Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 20th 2024

Stadium: Memorial Stadium Lincoln
Logo Illinois Fighting Illini
VS
Logo Nebraska Cornhuskers
46.5
OPENER
-8.5

45o -115
CURRENT
-9.5 -112

+307
MONEYLINE
-377

31
SCORE
24

Preview and Prediction

For the first time since October 2011, No. 22 Nebraska and No. 24 Illinois find themselves listed in the same Associated Press Top 25 poll. They will face off in a Big Ten opener on Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska to determine which team will remain in the rankings.

The Cornhuskers (3-0) are off to their strongest start since 2016, their most recent bowl season, while the Illini are 3-0 for the first time since 2011.

After breezing through their non-conference schedules, both teams will get a better understanding of their capabilities when they clash in front of Nebraska's 400th consecutive home sellout.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema, who has his team in the polls for just the second time in the last 13 years, commented on the rarity of two ranked teams facing off on a Friday night. He praised Nebraska's accomplishments thus far and encouraged his team to maintain their focus and mentality.

The Huskers have dominated in their three games, outscoring UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa by a combined score of 79-10 in the first half. However, head coach Matt Rhule remains unimpressed.

Rhule stated, "I think any time you don't punt in the game, you feel pretty good. So I felt pretty good about what we did Saturday offensively (against Northern Iowa). But that was all preseason to me. Now the season starts. We'll find out where we are. This will be such a different challenge playing against these guys."

The Illini enter Friday's game tied for second in the nation in turnover margin (+8) and tied for fifth in turnovers forced (9). Defensive back Xavier Scott has been a standout player with 3 interceptions and 4 forced turnovers in just three games.

However, the Illinois defense has yet to face a quarterback like Nebraska's Dylan Raiola. The five-star freshman has shown composure and accuracy, completing 73.8% of his passes for 670 yards, 5 touchdowns, and only 1 interception.

Bielema praised Raiola's skills, stating, "He brings a different element immediately. He's a very talented young man that's got a great deep ball throw. They maximize him pretty well. There's some things you can literally see him get better on every series just very impressive to see."

Rhule is eager to see how Raiola will handle the Illinois defense, which ranks 12th in the nation in pass efficiency defense. He noted the team's use of disguises and the challenge it presents for a young quarterback like Raiola.

On the other side of the ball, Bielema is looking for his rushing attack to be more consistent. While the Illini's running backs have been satisfactory, they have yet to face a defense like Nebraska's, which only allows 2.5 yards per carry and 70.3 rushing yards per game.

Bielema emphasized the importance of a strong running game in the Big Ten, stating, "If we're going to win in the Big Ten, we're going to have to run the ball in certain situations. I think the greatest definition of a team is a team that can run the ball effectively when they want to run it against good competition."

PREDICTION
Illinois Fighting Illini
17
26
Nebraska Cornhuskers

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Recap SEP 20TH 2024

Luke Altmyer's fourth touchdown pass of the night, a 4-yarder to Pat Bryant in overtime, led No. 13 Illinois to a 31-24 win over No. 22 Nebraska on Friday in Lincoln, Neb.

Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) started overtime with a 21-yard run by Kaden Feagin. Altmyer then connected with Bryant into the right corner of the end zone.

Nebraska (3-1, 0-1) began its overtime drive with a false-start penalty, and matters only grew worse for the Cornhuskers. Dylan Raiola took two sacks, completed a pass, then was sacked on fourth-and-29 to end the game.

Altmyer completed 21 of 27 passes for 215 yards. Bryant caught two touchdown passes among his five catches for 74 yards. Tanner Arkin and offensive lineman Brandon Henderson each had a red-zone TD reception, and Feagin led the Fighting Illini with 69 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Raiola wound up 23 of 35 for 284 yards with three touchdowns passes and one interception. Isaiah Neyor had four receptions for 90 yards and two scores, and Jahmal Banks hauled in seven passes for 81 yards. Dante Dowdell ran 20 times for 72 yards.

Both teams had chances to break a tie late in the fourth quarter.

The Cornhuskers' Ceyair Wright forced a fumble while sacking Altmyer with 8:24 remaining, and teammate Mikai Gbayor recovered at the Nebraska 38. The ensuing drive ended when Nebraska kicker John Hohl missed wide right on a 39-yard field-goal attempt.

The Fighting Illini were aided by a key play in the second quarter that was first called a Cornhuskers touchdown on the field. After a review, Torrie Cox Jr. had his arm between Neyor and the ball and stripped the ball away in the end zone, keeping possession with the lone interception for either team on the night.

Nebraska senior defensive back Tommi Hill left the game in the first half because of an apparent head injury.

It was a historic game for Nebraska despite the loss, as it was the school's NCAA-record 400th straight sellout.