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Nebraska Football: 3 bold predictions for Huskers vs Illinois

By Chris Peterson

Nov 27, 2020; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2020; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nebraska football opens the season against Illinois on Saturday and here are three predictions for the Huskers in Week zero. 

The season-opening game between Nebraska football and Illinois won’t be played in Ireland, but it’s still going to be exciting all the same.

You don’t usually open the season with a conference matchup, especially one within the Big Ten West Division. And for Scott Frost and the Huskers, this is a massive game.

For Illinois, it’s important too and it’s the debut of head coach Bret Bielema. Yet, Bielema isn’t on the hot seat. It’s his debut game and beating Nebraska would be a nice feather in his cap as he tries to rebuild the Fighting Illini.

Frost has been trying to rebuild Nebraska football for three years now and in his first 32 games as head coach, he’s won just 12. With the recent reports of possible NCAA violations (a possible way to get out of buyout), the seat is hotter than ever.

A loss to Illinois wouldn’t help that either. Nebraska has double-digit starters returning on defense, an experienced quarterback, and a fourth-year head coach. This is a game the Huskers simply have to win. And here are three bold predictions.

Adrian Martinez goes off

While Adrian Martinez didn’t start last season against Illinois, he’s got a history of going off against the Illini. Even last season, he was 3-for-4 for 43 yards and a score.

Prior to that, in two starts against Illinois, the Nebraska quarterback completed 67 percent of his throws, averaged 309 yards per game and six touchdown passes. He has seven total and with a slew of playmakers surrounding him, Martinez is going to go off again.

Samori Toure, the Montana transfer is going to have a breakout season. Oliver Martin, Omar Manning, and Zavier Betts also give Martinez plenty of weapons, along with tight end Austin Allen.

Not only will Martinez throw for 300 yards again on Saturday, he’ll avoid the turnover bug and also add a rushing touchdown for good measure.

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