Game To Watch: Nebraska at Illinois: August 28, 2021

Nebraska and Illinois open their season in Champaign this Saturday at 1:00 EST. Nebraska is entering the fourth season of the Scott Frost era, but has not had a .500 or better season during his tenure. Illinois is kicking off Bret Bielema’s tenure after hiring the former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach this past off season. Both teams will look to get their 2021 campaign started on the right foot this Saturday.

Recent History

Nebraska and Illinois have played one another 17 times with the Cornhuskers winning 13 of those contests. Since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, they hold a 6 – 2 record against the Fighting Illini. Illinois won last year’s match-up 41 – 23 in a game where they intercepted Luke McCaffrey three times and also recovered two Nebraska fumbles.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Can Illinois’ Defense Contain Adrian Martinez?

Adrian Martinez has seen his share of ups and downs at Nebraska. He was a top 150 recruit in the 2018 class, but has battled injuries and struggled with turnovers. When Martinez is at his best he is an accurate passer and dangerous runner, giving defenses plenty to prepare for. For Nebraska to finally have a winning season under Scott Frost, Martinez has to have a big year in 2021. Illinois’ defense is led by star linebacker Jake Hansen, he accounted for 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles forced in eight games last year. He is an instinctive linebacker who has a knack for making big plays and will test if Martinez is over his turnover issues. Another key player in the effort to contain Martinez will be defensive end, Owen Carney Jr. He tallied 5 sacks in 2020 and will be responsible for pressuring and containing Martinez. If Illinois is able to contain Martinez, Nebraska will be in a heap of trouble Saturday.

Who Will Emerge at WR for Nebraska?

Nebraska lost do it all weapon Wandale Robinson who led the team in receiving yards last season. The Cornhuskers have a good tight end in Austin Allen and a capable running attack, but will need receivers to emerge on the outside. There are four players to keep an eye on at receiver that could breakout in 2021. Omar Manning is a physically impressive receiver at 6’4″ 225 lbs and was one of the best Juco recruits in 2020, but only played in one game last season. He has the physical tools to be a dominant receiver on the perimeter. Nebraska’s 2020 recruiting class also included Alante Brown and Zavier Betts, who as a true freshman made some contributions and could see a big increase in production with more playing time. The Cornhuskers have also added two transfer receivers to the roster. Samori Toure was a star at Montana, while Oliver Martin is a former four star recruit who has transferred twice already. There are talented options on the roster and Saturday will be the first chance to see who could become a star in 2021.

Can Bielema Return to his Winning Ways in the Big Ten?

Though Bret Bielema did not fare too well at Arkansas, he was very successful during his tenure at Wisconsin. Illinois is betting that a return to the Big Ten will be good for Bielema and he will be able to regain the success he had at Wisconsin. There are a few factors working in Bielema’s favor to start his tenure at Illinois. First, he has a veteran Quarterback in Brandon Peters who has proven he can make plays at this level and can manage the game for the offense. Chase Brown showed the potential to be a star at running back and will likely thrive in Bielema’s run oriented offense. He will be running behind a veteran offensive line that includes three senior starters and two graduate transfers. Daniel Barker provides a play-action threat at tight end that will keep the defense honest. With a strong running game and a veteran quarterback, Bielema has a chance to use the same formula he used during his tenure at Wisconsin. Saturday will be the first chance to see if that will work in 2021.

Prediction

Season openers are exciting because of the unknowns and the possibilities a new season brings. Nebraska has a strong defense with a good defensive line and play-makers in the back seven. They will make it difficult for Illinois to score without making big plays in the passing game. Meanwhile, Nebraska’s offense has big play potential with Martinez. Expect Manning to make some big plays at receiver and start a breakout 2021 campaign while leading Nebraska to a big season opening win. Nebraska 31 Illinois 21.

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File:Memorial Stadium Champaign 2011 image taken by Strikerforce is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.