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Game On: Storylines, players and matchups to watch (plus a prediction) for Huskers vs. Illinois | Football



How the Blackshirts shut ’em down

1. Don’t bust. No defense is perfect in this regard, of course, but the Huskers had PSU pretty well bottled except for two busts in the running game and one blown coverage in the passing game. Three plays, 139 yards, directly accounting for the Nittany Lions’ only two touchdowns. Other than that, pretty darn good.

2. Account for the QB. Regardless of who plays for the Illini, Nebraska can’t let the quarterback run wild. It takes smart rush lanes and sure tackling, which NU wasn’t perfect at last week. But they look capable of it.

3. Start fast, stay fast. A year ago, Illinois’ Reggie Corbin ripped off a 66-yard TD run on the game’s second play. NU trailed 14-0 in the first seven minutes. That’s a recipe for a long day. Nebraska got stops on PSU’s first drive of each half last week. A repeat performance of that would do NU well.

4. Field position battle. Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander talked about complementary football this week, and it’s always important. If the offense sustains drives and the punting and kicking units have another solid day, Illinois will have to work for points. That’s the way you want it.



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