Illinois football is off to a great start in 2024, going 3-0 and earning a top-25 victory in week two when they took down the Kansas Jayhawks at home. The Illini are ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll, the fifth week total they’ve been ranked under head coach Bret Bielema.
In a film study segment about Nebraska with former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, Big Ten Network analyst Greg DiNardo gave Illinois and Bielema their props ahead of their matchup in Lincoln this weekend.
“400th sellout {at Memorial Stadium} when Illinois goes to Nebraska,” DiNardo said. “They’re both undefeated; I think this is Illinois’ most complete Bret Bielema team.”
A matchup to watch in this one will be the Nebraska defensive line vs. the Illinois offensive line. The Cornhuskers are tied for third in the Big Ten in sacks with nine, but they will certainly be tested against a very talented Illinois offensive line with an efficient run game behind it.
This game will be the first time two Top 25 teams from the Big Ten meet this season. With Nebraska looking like it’s finally back, it will be challenging for Bielema’s team to enter what should be a hostile environment at Memorial Stadium.