Illinois Football: Can Illini turn it around against Nebraska in Week 4?

Showdown vs. Nebraska will determine direction of 2019 season

After defeating Akron and then Connecticut on the road, losing on a last second field goal to Eastern Michigan doesn’t jump out and say, “Illinois football is back!”

However, they have played fairly well expect for a quarter or two and they have played well in all facets of the game with strong offensive, defensive and special team performances. The Fighting Illini do have upperclassman leadership in  senior linebacker Dele Harding, senior running back Dre Brown, junior wide receiver Ricky Smalling, junior defensive back Nate Hobbs, junior linebacker Jake Hansen and junior place kicker James McCourt.

However, they will be tested when they host the Cornhuskers on Sept. 21.

Nebraska has had a roller-coaster of a season thus far with a letdown loss to Colorado in overtime on the road. The Cornhuskers are talented especially on offense but Illinois offense can put points on the board against the less experienced Nebraska defense.

If Peters can outperform Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez, which will not be an easy task, the Fighting Illini can make a big statement in their quest to a successful season.

It’s a long season but expectations are rising in Champaign and fans are ready to fill Memorial Stadium for the Big Ten battle against Nebraska even after the heartbreaking loss to Eastern Michigan. Lovie Smith now has more doubters after the loss to Eastern Michigan but he looks to prove them wrong and it starts will defeating the Cornhuskers at home.