Illinois Football: Three keys to victory against Nebraska

1. Doug Kramer returns to lead a solid offensive line

Illinois football is experienced in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Fighting Illini have all seniors and graduates on the offensive line, and the only player on Illinois’ front seven that is not an upperclassman is defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton. However, he’s been in the program for two years.

That, coupled with the fact that Nebraska is not very good in the trenches, should give Illinois an advantage. The Fighting Illini could make up for their lack of elite perimeter players with solid offensive line play.

If the offensive line finds a rhythm against Nebraska, that could limit possessions for the ‘Huskers. Scott Frost and his offense want to play fast and possess the ball as much as possible. Bielema, on the other hand, wants to run the ball and grind out possessions.

Defensively, Illinois wants to get a good push up front to disrupt the timing on the zone read the Cornhuskers want to run with Adrian Martinez. Interior linemen Roderick Perry and Jer’Zhan Newton are expected to eat blocks and take double teams, allowing the linebackers to make plays.

Illinois has some obvious holes on their roster. The Fighting Illini are not dynamic at the receiver (Isaiah Williams is not proven), and there are questions about the defense’s back end. However, if Illinois can dominate the trenches, that can cover many of their weaknesses.