Five Reasons Nebraska Will Win: Illinois

Now that the Huskers have won their first game of the season, it’s time to keep the wins rolling.

This Saturday against Illinois the Huskers are going to extend that streak to two and these are the reasons why.

The Fighting Illini’s defense has been pretty dismal this year. Their pass defense is ranked last in the Big Ten giving up an average of 277 yards per game. They are also ranked 13th in total defense.

This is the most opportune time for the Husker offense to strike. The last three games they have played solid defenses and this is the time to capitalize. The offense is going to get their spark.

Nebraska’s offense is very young. Redshirt Freshman Luke McCaffrey is leading the charge, and he is surrounded by young, but inexperienced talent. The more games that this offense gets under their belt, the better they are going to get.This is the week that we will see the explosive offense that we’ve been waiting for.

Look for more plays like this from the Husker offense:

and this from Zavier Betts:

Illinois has not had the same starting quarterback for any game this season. COVID-19 sidelined their starting Quarterback, Brandon Peters after their first game of the year. This will be his first game back.

Having different quarterbacks in each game of the season makes it hard for a team to find it’s rhythm. Nebraska’s defense is going to be able put up a strong showing against this Illinois offense.

While Illinois has some good receivers in Josh Imatorbhebhe, Daniel Barker, and Brian Hightower, Nebraska’s secondary proved last week that they are up for the challenge. Penn State’s Jahan Dotson averaged 130 receiving yards per game coming into the game last week, he was held to just two receptions of 27 yards. Cam Taylor-Britt and Dicaprio Bootle kept him well covered.

The Nebraska secondary came up big in many ways last week, Taylor-Britt’s interception, Deontai Williams’ strip, scoop, and score, and some key pass break ups at the end were all highlights of last week’s game.

Just in case you forgot:

Nebraska’s defense has shown that they are a solid unit this season. While they have the challenge of preparing for more than one quarterback, the intensity that they play with is going to help them pull out a victory.

Last week there were four Huskers with at least 10 tackles. That was the first time in 13 years that Nebraska has had four players with double-digit tackles. This is a sign of good things to come for this defense.

I know I did this last year, but it’s just what I have to do. My husband is from Illinois and only cheers for them when they are playing Nebraska. My kids are getting old enough where they can chose their alliance and I’m starting to get nervous that they are going to feel sorry for their dad and go to the dark side.

HE. MUST LOSE.