Nebraska football vs. Illinois: Odds, prediction and how to watch

Following its third win of the season, Nebraska football has a short turnaround — another thing we can thank Trev Alberts for.

Alberts was all in favor of Friday night games. He said Nebraska football would play anytime and as long as they were on TV, he was happy with it.

Still, I’m not a fan of Friday night college football and many Husker fans are right there with me. But this game is important I don’t even care. Nebraska football is 3-0 and ranked No. 22. Illinois is No. 24 and also 3-0. It’s the Big Ten opener and a chance for the Huskers to get their first ranked win in eight years.

As it turns out, this schedule with Rutgers, Illinois, and Indiana, ended up being more difficult than expected. 10-2 could get this team to the playoff and that feels realistic right now. Even more so if the Huskers can win on Friday night. So here’s how to watch, the odds, and a prediction for Nebraska vs. Illinois.

Nebraska football vs. Illinois odds

The Huskers are currently an 8.5-point favorite against Illinois according to DraftKings. The over/under is 43 and the money line for Nebraska is -325 and +260 for Illinois.

Nebraska fooball vs. Illinois how to watch

Kickoff: 7:00 CST

Where: Lincoln Memorial Stadium

TV: Fox

Radio: Huskers.com

Streaming: Fox Sports APP/FUBO TV

First look at Illinois, plus a prediction

This will be the most difficult test so far this season for Nebraska on both sides of the ball. Luke Atlmyer is playing really well at quarterback for the Fighting Illini and has six touchdown passes compared to zero interceptions. Illinois is rushing for 153 yards per game and passing for 225. They have also beaten a top-25 opponent with their win over Kansas two weeks ago.

Bret Bielema’s team is also playing well defensively. It’s a ball-hawking secondary with six interceptions in three games. Dylan Railola has thrown one in three games for the Huskers and that shouldn’t have been intercepted. The pass rush of Illinois has 4.5 sacks in three games, which should bode well for the Huskers.

The Fighting Illini also allow 4.2 (rushing) yards per carry. Yet, like Nebraska, they have allowed just eight points per game this season so two of the best scoring defenses will be on display.

As far as the early prediction against the spread: give me the Huskers again. Nebraska is 3-0 against the spread and I am 3-0 picking against the spread this season. So why not stick with what works?

Illinois will be forced to be one-dimensional and Altmyer will throw his first interception. Raiola will play a clean game and Nebraska will kick a few field goals in a 23-14 win.

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