It has been many moons since Nebraska football has found themselves in the position they are in now. Before the season, you’d have been hard-pressed to find Husker fans who believed we’d be going into the Illinois game ranked 22nd in the country. Not because there weren’t many that predicted a 3-0 start, but because of the fashion in which the Huskers have handled their business.
While Nebraska has had a promising start to their season, Illinois is nipping at their heels, coming in at 24th in the newest AP poll.
Luke Altmeyer, Illinois starting quarterback, was a liability last season, throwing just thirteen touchdowns compared to his ten interceptions, but he’s seemed to turn the page in their first three games. Altmeyer is completing nearly 70% of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns with zero interceptions thus far. Fighting Illini receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin have been responsible for the majority of Altmeyer’s targets with no other player on their team recording more than three receptions to begin the season.
Nebraska’s defense should be well equipped to slow down a dynamic wide receiver duo having seen Colorado a few weeks prior, but the biggest emphasis for the Blackshirts this week will be containing the legs of Luke Altmeyer. Stopping the run is something Nebraska’s defense can hang their hat on, but it’s scrambling quarterbacks that have given them fits. Nothing is more deflating than a well covered 3rd and 10 that turns into an easy first down from an improvised scramble. If the Huskers can get steady pressure without the blitz and afford a designated quarterback spy, Illinois will have a tough time moving the ball.
On the offensive side, Nebraska will be faced with the challenge of protecting the ball. Through the first three games, Dylan Raiola has proved to be incredibly impressive in the decision making department. He’s been poised in the pocket and thrown with elite accuracy, and it’s led to Nebraska being plus three in turnover margin. Illinois on the other hand is plus eight and have shown that they are willing to take aggressive chances. Defensive back Xavier Scott has already snagged three interceptions himself, and if Raiola becomes uncomfortable early on, Scott will be searching for an opportunity.
Look for Nebraska to pound the ball to start the game. Dante Dowdell has been very effective running between the tackles, and Emmet Johnson finally broke a big run on the outside for a touchdown in their game against Northern Iowa. That one-two punch should have plenty of success throughout the game. Paired with the effectiveness of the jet sweeps to Jacorey Barney, the Huskers run game has the opportunity to wear out the Illini defense.
The state of Nebraska has been itching for an opportunity of this caliber; a ranked on ranked matchup, nationally televised, under the lights at Memorial Stadium on a Friday night. The Huskers have a chance to prove they are more than ready to take on the newly reformed Big Ten.
Score Prediction: 45-20, Nebraska cruises.
