Three matchups to watch in Illinois-Nebraska

How about this matchup on Friday night.

No. 24 Illinois at No. 22 Nebraska under the lights at Memorial Stadium, good for the 400th consecutive sellout in Lincoln.

And it’s the FIRST time Illinois will play in a top-25 showdown since 2008.

Incredible stuff.

Let’s dive into a few matchups that you should keep an eye on both on and off the field at 7 p.m. on Fox.

Dylan Raiola vs. Illinois’ Entire Defense

The Patrick Mahomes lookalike under center for the Cornhuskers is the exact type of QB that Illinois seems to often struggle with. Arguably the top prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle, Raiola can make just about anything happen out of any play.

While he’s not the greatest scramble around (14 yards on 6 carries through three games), his arm strength is eye-popping, and he’s done a really nice job taking care of the ball early on his college career. And that’s exactly how he’s been since his days in high school, according to On3.

What Illinois can do to best slow down Raiola is find a way to force a couple turnovers, especially the Scotts in the defensive backfield. Raiola hasn’t really been tested by a great defense just yet (am I supposed to be impressed by beating Colorado and Northern Iowa?).

Illinois’ Luke Altmyer has been just as good at Raiola so far, and the Illini have faced much better defenses. Slow down Raiola, and you give yourself a great chance to win on Friday.

Illinois Moving the Ball vs. Nebraska’s Defense

This one isn’t too challenging. Can Illinois move the ball consistently against Nebraska’s defense?

So far this year, we haven’t really seen that be the case (minus Eastern Illinois). Against FBS defenses, the Illini are doing just enough to get by, but aren’t dominant in any facet of offense (Altmyer has had his moments with his two big wideouts, but the team’s running game is non-existent at times).

With Nebraska returning several key pieces from one of the nation’s top defenses in 2023, the Illini have to find a way to move the ball around, especially away from guys like safety Isaac Gifford, one of the best DBs in the country at knocking the ball down.

If Illinois settles for a bunch of first-down runs for two yards, Barry Lunney Jr.’s unit may be in for a long day.

Bret Bielema vs. Matt Rhule

There aren’t a ton of Big Ten coaches with legitimate NFL experience. This game will once again feature two of the guys who have spent a lot of time around The Shield.

First off, I want to share this tweet:

What is that group chat like??? Definitely a text thread I’d like to be a fly on the wall in.

Anywho, these guys certainly know each other very well, and they’re on the up-and-up when it comes to their programs in the new version of the Big Ten.

They each know what’s at stake, with a chance to improve to 4-0, and the Huskers got the best of the Illini last year in an ugly, ugly game in Champaign.

Can Bielema outsmart Rhule and find a way to get his guys to a W? It’s definitely the matchup I’m keeping my eye on this Friday night.