As Nebraska moves up and Illinois enter poll, 400th straight sellout set to be ranked matchup

The 400th straight sellout at Memorial Stadium will be a matchup between two ranked teams.

Nebraska, ranked last week for the first time since 2019, moved from No. 23 to No. 22 in the Associated Press while Illinois, off to a 3-0 start like NU, entered this week’s poll at No. 24.

So Huskers-Illini — set for Fox’s Friday night telecast — becomes the first Nebraska home game between two AP-ranked teams since 2013, when the Huskers, ranked 23rd, lost 41-21 to No. 16 UCLA.

Nebraska is No. 22 in the Coaches poll as well, while Illinois is 26th, the first team out of the Top 25 rankings.

NU is 3-0 for the first time since 2016, with a notable win over Colorado. Illinois is 3-0 for the first time since 2011 and has a win over previously-ranked Kansas. Early betting lines have listed Nebraska as a 10-point favorite.

The Huskers and Illini are two of seven Big Ten teams ranked in the AP poll. Ohio State (No. 3) leads the way among league members, followed by Oregon (No. 9), Penn State (No. 10), USC (No. 11), Michigan (No. 18), NU and Illinois. Iowa and Indiana also received votes.

Texas is the new No. 1 in the AP poll, eclipsing Georgia, which escaped with a 13-12 win at Kentucky. UGA remained No. 1 in the Coaches poll.