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For the third time this season, the Nebraska football team is opening as a 21 or more point favorite over an opponent.
It’s not exactly a surprise that the Huskers would be big favorites over the Fighting Illini. The Cornhuskers are currently ranked 15th in the country and are 4-0 to start the year. The Illini, on the other hand, are just 1-2 to start the year.
Those who are looking to bet the house on the Huskers to cover, especially considering they are 3-0-1 against the spread, should know a few things. Despite their poor record, Illinois’ defense has actually been fairly decent.
So far this year, the team is currently ranked 40th in the country in total defense. That’s about 10 spots better than Nebraska, which is currently ranked 50th in the country in total defense. Of course, Illinois hasn’t played an offense the caliber of Oregon (12th in the country).
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Offense is what really sets the two teams apart and is likely why the Huskers are showing a -21 spread. While Nebraska is currently ranked 30th in the country in total offense (22nd in rushing offense) the Illini have had all kinds of problems moving the ball.
Illinois is currently ranked a woeful 92nd in the nation in total offense. The Illini are basically really bad at moving the ball, no matter which way they are trying to do it. They don’t have much of a running game, nor do they have a real impressive passing game.
Defense being the name of the game shouldn’t be a real surprise considering new head coach Lovie Smith is well known for his defensive prowess. That could become a problem for a Nebraska football team that has faced nothing but bad defenses so far this year. Northwestern is the best defense the Huskers have faced and is ranked 94th in the country.
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