The Associated Press
Illinois (3-1, 0-0 Big Ten) at No. 21 Nebraska (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten), 9 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Line: Nebraska by 20.
Series Record: Nebraska leads 8-2-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Nebraska can afford no slip-up before next week’s showdown at Michigan State. The Cornhuskers learned their lesson about looking past an opponent when they narrowly beat FCS McNeese State. Illinois is good enough offensively to hold their attention even though it has won only three Big Ten games since 2011. The Illini haven’t beaten a road opponent with a winning record since 2010.
KEY MATCHUP
Illinois running backs and tight ends vs. Nebraska linebackers. QB Wes Lunt makes good use of his checkdowns, and his throws to Josh Ferguson, Donovonn Young, Matt LaCosse and Jon Davis figure to be a big part of the game plan. The Huskers’ middle linebackers were exposed against Miami, and Nebraska probably will be without Buck linebacker David Santos because of injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Illinois: Lunt has been as good as Illinois hoped after his transfer from Oklahoma State. He’s already thrown for more than 1,200 yards and a Big Ten-leading 11 touchdowns. His numbers are the best in program history for a quarterback who’s made four starts.
Nebraska: RB Ameer Abdullah is coming off a 35-carry, 229-yard game against Miami, and with Michigan State coming up next week, it’ll be interesting to see how long he’ll stay in the game. Abdullah has established himself as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender, and he’s capable of putting up another big number against the Illini.
FACTS & FIGURES
Nebraska will wear all-red alternate uniforms with a large “N” on the chest. … Illinois LB Earnest Thomas won’t have to sit out after being ejected for targeting last week against Texas State. The Big Ten overruled the call. … Illinois WR Geronimo Allison has practiced this week after sitting out last week with a hyperextended knee. … Illinois probably will have a new kicker in David Reisner, who replaced Taylor Zalewski last week. Zalewski is 1 for 3 on field goals, missed an extra point and has put two kickoffs out of bounds. … Abdullah needs 279 yards to pass Ahman Green as Nebraska’s No. 2 all-time rusher and 1,179 to pass career leader Mike Rozier.
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