| #17 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1, 6-1) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-2, 3-4) |
| 3:30 - Lincoln, NE - ABC |
| Just like we all predicted going into the season this is a critical matchup between two teams needing a win for different reasons. One team needing a win to stay in the driver's seat in the Big Ten West, while the other is trying to scrap towards bowl eligibility. We just had the teams flipped. With a win Bret Bielema likely gets Illinois to its highest AP Poll ranking since they were #13 to end the 2007 regular season; and their first 7 game win streak since 2001. This is certainly rarified air for the Illinois program. Nebraska has been playing better as of late, but, based on composite computer rankings, the Huskers' best opponent was #33 Oklahoma. They lost that game 49-14. Illinois is ranked 15 spots higher, at #18. One spot below Texas, who absolutely murdered said Oklahoma team. And as we know, the transitive property in college football is undefeated. Has Nebraska's improved play been due to moving away from the Scott Frost era, or simply an easier schedule? The main problem for Nebraska has been on offense, and they showed some life in a loss two weeks ago at Purdue. Are they turning a corner on that side of the ball? Their best offensive performance to date, heading right into a bye week to build, is needed against an Illinois defense, which, in Big Ten play is #1 in scoring, #2 in total, #1 in rushing, #2 in passing. Of particular concern is that Nebraska is 2nd, behind (ahead?) of only Minnesota, in interceptions thrown rate; while Illinois leads the Big Ten in interceptions caused rate. That's a risk Nebraska might have to live with though, because their more open passing game last week, opened up the running lanes a little bit more. Nobody is running on Illinois though, and the Illini seem to be playing better each week. |
| ILLINOIS 31, NEBRASKA 14 |
#17 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1, 6-1) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-2, 3-4) 3:30 - Lincoln, NE - ABC Has Nebraska's improved play been due to moving away from the Scott Frost era, or simply an easier schedule? ILLINOIS 31, NEBRASKA 14
Illinois is a one minute 37 second miracle drive by Indiana's Conner Bazelak from being undefeated. Still trying to wrap my head around Illinois being that good.it was only a matter of time before Bert got that ship turned around. He’s a good coach and the B1G West is a cupcake compared to his old division of the SEC West. I don’t think it’s surprising he’s made them good- it’s surprising how fast he’s done it. Bert has Illinois 2 years ahead of schedule imo.
it was only a matter of time before Bert got that ship turned around. He’s a good coach and the B1G West is a cupcake compared to his old division of the SEC West. I don’t think it’s surprising he’s made them good- it’s surprising how fast he’s done it. Bert has Illinois 2 years ahead of schedule imo.I wonder if he'd entertain "bigger" jobs.
I wonder if he'd entertain "bigger" jobs.If Notre Dame joined the ACC...bet he could crush it there. Freeman ain't gonna last long there.
At the time Bert left UW, he was in a division with OSU and PSU.Would Wisconsin take him back?
I could def seeing him leaving though. But he'll just be a lot smarter about where he decides to go this time and not be a fkn dumbass and leave an easy job to go to an impossible job.I wouldn't give him this much credit
I see this game and just think it has to be Nebbie 63 Illinois 9Throwaway line in a grocery store romance novel. The male lead wakes up from a long coma, and the first way he realizes how long he's been asleep for, is that Nebraska is an underdog at home to Illinois
Illinois is a one minute 37 second miracle drive by Indiana's Conner Bazelak from being undefeated. Still trying to wrap my head around Illinois being that good.Illinois is better than last season. They are not all that good.
It would be fun to view your posts the past few years on the subject of Brett Beliema. That said, I don't blame you. He would be a simple fix to some of Nebraska's problems.
I wouldn't give him this much credit
stupid is as stupid does
but, I'd welcome him in Lincoln
(https://scontent.ffod1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/312975757_940262813615040_1475788485697947495_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=YdulKVyLyG8AX8Q9ghV&tn=ccBjQEmUF77eXHDq&_nc_ht=scontent.ffod1-1.fna&oh=00_AfABJk-A6HBJzbAoDiZYAQmM9H2oarU-uywMyCziZcCB5g&oe=635F580A)I look at this and see two big Nebraska problem areas: (1) turnover margin, and (2) Nebraska continues to think it is in the Big 12 where defense doesn't matter.
Bert's gonna be at the center of a bidding war betweenFixed.Wisconsin,Nebraska and Iowa.
That's almost as good as his win percentage vs Wisconsin.0.50 vs. UW.
not a good matchup for Nebraska at all here. I don't see this one being close.I'm going to the golf course
Bert's gonna be at the center of a bidding war betweenand AuburnWisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa.
and AuburnDid they pull the trigger?
and AuburnNow that's just ridiculous.
Did they pull the trigger?don't know
and AuburnI think Auburn is waiting out the season which in any event is lost for them. Also ...
I think Auburn is waiting out the season which in any event is lost for them. Also ...They can still give St Nick an early Christmas Gift
When Nebraska joined the Big Ten, did anyone think Illinois would win 3 total games against Nebraska, let alone 3 straight?Bo would have given Bert a game yesterday