In the first ranked on ranked matchup in Memorial Stadium in a decade, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will look to stay hot against ranked BIG10 opponent Illinois on Friday night. The Huskers come into the game ranked 22nd in the most recent AP poll and Illinois comes in ranked 24th. The matchup will be under the lights in the Huskers Memorial Stadium under the lights also marking the 400th consecutive sellout. The Huskers haven’t beat a ranked team since 2016. It sets the stage for an amazing night. So, how do the Huskers stack up? Lets see:
Kickoff: 7 PM CST
Channel: FOX
What to look out for (Illinois):
Illinois has fielded a very new defense thus far than it has in recent years. Until this year, they were mainly a man-to-man scheme. Now, they play a mix of zone and man, although primarily zone. What makes them dangerous is that they are very good at disguising their coverages, meaning a pre-snap read can change once the ball is snapped. This could prove challenging for a true freshman QB, even one as talented as Dylan Raiola. Also, keep an eye on #14 Xavier Scott, who was crucial in Illinois coming back in beating a ranked Kansas team earlier this season. #10 Miles Scott has also had multiple interceptions in the secondary this year. Illinois defense is very opportunistic. In fact, Illinois didn’t score an offensive touchdown against Kansas until the fourth quarter, and the majority of their points were due to their defense. They are +9 in the turnover differential this year, with their lone turnover being a fumble. Offensively, #9 Luke Altmyer is their Junior Quarterback, and has thrown 6 touchdowns and no interceptions this year. He has been incredibly efficient with the football. However, look for Illinois to try and get it going on the ground. I guarantee Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema looked at film from the Huskers defense struggling, at times, to get Northern Iowa’s big running backs down and off the field. Well, Illinois has a bigger boy in their backfield. #3 starting running back Kaden Feagin, a sophomore, is 6-3, 250 pounds. Wow. For reference, Northern Iowa’s biggest back was 6-4, 235. They like to switch it up with smaller backs and will also run a rotation behind him of smaller backs that are 190-200 pounds.
What to look for (Nebraska)
Nebraska must get off to a quick start on offense. They have been incredible in opening game scripts this year, and need to do so to start this game. The offense must take care of the football against a talented Illinois secondary, but this doesn’t have to fall firmly on Raiola’s shoulders. The Huskers should turn early (and often) to Dante Dowdell and Emmet Johnson in the running game. Illinois gave up 186 rushing yards to Kansas. Kansas lost that game almost entirely due to Jalon Daniels throwing three interceptions. Taking care of the football is a must. Don’t force it, take what you are given and be ready for a physical four quarter brawl if need be. Because here’s the deal, Illinois hasn’t looked great on offense. Sure, Altmyer is a dual threat and efficient passer that could be a thorn in the Huskers side, as could their running backs. But look for the Huskers defense to be fired up and ready for the challenge. If the defense shuts them down early, the Huskers should look to capitalize on a weak Illinois run defense to get out to a lead and hold it.
Prediction
If the defense shows up and Raiola continues to make good decisions with the football, the Huskers have this in hand. A Friday night game, in a packed Memorial Stadium is going to be a huge advantage for Nebraska. Sure, Illinois beat a ranked Kansas team, but so did UNLV. It’s hard to judge just how good Kansas is. Although this could easily turn into a low scoring brawl, I predict the Huskers to win this comfortably. Give me the Huskers 24-13 over Illinois.
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