Illinois Football: 4 ways the Illini can beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 14: Devon Witherspoon #31 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates his interception against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with teammate Khalan Tolson #45, Jartavius Martin #21 and Nate Hobbs #8 during the fourth quarter at SHI Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 23-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

2. Turnover battle will be vital

I always put the slide that Illinois needs to win the turnover battle. Well, it applies to this game but I would say even more than usual.

The first slide of this article about containing Luke McCaffrey, yeah, I am not completely confident that is going to happen on Saturday. Illinois’ defense struggles against quarterbacks who can only pass the ball, let alone one who can both pass and run.

But there is one thing that can change the tides when the defense is getting shredded.

Turnovers.

In the game against Penn State, McCaffrey wasn’t terribly accurate and even threw an interception. This is where Illinois can make up some ground. I believe we are likely to get some big yardage put up on us this Saturday, but getting a couple of turnovers would end drives, keep points off the board and give the Illini a chance at putting up points.

Illinois’ defense started to turn things around in the turnover category last game. Rutgers threw three crucial interceptions to the Illini, which turned around the game. Illinois has a +0.2 turnover margin this season as well, which ranks No. 55 in the nation.

Will the Illini struggle against McCaffrey because he is so dynamic? The answer is, yes. The key to counterbalancing the yards Illinois will give up is via the turnover margin. Illinois needs to win the turnover battle on Saturday.

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