LINCOLN, Nebraska – Rising programs in the Big Ten collide as the No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers host the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini today – Friday, Sept. 20 – at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. This NCAA football game is available on multiple streaming services for free.
The matchup will broadcast live on FOX at 8 p.m. Eastern. (7 p.m. Central). Fans without cable can catch the game at no cost via FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer free trials. FuboTV is offering a special $30 discount off your first month too.
Another option is SlingTV, which has promotional offers for new customers.
Guided by head coach Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers (3-0) continue to roll through the season with a beaming confidence that this year is different.
The revival is spearheaded by five-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who continues to grow into his own. Raiola has notched 670 yards and five touchdowns while giving up one interception. He has a 73.8% completion percentage.
Sophomore running back and Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell has tallied 31 carries for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Emmett Johnson, senior Rahmir Johnson and junior Gabe Ervin have combined for 244 yards and three touchdowns.
Allowing just 20 points all season, the defense has been a consistent strength. After terrorizing Colorado two weeks ago, the Cornhuskers smothered Northern Iowa 34-3. That’s even when the Panthers had a 38:07-21:53 time of possession advantage.
The Cornhuskers secondary will be tested in this one. They have relinquished two touchdowns thus far this season. The defense is allowing just 6.7 points per game while garnering nine sacks and five turnovers.
Nebraska finished their nonconference schedule without a loss for the first time since 2016.
It’s the first game between two ranked opponents at Memorial Stadium in over a decade. Nebraska has lost their last 12 matchups against ranked opponents. The historic venue will be celebrating its 400th consecutive sellout.
Watch Nebraska vs. Illinois on FuboTV for free
The Fighting Illini (3-0) are off to a strong campaign in Bret Bielema’s fourth year at the helm. It’s their first 3-0 start since 2011 and the first time in 16 years they get to be part of a ranked vs. ranked matchup. They have a key road win against No. 19 Kansas under their belt and are coming off a victory over Central Michigan last week.
Like Nebraska, Illinois is dreaming big, especially with the playoff doors widening. But a meaty Big Ten schedule will provide a dose of reality.
It all comes as somewhat of a surprise after the Fighting Illinois lost a boatload of talent, including three of its four leading receivers and Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Jer’Zhan Newton.
The Fighting Illinois are led by junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has amassed 648 yards and six touchdowns with a 68% completion rate. He averages 8.1 yards per pass and can fly out of the pocket when needed.
His favorite target, senior Pat Bryant, has hauled in 235 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 15.7 yards per reception. Ole Miss senior transfer Zakhari Franklin has 16 receptions for 193 yards.
The ground game is guided by sophomore Kaden Feagin, who has taken over the reins with 42 carries for 173 yards and three touchdowns. The offensive line is bolstered by three returning starters, including senior Zy Crisler and junior Josh Gesky.
In total, the offense is averaging 32.7 points per game.
Defensively, the Fighting Illini have only allowed two touchdowns in three games. They have also forced nine turnovers in that span, which is the second-most in the Big Ten. They allow a stingy 8.7 points per game.
Junior linebacker Dylan Rosiek, last year’s leading tackler, has 14 tackles and a forced fumble. Senior defensive lineman and Florida State transfer Dennis Briggs Jr. has tallied 13 tackles and three tackles for loss.
Junior defensive backs Miles Scott and Xavier Scott have snatched a combined five interceptions in three games.
It’s the second consecutive year these two teams will play each other on Friday night. The Cornhuskers snapped a three-game losing streak to the Fighting Illini last year. Nebraska has been no stranger to the solo spotlight, tallying five Friday night conference games since 2017.
Nebraska leads the all-time series 14-6-1.
Watch Nebraska vs. Illinois for free on DirecTV Stream
Who is announcing Nebraska vs. Illinois?
Tim Brando (play-by-play) and Devin Gardner (analyst) will be the announcers while Josh Sims reports from the sidelines.
What are the latest odds for Nebraska vs. Illinois?
Spread: NEB: (-8), Ill: (+8)
Moneyline: NEB: (-325), Ill: (+260)
Point total: 43
Here’s more information on how to watch this game on TV and streaming services.
What: College football: Nebraska vs. Illinois
When: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central)
Where: Memorial Stadium | Lincoln, Nebraska
Channel: FOX
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $30 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV ($10 off first month)
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios
