Illinois Football: 3 Predictions for the Illini vs Nebraska

Predictions for Friday’s Matchup with Nebraska

Illinois Football is 24 hours from a highly anticipated matchup with the no. 22 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Impressively, 85,000+ Huskers fans have sold out Memorial Stadium for a 400th consecutive home game. In addition, it’s the first-ranked matchup to be played in Lincoln since 2013.  Therefore, the 24th-ranked Fighting Illini will have to be at their best, in a rowdy sea of red.

It’s certainly not going to be easy. However, the Illini have proven themselves to be gritty, and pull off wins in the face of pressure. Here’s what we could see over the course of Illinois’ first test on the road.

Oct 6, 2023; Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The first Score From Zakhari Franklin

I am going to keep calling this until it happens.

Franklin is an extremely reliable, and versatile target for QB Luke Altmyer. You can almost guarantee that when Luke needs a big play, or needs to move the chains, #4 is going to be in consideration. He’s really hard for corners to cover because of his freakish athleticism, and ability to run really crisp routes. I believe Barry Lunney Jr. has kept designs and packages in his back pocket, that will enable Zakhari some favorable looks. Nebraska would be a great game for the Illini to get creative, and find ways to get Franklin some shots at the endzone.

Illinois Run Game Improves

Kaden Feagin is certainly a between-the-tackles runner, and thus far, his protection has not provided the push necessary to get the big man rolling.

Freshman Ca’lil Valentine has provided a nice burst of speed for the Illini on the edge. Furthermore, helping Illinois run the game gets rolling at times. However, the Illini have just not been able to play Bielema ball with their power backs.

Undoubtedly, there’s a change coming in Bart Miller’s unit. Whether it’s improvement, or, personnel changes, something has to give eventually. If Illinois O-line has a poor first-half showing on Friday, I believe we could see Brandon Henderson or Hunter Whitenack get their shot.  Regardless, there will be a burst of improvement. I believe the Illini know they have to be able to establish a run game to win.

That’s a tall task when facing the Cornhuskers 16th ranked rushing defense, on the road. However, the Illini will be Nebraska’s toughest challenge to date, overall.

Illinois Football Moves to 4-0

There’s a lot of pressure for freshman Dylan Raiola to ball out against a pretty darn good Illini defense. The name of the game for Illinois Football will be making the true freshman uncomfortable. Despite being highly talented, Raiola is certainly going to have rookie mistakes. Therefore, Illinois will be in position to rattle the Huskers offense.

If momentum flips the Illini’s way, I trust Illinois staff, and Junior QB Luke Altmyer to get the job done.

Prediction: Illinois 27 – Nebraska 24

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