How Illinois Football can top the Nebraska Cornhuskers

Biggest Threat and Opportunity for Illinois Football vs The Huskers 

Friday night (9/20) is certainly going to be a huge test for the Illinois Football team. The Fighting Illini are 3-0 entering the first game of conference play, and looking to carry on their current streak of momentum.

Matt Rhule‘s squad is ranked 22nd entering Friday’s matchup with the undefeated Illini, and have not lost a game themselves. The Huskers have an explosive offense on the shoulders of their highly talented QB Dylan Raiola. The true freshman has weapons around him to succeed, and thus far, has lived up to the hype.

Can the Illini slip into a sold-out Nebraska Memorial Stadium, and steal away an upset on the road?  Here is their biggest threat, and opportunity to get the job done.

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

Nebraska’s Threat to Illinois

Nebraska’s defensive line is dominant, led by seniors Ty Robinson and Nash “The Polar Bear” Hutmacher. Of course, in addition to 2023 freshman All-American Cameron Lenhardt.

The talented group has only allowed an average of 70.3 rushing yards per game this season. That’s only 2.5 yards per carry allowed, through 3 games.  Currently, ranking the Huskers 16th in the nation in team rushing defense.

Thus far, its has been a struggle for Illinois Football on the interior offensive line. Kaden Feagin needs help, and if Illinois wants any chance of getting out of Lincoln with a huge win, they need to get the run game going inside. Furthermore, could this be the week we see anticipated sophomore Brandon Henderson get his shot? I trust Offensive Line coach Bart Miller will sort things out.

However, this Huskers D-Line is a problem.

An Opportunity For Illinois Football

Huskers QB Dylan Raiola is a very talented true freshman. The young gunslinger currently holds a 72.9 QBR, totaling 670 yards and 5 touchdowns, to 1 turnover on the year. However, he is still a freshman, and there is some walls Raiola will needs to hurdle in this game.

The Illini will be the best defense Dylan has faced thus far. In addition to the fact that this is going to be the Freshman’s first Big Ten game, at home, vs a ranked opponent. That’s certainly going to be a lot of spotlight for a young man to take on. Dylan’s a freshman, and undoubtedly, he will make freshman mistakes. It’s up to Illinois defense to put the pressure on the young quarterback, and capitalize.

Certainly, a big test for the Fighting Illini’s front 7. Will the defensive line win their battles to put pressure on Dylan, forcing errors? Or, could the Illini face the possibility of another 2020 Graham Mertz arrival game?

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