(Lincoln, NE) — Its the first battle of ranked opponents in Lincoln, Nebraska since 2013 as #22 Nebraska hosts #24 Illinois tonight. Both programs have been in decline in recent years but both teams have been revitalized this year and are off to 3-0 starts. Nebraska is having its best start since 2016 and the Illini are having their best start since 2011. The Huskers are coming off a dominating 34-3 win over Northern Iowa but there were things to build on according to Head Coach Matt Rhule
Illinois has wins over Eastern Illinois, 19th ranked Kansas and Central Michigan — the Illini have only allowed 26 points in their first three games and Rhule knows that a Bret Bielema coached team always is ready to play tough
Nebraska has played well in their non conference games and they won them all but Rhule knows his team must kick it up a notch tonight
Both teams are 3-0, kickoff at 7 pm, it will be televised by Fox.