- What: NCAA Football Regular Season Game
- When: Friday, September 20
- Who: Illinois vs. Nebraska
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
Two undefeated Big Ten teams will compete in an exciting matchup in Lincoln, Nebraska, this Friday night. The Nebraska Cornhuskers will host the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Illinois
Illinois won’t be an easy opponent. The Illini are 3-0 and put on an impressive performance by defeating Kansas 23-17 as 5-point underdogs at home. However, Kansas’ recent loss to UNLV at home has somewhat diminished the impact of Illinois’ victory.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been a key player for Illinois, compensating for the team’s struggles in the running game, which has averaged only 3.4 yards per carry in three games.
No matter the time, no matter the field. #Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/MGLAyLQaSo
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) September 20, 2024
Altmyer will play his first road game of the season at Memorial Stadium in what is expected to be a challenging atmosphere.
Despite its experience, the Illini defense is missing key players in the interior line, such as star defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, who has moved on to the NFL.
Even in their win against Kansas, the Jayhawks gained 186 yards at 5.6 yards per carry against the Illini defense.
Nebraska
Dylan Raiola has been the driving force behind the Nebraska offense this year. He boasts an impressive 73.8 percent completion rate, having completed 59 of 80 passes, and has thrown 5 touchdown passes. Raiola has only been sacked once and intercepted once so far this season.
Isaiah Neyor has emerged as Raiola’s top target, with 12 receptions for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jahmal Baks has also been a reliable option, recording 7 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown.
Game Day: 400th Sellout Edition
????: Illinois
????: Memorial Stadium
⌚️: 7:00pm CT
????: FOX
????: @HuskersRadio + @SIRIUSXM pic.twitter.com/dG4SEEQ8eh— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) September 20, 2024
On the defensive side, Nebraska has been formidable, ranking ninth in the nation in points allowed per game and tenth in yards allowed per game.
They have excelled against the run, ranking first in the nation, but have faced challenges against the pass, ranking 83rd.
Malcolm Hartzog has been a standout performer, registering a pass defense and 2 interceptions. Overall, the Nebraska defense has secured 4 interceptions and recovered a fumble.
Fighting Illini-Cornhuskers Best Bet
Illinois is not only 3-0 in its games, but it has also covered the spread each time. Its defense has been strong, with the under hitting in all 3 games. Nebraska has also been impressive, going 3-0 against the spread with the under hitting in all 3 games.
This feels like an ugly, low-scoring game to me. I’m expecting each team to lean on the run game here and with the spread at 9 points, I’d rather target the total.
I’m seeing 42 to 42.5 in the market right now and I’d take the under. Both teams don’t score very much and this could easily be a 21-13 type game.
Will UNLV pull off the upset against the Jayhawks in Kansas City?
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
