Illinois (3-0-0) at Nebraska (3-0-0)
- When: Sep 20 2024, 8:00 PM
- Where: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
- Where to watch: FOX
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Illinois (#24) @ Nebraska (#22)
Moneyline
Illinois (#24) +270
Nebraska (#22) -340
Illinois (#24) @ Nebraska (#22)
Point Spread
Illinois (#24) 7.5 (-105)
Nebraska (#22) -7.5 (-115)
Illinois (#24) @ Nebraska (#22)
Total
Over 42.0 (-120)
Under 42.0 (EVEN)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Passing Team Leaders:
Illinois: Luke Altmyer 647 Yds
Nebraska: Dylan Raiola 670 Yds
Team Stats
| Illinois | Nebraska | |
| 3-0 | Record | 3-0 |
| 0-0 | Away & Home | 3-0 |
| 2-0-1 | ATS | 3-0-0 |
| 0-3-0 | O/U | 0-3-0 |
Last Matchup:
Nebraska 20-7, October 6th, 2023
Game Preview
For the first time since October 2011, No. 22 Nebraska and No. 24 Illinois are both featured in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. They will face off in a Big Ten opener on Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska, with the stakes high for both teams to maintain their rankings.
The Cornhuskers (3-0) are enjoying their best start since 2016, the last year they went to a bowl, while the Illini are also 3-0 for the first time in 13 years.
After navigating their non-conference schedules with ease, both squads will gain a clearer understanding of their capabilities when they clash in front of a crowd at Nebraska’s 400th consecutive home sellout.
“It’s a bit rare to have two ranked teams playing on a Friday night,” said Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, whose team is in the rankings for just the second time in over a decade. “It doesn’t happen often, so being part of this is fantastic. I commend their team for what they’ve achieved so far. I’ve told our players to keep their focus and mentality intact and see where it takes us.”
The Huskers have recorded three lopsided wins, leading at halftime against UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa with a combined score of 79-10. However, head coach Matt Rhule isn’t fully satisfied yet.
“When you don’t punt during a game, that usually feels positive,” Rhule remarked. “So, I felt good about our offensive performance against Northern Iowa. But to me, that was just the preseason. Now the real season begins. We’ll discover our true position, and this matchup poses a completely different challenge.”
Illinois enters the game ranked second nationally in turnover margin (+8) and fifth in turnovers forced (9). Defensive back Xavier Scott is among four FBS players with at least three interceptions in three games and has created four turnovers overall.
However, Scott and his teammates have yet to face a quarterback of Nebraska’s caliber in Dylan Raiola. Even when pressured, the five-star freshman has remained composed, completing 73.8% of his passes for 670 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception.
“He brings a unique element to the game,” Bielema noted. “He’s a talented player with a strong deep ball. They utilize him effectively. You can see him improving with each series, which is impressive.”
Rhule is eager to see how Raiola responds to an Illinois defense that ranks 12th nationally in pass efficiency defense, boasting an 87.98 rating compared to Raiola’s impressive 162.22.
“They’ve changed a lot in their approach,” Rhule said, highlighting how second-year defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has implemented more deceptive strategies this season. “They might show man coverage but switch to Cover 2, or vice versa. A young quarterback needs to recognize these shifts instantly. They excel at taking the ball away.”
Conversely, Bielema is looking for more consistency from his rushing offense. While the Illini’s running backs have averaged 153.3 yards per game, they haven’t encountered a defense like Nebraska’s, which allows only 2.5 yards per carry and 70.3 rushing yards per game.
“To succeed in the Big Ten, we must run the ball effectively in critical situations,” Bielema emphasized. “A true definition of a team is one that can run the ball successfully when it matters against tough competition.”
NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Nebraska 22-17
The Pick: Illinois +7½ (-105) & Under 42 (+100)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $390
- NCAAF Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
