ILL +6.5

(+100)

Illinois demolished Nebraska 41-23 in Lincoln last year so they'll enter this game with a lot of confidence. The transfer of Luke McCaffrey puts Adrian Martinez in complete control of the offense for the Huskers which could help the improve from their ranking of 102 last year in scoring, or it could hurt. That's the problem here because there are some significant unknowns. The Illini need to show marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball after surrendering an average of 34.9 points per game (97th nationally). Offensively the Fighting Illini pounded Nebraska's defense for 285 yards and four touchdowns on the ground last year and that's where they'll start this year as well. I look for Illinois to control the clock in this one and keep it tight through out.