The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) on Friday, September 20th. This game will be played at Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE) in Lincoln and televised on FOX. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Kickoff is set for 8:00 ET.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
Illinois Offense Breakdown
Illinois’ offense was led by quarterback Luke Altmyer in their 30-9 win, as he threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns while completing 65.5% of his passes. Pat Bryant was his top target, catching seven passes for 102 yards.
The Illini’s offense totaled 379 yards, with 137 yards coming on the ground. Josh McCray was the leading rusher, gaining 54 yards on eight carries. Illinois’ offense picked up 20 first downs and scored two touchdowns through the air.
Nebraska Offense Breakdown
Quarterback Dylan Raiola had a strong performance for Nebraska, completing 73.9% of his passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Jaylen Lloyd for 59 yards, the team’s leading receiver. The Cornhuskers’ offense totaled 423 yards, with 281 yards coming through the air.
Nebraska’s ground game was effective, gaining 142 yards on 22 carries and scoring two rushing touchdowns. Dante Dowdell led the team in rushing, averaging 9.2 yards per carry on 55 yards.
Illinois Team Defense
Illinois’ defense will be looking to tighten up after giving up 309 yards to Central Michigan in their last game. The Illini allowed 142 rushing yards and 167 passing yards, but they managed to keep Central Michigan out of the end zone on the ground and through the air. Illinois’ defense did come up with one interception in the game.
Illinois Team Defense
Nebraska’s defense will be looking to improve against the run after giving up 145 yards on the ground to Northern Iowa. However, the Cornhuskers did hold their opponent to just three points and 307 total yards. In the passing game, Nebraska allowed 162 yards on 16 completions, but they did come up with one interception.
Illinois vs Nebraska Trends
- In their last ten games away from home, the Illinois Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 7-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 24 points per game in these contests.
- Through their last ten home contests, the Nebraska Cornhuskers offense has averaged 18 points per game while allowing an average of 24. Nebraska posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 4-5 ATS.
- As the betting underdog, the Illinois Fighting Illini have an ATS record of 4-1 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 3-2.
- The Nebraska Cornhuskers have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
Fighting Illini vs Cornhuskers Prediction
Our projection for this Illinois vs. Nebraska matchup is a 31-17 win for Illinois. With Illinois coming in as +9.5 point underdogs, we like their chances to not only cover the spread but to win the game outright.
For the over/under, the line is set at 43.5 points, and with our projected score of 48 points, we recommend taking the over as the best play.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:September 17, 2024 Illinois Fighting Illini, Nebraska Cornhuskers