Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for Illinois vs. Nebraska

So far, it is been fun to cheer for these two teams.

For the first time since 2016, Nebraska is 3-0, but it is been a smooth run. Yes, that includes their win over Colorado.

It is a good team, the defense is great, and Dylan Raiola is a great young quarterback to build around.

As a sports fan, it can be really fun when your team starts to do well.

Illinois is also 3-0. They beat Central Michigan easily last week and beat Kansas well at home to start the season. What a big moment this is for the Illini. They have to go to Penn State next, then Michigan, and then Oregon before November.

Illinois vs Nebraska Preview

Illinois vs Nebraska How to Watch
Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
Game Time: 8:0 pm ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
How to Watch: FOX
Nebraska (3-0), Illinois (3-0)

Why Illinois Will Win

They have not played a team that can run the ball yet.

Even though Northern Iowa tried, they were only able to gain 3.6 yards per run on average because they are an FCS team. They can not run, and UTEP is UTEP.

It was pretty good when Illinois threw it, but Kansas sacked it too quickly. It will start hitting the Huskers right away, though.

Their mistake last year was that they ran the ball 19 times against Nebraska, which was the fewest of the season. They lost 20–7. This time, the goal is to hit something over and over again until it breaks.

One more important thing is that the Huskers have not been hit by the turnover monster yet. They have been much more careful with the ball, in part because they did not have to risk anything. In the first three games, Illinois has had eight more turnovers than opponents.

Why Nebraska Will Win

Yeah, that Illinois running the ball might not be able to do it.

The plan to change things up a bit is likely to stick. Letting veteran Luke Altmyer throw and run the offense in key moments has been too easy. The kid on the other side will be faster than him.

Raiola has done a great job. He is been taking charge of the whole program, which is WAY too much for a rookie to undertake.

He completes 74% of his passes, throwing five touchdowns and one interception. The Huskers’ care for their star player also helps.

So far, Nebraska has only given up one sack and 12 tackles for loss. There has not been enough push into the backfield for Illinois to make a difference—the stops for loss are not happening often enough.

Illinois vs Nebraska: Who Will Win

Nebraska needs a big “Prove It” factor, and Illinois will give it to them.

The Huskers will have to get rough for the first time all season. Also, it is the first time they will have to deal with a bad backup.

Illinois really knows how to bring a big-time attitude to the road, even when it does not need to. It will push the Huskers for all four quarters, with two takeaways to help. Just wait; the Illini will put more pressure on Raiola.

But this Husker team will not back down when it matters like other teams have.