Last week, the Nebraska Cornhuskers suffered a sobering blowout loss against the Michigan Wolverines. Meanwhile, the inconsistent Illinois Fighting Illini traveled to meet the Purdue Boilermakers. At the same time, Illinois was routed in a demoralizing College Football odds loss. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are making modest steps towards improvement under new head coach Matt Rhule. The Huskers are coming off the best possible measurement of where they stand against the best powers of the sport. This matchup could make or break each team’s bowl aspirations.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, October 6, 2023, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL |
| TV Coverage: | FS1 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | +3½ -110 | 44½ -110 | +150 |  |
| Illinois | -3½ -110 | 44½ -110 | -180 | |
| ||||
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Overview
Last game, the Nebraska Cornhuskers lost 45-7 against the Michigan Wolverines as 17.5-point home dogs. The game went over the online betting total of 40. Nebraska has a record of 2-3 straight up, 2-3 against the spread, and 2-3 over/under the total. Nebraska ranks 95th for total offense, 127th for passing, 15th for rushing, and 122nd for scoring. Defensively, they rank 37th overall, 85th against the pass, 15th against the rush, and 60th for points allowed. Also, Nebraska ranks 123rd for fewest turnovers lost and 89th for takeaways.
Nebraska had scored in 344 straight games since 1996. Finally, they ended Michigan’s shutout bid when Joshua Fleeks ran 74 yards for a touchdown with 4:17 left. The Huskers, who came in as the top rushing team in the Big Ten, were held to a season-low 106 yards on the ground. As a result, the Huskers have lost 23 in a row against Top 25 opponents since 2016.
Linebacker Luke Reimer was injured last week but was expected to play. However, he was taken to a hospital Saturday morning when he began experiencing pain at the team hotel. Rhule was not updated on his condition or whether he remained hospitalized Saturday night.
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Overview
Last game, the Illinois Fighting Illini lost 44-19 against the Purdue Boilermakers as 1-point road dogs. The game went over a total of 53.5. Illinois has a record of 2-3 straight up, 0-5 against the spread, and 2-2-1 over/under the total. Illinois ranks 71st for total offense, 58th for passing, 85th for rushing, and 105th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 113th overall, 88th against the pass, 110th against the rush, and 103rd for points allowed. Also, Illinois ranks 110th for fewest turnovers lost and 91st for takeaways.
Hudson Card threw two touchdown passes. Meanwhile, Devin Mockobee, Dylan Downing, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. all had TD runs. Purdue used a 21-point third-quarter scoring flurry to pull away from Illinois. Illinois’ misery in this series continued as Bret Bielema lost for the third consecutive year in his tenure with the Illini. Correlate that things turned quickly in what was a strange and, at times, ugly contest.
In sum, Illinois QB Luke Altmyer finished 16 of 25 with 202 yards and one TD. Isaiah Williams caught six passes for 113 yards. Josh McCray ran for one TD. Overall, Illinois had too many miscues. Consider nine penalties, five sacks allowed, three fumbles, and 1 of 13 on third down. That combination is always a recipe for disaster. Thus, the losses will continue if the Illini can’t find some fixes fast.
Nebraska at Illinois SBG Free Picks
Specifically, Nebraska will offer more College Football odds value as the road team in an equal matchup.
Nebraska at Illinois SBG Best Bet: Nebraska Cornhuskers.