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Illinois Football: 5 keys to beating the Nebraska Cornhuskers

By Rees Woodcock

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith winces as he watches the South Florida Bulls score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith winces as he watches the South Florida Bulls score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Chayce Crouch
PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Chayce Crouch /

1. Quarterback

I just put quarterback in for a key player because you never know what will happen with this position. Chayce Crouch is going to start but we all witnessed at halftime against South Florida that he has a short leash in each game.

This is one area Illinois can attack this Nebraska defense as well. The Cornhuskers rank No. 97 in the nation in pass defense allowing 258.5 yards per game through the air. I am shocked they are this low on the list and that is why Illinois needs to be able to utilize the passing attack more often this week.

Through three games this season, Crouch has been less than impressive. He only has a completion rate of 51.6-percent and he has thrown 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. A part of this bad production is due to the offensive line but you can’t blame them for everything. He has thrown some really bad passes this season.

I did like what I saw out of Jeff George Jr. against South Florida, though. He was 12-of-22 for 211 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He wasn’t afraid to throw the ball and that is what the Illini need to help open up the running game.

Crouch is starting the game against Nebraska but no matter who plays in this game at quarterback, they need to be on-point. Illinois needs the passing game to work against the Cornhuskers to come out victorious.

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