CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Fighting Illini football travels to Lincoln, Nebraska to challenge the #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers Friday night at 7 p.m. Both teams have started the season 3-0, and this is the first time either team has played a conference opponent this season. Illinois hit the AP Poll #24 this week, and the undefeated squads will meet up at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium.
The Cornhuskers opened their season with wins against UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa. Illinois handed loses to Central Michigan, Kansas, and Eastern Illinois. In their 2023 meeting, Nebraska beat Illinois 20-7 in Champaign, also in Friday night play.
Illini coach Bret Bielema said his players look – and sound – ready for this important match up. “The fact that we’re both ranked, that kicks up the excitement and energy in our guys. You can see it in practice and hear it in team meetings and the locker room.”