Game Preview: Huskers vs. Huskies – Spotlight on Memorial Stadium’s 100th Anniversary

Nebraska Takes on Northern Illinois in Season Home Opener

Date & Time: September 16, 2023 | 6 PM CT
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
TV: FS1 (Jeff Levering, Mark Helfrich)
Radio: Husker Radio Network (Greg Sharpe, Damon Benning, Jessica Coody)
Online: Huskers.com, Official Huskers App

Team Snapshots

Huskers:

• Record: 0-2, 0-1 in Big Ten
• Last Game: Lost to No. 22 Colorado 36-14
• Ranking: Unranked
• Head Coach: Matt Rhule
• Career/NU Record: 47-45 (8th Year) / 0-2 (1st Year)
• Against Northern Illinois: 0-0

Huskies:

• Record: 1-1, 0-0 in MAC
• Last Game: Lost to Southern Illinois 14-11
• Ranking: Unranked
• Head Coach: Thomas Hammock
• Career/NIU Record: 18-28 (5th Year)
• Against Nebraska: 0-1

A Closer Look at the Matchup

After kicking off the season with two away games, the Huskers are set to host Northern Illinois for their home opener this Saturday. With the kickoff slated for just past 6 p.m. CT, fans can catch the action live on FS1 or listen in on the Husker Radio Network and the official Huskers App.

This season’s home opener holds a special significance; it marks the start of a celebration for Memorial Stadium’s 100th anniversary. Since its inauguration in 1923, Nebraska has won nearly 75% of home games at this historic venue, boasting a 77-19-4 record in home openers alone.

Coming off a 36-14 defeat against No. 22 Colorado last Saturday, the Huskers are eager to turn the tide. The game against the Buffaloes saw Nebraska keeping pace until late in the first half, when Colorado capitalized on Husker turnovers to pull ahead.

Northern Illinois comes into the game with a 1-1 record, having recently lost a narrow 14-11 match against Southern Illinois. Turnovers proved to be the Achilles’ heel for the Huskies as well, ending the game with a -3 turnover margin.

Series Highlights: Nebraska vs. Northern Illinois

• All-Time Series: Nebraska leads 3-1
• At Memorial Stadium: Nebraska leads 3-1
• Last Match: Nebraska won 44-8 in 2019
• Winning Streak: Nebraska, 1 game

Key Stats and Milestones

• This will be the fifth meeting between Nebraska and Northern Illinois, with all games being played at Memorial Stadium.
• The Husker defense recorded eight sacks against Colorado last weekend, the most since the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game.
• Nebraska is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium throughout the 2023 home season.

Huskers in Home Openers & Night Games

Nebraska opens its home slate later than usual this year, the latest since September 19, 1981, if we exclude the altered 2020 COVID-19 season. Historically strong in home openers, the Huskers have won 35 of their last 37 at Memorial Stadium.

As for night games, Nebraska excels under the Memorial Stadium lights, posting a 49-10 all-time home record in evening kickoffs. The Huskers have secured victories in their last 12 night games against non-conference opponents.

As both teams look to bounce back from their respective losses, this Saturday’s matchup promises to be an enthralling affair, accentuated by the celebration of a century-old football haven.