Nebraska Football: Huskers vs Illini, An Early Look at Illinois

The Nebraska Football team will open up conference play with West Division foe, the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

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It is bad when a team finishes fifth in the West Division of the Big Ten Conference with a conference record of 3-5 last season, but it is down right embarrassing when a team is battling itself before the season has even begun. In case you have been living under a rock and did not know, there is some major controversy brewing not just with Illnois football, but with Illinois athletics as well.

Controversy in the program is nothing new for the Nebraska football. The last few years have been filled with controversy brought on by former head coach, Bo Pelini. Many thought Pelini was an embarrassment with his sideline tantrums, and were not convinced he would win against better opponents and get the Huskers the Big Ten title.

While many fans were angered by the release of the tape where Pelini showed little respect for the fans and boosters, daring the administration to fire him. Still though, fans believed in Pelini and were upset by his firing.

Illinois is now facing controversy of their own. This controversy is not like that which Husker fans went through, but for Illinois fans, there is much pain and more to come. Illinois has an Athletic Director who has fallen out of favor with fans and the media, and a women’s head basketball coach (as well as members of his staff) facing allegations of racism and forcing players to to play while injured.

As far at football goes, Illinois has a head coach – Tim Beckman – with a dismal record and poor recruiting track record. He’s now facing allegations of abuse by a former player.

It seems that former offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic has provided some detailed allegations of abuse he suffered under Beckman, and now players on the team are picking sides on whether they support Beckman or not. I guess the question we should ask is, will any of the above mentioned still be employed by the University of Illinois by the time Nebraska and Illinois meet in Champaign on October 3rd?

Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Tim Beckman in the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of controversy, and just want to see some good football games! So let’s take a look at what we can expect when the Huskers come calling.

The Huskers lead the series against Illinois 9-2-1. The only two victories for Illinois over the Huskers happened in 1923 (The Huskers defeated the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame that season) and 1924, and a 21 to 21 tie occurred in 1953. The last time the Huskers defeated Illinois was last season’s 45-14 victory, and honestly, the only thing exciting about that game was the Huskers alternate uniform.

Last season Illinois was able to put up 261 passing yards against the Huskers, but the Huskers will be facing a different QB this season who was plagued with injury for at least half the season last year. In the Illinois Spring Game, junior QB Wes Lunt threw for 236 yards against the second and lower strings, with a 65% completion percentage. Freshman hopeful running back Dre Brown suffered an ACL injury in spring practice, and number one wide receiver Mike Dudek also suffered an ACL injury and it is currently unclear if either will play against the Huskers.

As far as the defense goes, last season Illinois could not stop the Husker running game (458 total rushing yards) or the Husker passing game (166 total passing yards). I would expect the same this upcoming season as well.

With all the controversy surrounding Illinois right now and a divided team with athletes that quite frankly, do not compare to the Huskers, I imagine this game will be one of those blow outs and whatever Illinois fans are in the stands, it is doubtful they will stick it out until the end. Lots of in house questions for Illinois, but the Huskers should enter this game on solid ground. Go Big Red!

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