Nebraska opens Big Ten Conference play on Saturday night, taking on Illinois in a West Division matchup. The Huskers will head into conference action with a perfect 4-0 record, marking the third time in seven seasons under Bo Pelini Nebraska completed non-league play unbeaten.
Illinois comes into the game with a 3-1 record following a come-from-behind 42-35 victory over Texas State on Saturday in Champaign. The Illini feature a high-powered offensive attack as they average 429.8 yards per game,including 321.5 yards passing per contest. This marks the second of four consecutive seasons in which Nebraska will open Big Ten play against Illinois. It also marks the second straight year NU has hosted Illinois on Homecoming.
For more on our opponents, check out Husker Mike's review and Brian's Q&A.
Date/Time: September 27, 2014, 8:00 p.m. CDT
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska. Capacity: 87,000
Surface: FieldTurf
Series Record: Nebraska holds an 8-2-1 edge in the series between the two schools, including a 39-19 victory in Lincoln last season in the first meeting as Big Ten opponents. Saturday’s matchup will be just the fourth meeting since 1953. Nebraska holds a 6-1 edge in games played in Lincoln.
TV: BTN Kevin Kugler, Play-by-Play; Chuck Long, Analyst; Rebecca Haarlow, Sidelines.
If you are not sure how to find BTN on your cable or satellite provider, use their handy channel finder.
Radio: Huskers sports radio network with Greg Sharpe, Play-by-Play, Matt Davison, Analyst, Lane Grindle, Sidelines.
Also Check out Paul's article on Tune In for another streaming option to get the HSN.
Special Events: Homecoming, 125th Season of NU Football Celebration, Adidas alternate uniforms
Weather: After reaching a high of 80 degrees, it should cool to around 72 by kickoff. Wind will be around 8 mph. It should be a gorgeous night for football.
Odds: Nebraska is favored by 21.5 points