Earlier this season, it looked like Nebraska and Illinois could both make some noise in the Big Ten West. Nebraska has a lot of talent in Mike Riley’s first season, but the Huskers haven’t put it all together. They’re 2-2, with a Hail Mary loss to BYU and a road loss to Miami. Respectable losses? Sure. But the defense has been disappointing and the offense has been inconsistent.
How to watch Nebraska vs. Illinois on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Can the Huskers or Illini get back on track?
Illinois has had issues, too. The Illini were impressive in their first two games against Kent State and Western Illinois, winning by a combined score of 96-3. However, we eventually learned that Illinois looked impressive because those were Kent State and Western Illinois. The Illini were blown out in their next game, falling 48-14 at North Carolina, and they limped to 3-1 after Middle Tennessee missed a potential game-winning field goal.
As it stands, neither of these teams has a lot to be optimistic about, and right now, they’re both behind Wisconsin, Iowa and Northwestern in the Big Ten West hierarchy, at least in terms of perception. Neither can afford to lose this game.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 4 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network [Moved to this time due to Big Ten’s Hurricane Joaquin adjustments elsewhere]
Online streaming: BTN2GO
Spread: Nebraska is favored by 7.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Corn Nation for Nebraska fans and The Champaign Room for Illinois fans.
Three big things to know
1. Both of these defenses have really struggled against quality competition. The offenses should be fine, but whichever defense plays the best might end up winning. That’s frightening for both teams.
2. Tommy Armstrong (Nebraska) and West Lunt (Illinois) have both been better than their teams have been. Can one of them take over this game? Whichever quarterback performs will need a performance from his defense, as well, but a great day from either Armstrong or Lunt could make the difference.
3. Neither of these teams look like Big Ten West contenders right now, and for them to get there, this game is a must-win.
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