Illinois Football: 5 keys to beating the Nebraska Cornhuskers

5. Defensive

The Nebraska Cornhuskers do not have a good offense. This is why the defensive line needs to have a good game and possibly shut out this Nebraska team. I think there is a possibility of having that happen as well.

The defensive line will, hopefully, be able to shut down the Nebraska running attack. They worry me slightly, though, because against South Florida, the Illini gave up 376 yards on the ground including three 100-yard rushers. That is really bad and they can’t have that against Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers rushing attack isn’t nearly what the Bulls rushing attack was, though. Nebraska ranks No. 79 in the nation in rushing offense averaging 154 yards per game on the ground. Jamal Milan and company should have an easier time with this team.

Nebraska’s passing attack isn’t much better. They rank No. 72 in the nation in passing offense averaging 224.5 yards per game through the air. That means the Illini cornerbacks should have an easier time with this passing attack compared to two weekends ago.

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Illinois has a good defense but they were just worn out last game because the offense couldn’t sustain drives. This weekend should be different, though. Don’t be surprised if the defense holds Nebraska to under 10 points.