where they allowed 36 points.

Since halftime of the Oregon game, the Cornhuskers' defense has allowed just two touchdowns in the last three and a half games.

Against Illinois, the Huskers held the Illini to less than 200 total yards. Both of those are quite the accomplishments for a team that is playing its first year in a new defense.

Can the offense step up for the Nebraska football team?

With two straight games against Top 10 teams, the Huskers are going to need all hands on deck.

Tanner Lee certainly looked better against Illinois but he'll need to take the next step as a quarterback if the Nebraska football wants to stand a chance against Wisconsin. Ben Stille will need to log another good game for himself as the Husker defense will have its hands full with the Badgers' punishing ground game.
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