Illinois football has a handful of games left on the 2026 schedule, and Nebraska is the next big opponent.
A bowl game is still very much a possibility for the Illini. In fact, this game against Nebraska is a major indicator if either team will go bowling at season’s end.
Illinois is entering the game with good vibes, having won their last three contests. The Cornhuskers can’t say the same. They have now dropped three in a row, and they can’t figure things out offensively.
Final odds for Illinois football vs. Nebraska
Odds provided by DraftKings Sports
Spread
- Illinois +4.5 (-112)
- Nebraska -4.5 (-108)
Moneyline
- Illinois +164
- Nebraska -198
Total
- Over 50.5 points (-105)
- Under 50.5 points (-115)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Everything hinges on the Illinois football defense continuing the strong play against Nebraska
If this game were to take place just four weeks ago, I would say Nebraska is going to put up a massive number. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, though.
Illinois parted ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck just four games into the season, and since then, the Illini have played a much better brand of defense.
One day after the drubbing against Ohio State, Hauck was out at Illinois. In the first four games with him as the defensive coordinator, the Illini were allowing 32 points per game against FBS opponents.
Since his departure, the Illini defense has tightened up. We are only allowing 22 points per game in the four contests since Hauck was ousted, and this includes the last two weeks of giving up 10 points and 17 points against Oregon and Maryland, respectively.
The Nebraska game hinges on whether or not the Illinois defense is for real. I think over the last four weeks, we have seen a change for the positive.
Nebraska’s offense has hit a roadblock, too. In the last three games, they have scored a total of 41 points. Their running game has been held in check, and this has stalled the Cornhuskers’ offense greatly.
The Illinois defense was giving up 171.7 yards per game on the ground through four games. That ranked No. 95 in the country. Over the last four weeks, Illinois has improved that number and now averages giving up 144.3 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 59 in the country.
Over the last three weeks, the Illini have only allowed 135.0 yards per game on the ground. This is a great improvement, and it is one that will ultimately doom Nebraska.
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