For a few moments between the first and second quarters Friday night, the entire lower east bowl of Memorial Stadium became a tribute to a Nebraska home sellout streak cracking

When Noel Martin laced up his cleats in 1962, wearing the infamous scarlet and cream. He played in a game that would mark a historic record for the Huskers.

The Huskers will host Illinois in a Top-25 matchup on Friday, marking the 400th consecutive sellout of Memorial Stadium.

When Noel Martin laced up his cleats in 1962, wearing the infamous scarlet and cream. He played in a game that would mark a historic record for the Huskers.

Even though it's a weekday, thousands of fans were outside the stadium early, and they were eager for the game to begin.

That loyalty, that passion, as I’ve said since day one, is something that we feel humbled by,” coach Matt Rhule said.