Nebraska football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions for 2023

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Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Quinton Newsome (6) recovers a fumble by Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports /

Michigan returns a lot — and I mean a lot — from its second straight Big Ten title team in 2022. The Wolverines bring back starting quarterback JJ McCarthy and its entire backfield of Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum. The offensive line, too, should be one of the nation’s best again.

Hosting the Wolverines should give Nebraska a fighter’s chance, but I don’t think the Cornhuskers have what it takes to beat the conference’s best team just yet.

This game may be interesting for a half, but that’s it.

Prediction: Loss (3-2, 0-2)

Illinois is hoping to compete for the Big Ten West crown for a second straight year under Bret Bielema and I like the Illini’s chances, especially with Luke Altmyer at quarterback. He came over from Ole Miss and he should be a nice upgrade at the position.

Chase Brown is gone, however, and Reggie Love III and Josh McCray will try to fill that void, but it won’t be easy.

I can see the Illini struggling a bit early on in this game, but they’ll find their rhythm in the second half and win by 7-10 points.

Prediction: Loss (3-3, 0-3)

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