About 6 1/2 minutes remained in Nebraska's game against Illinois when Wan'Dale Robinson looked up to the sky and pounded his chest. He wanted this one bad. Ninety seconds earlier, the true freshman had scored the touchdown that gave Nebraska a 42-38 lead, its first of the game.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When his time came, Wan'Dale Robinson was ready.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) carries the ball against Illinois defenders in the third quarter on Saturday.

Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander watches the action in the third quarter at Illinois on Saturday.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of Saturday's win at Illinois.

Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) is tackled by Illinois' Jake Hansen (35), who loses his helmet on the third-quarter play on Saturday.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost watches the video replay as officials review a possible Illinois fumble late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game.

Nebraska kicker Lane McCallum (left) and holder Isaac Armstrong react after a missed field goal late in Saturday's game against Illinois in Ch…

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) tries to break away from the ankle tackle of Illinois' Delano Ware on a fourth-quarter run in Champai…