After an “Embarrassing” loss, as Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema put it, Illinois Football once again finds themselves having a lot of pressure to improve as a unit. Former Illini Defensive Coordinator Ryan Walters, and his Purdue Boilermakers brought the energy to West Lafayette, and torched the Illini 44-19 in week 5.
With a ton of room to improve for the Illini, they now have to take on a short-week schedule, and prepare to battle the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday night (10/6), at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm on Fox Sports 1.
Matt Rhule and the Huskers are comfortably settled on the struggle bus as well, and find themselves at the same 2-3 record as the Illini. With losses to Colorado, Minnesota, and Michigan on the books, the Huskers certainly have not dropped a game to any punks. However, the struggles from the Cornhuskers Offense have been mighty, and the results have been poor thus far in 2023.
BREAKDOWN
Similar to Illinois, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are really struggling offensively. The Huskers come in at 120th nationally in points per game according to NCAA.com, and are relying heavily on the running back room to carry the majority of the load. The rushing attack averages 209 yards per game, and 5.5 yards per carry according ESPN, and for what its worth, that accounts for about 80% of the Nebraska offense. Stop the run game, you are gonna have a ballgame on your hands. One you should win at that.
Taking up the majority of the rushes on the 2023 season is Sophomore dual-threat QB Heinrich Haarberg. With 27o rushing yards on the season, and a 52% passing completion percentage, Haarberg certainly seems to have an easier time with his legs, than getting the job done through the air. Again, Nebraska does not have a bunch of bad losses, but they certainty don’t have any quality wins. Nebraska’s Haarberg led offense has struggled mightily against the likes of NIU and especially Louisiana Tech. The running attack was able to get the job done, but 28-14 wins over non-power five teams like La Tech certainly do not jump off the paper
The Offensive line for Nebraska is veteran group, that is pretty well a one-way street. Solid run blocking, of course, but the pass protection has been horrid, and has not given a young guy like Haarberg a chance. To give young man credit.
The receiver room for Nebraska is actually a pretty solid, yet under-targeted group. With some familiar names like Trinity Catholic (MO) graduate Marcus Washington, who has only seen 7 receptions on the season thus far, with 137 yards and no scores. The room is currently led by Billy Kemp IV, who has only 17 receptions, 193 yards, and a single score on the season. For reference, Illini WR Isaiah Williams has 446 yards on the season with 30 catches. Of course, Williams is a super talented WR, but being more heavily utilized is a major key to that success.
The Husker defense is having struggles of their own, and will be a good opportunity for Illinois to finally get some Offensive traction. Nebraska’s 3-3-5 defense has given up big points in 2023. 36 to struggling Colorado, 28 to Louisiana Tech, and 45 to the #2 Michigan Wolverines. Again, no slacks, but not what Nebraska needs when barely cracking over 300 yards per game, and fighting for a bowl game. Now, Illinois offense thus far has been a great opportunity for opposing defenses to gain momentum, and have great games vs the Illini. Silly turnovers and penalties are a major factor, but the Offense has certainly struggled to find “An Identity” as Bret Bielema put things.
Prediction
The Illini have made the 2023 season hard for their fans, and especially for themselves. However, I think the Illini are going to get the job done vs a Nebraska team that is in a lot of new transition, and frankly is struggling even harder than the Illini. Illinois Offense is not great, but the Huskers are a rushing only attack. When you cut the only offensive attack Nebraska has off, it’s all down hill from there. The Illini DL is a good unit vs the run game, and will key in heavy on Haarberg and RB Anthony Grant. The Offense has an opportunity to get some momentum going vs a Nebraska Defense that has struggles mightily, and give Altmyer a much needed confidence boost. Look for Isaiah Williams to get a lot of touches, as the Illini will look to finally find some kind of consistent identity.
ILLINI- 27 Nebraska 13
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