Nebraska +7.5 2.2% play
I think this is nice spot for Nebraska who seemed to get a nice bump after their bye a few weeks ago, and here are getting another bye, meanwhile Illinois in a flat spot after 3 weeks in a row against tough opponents, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, where they were dogs in 2 of the 3. This is also Illinois 3rd road game of the year, and they lost earlier against Indiana, the same team that Nebraska just beat 35-21 after their last bye. I would argue that Illinois defense will finally be tested as Nebraska has some play makers that could give this defense fits starting with one of the best graded WR in the nation Trey Palmer. While Illinois ranks 1st in qb pass defense they have faced the following passing offenses 101, 118, 119, 16, 121, and 76. Nebraska checks in at #48, and is home for this game.
I still can’t completely trust and believe in Illinois QB, Tommy Devito, and Illinois ranks 100th in % of possessions ending in TO. They are an easier offense to prepare for on extra prep and that’s what Nebraska has here. Well over 65% of the tickets and money are on Illinois here this week, but I like their chances to be in this game throughout as Illinois is in a new role, as a ranked team playing on the road as a significant favorite, a role I don’t recall they have been in for a decade or more.
