Nebraska has shown some signs of getting better under coach Matt Rhule. They have played some good teams like Michigan and Colorado and they have held up well in those games. Illinois has been awful this season adjusting to a new QB and losing a lot of their defensive depth they had last season to the NFL. It has shown week in and week out. They only managed to beat a terrible FAU team and have lost their other games by large margins. This team is struggling and in this match up, Nebraska has the better coaching and defense. Nebraska seems to play better after a loss and they should be hungry for this win, despite it being a short week. Illinois has not covered the spread in any games this season. Take the points with Nebraska.

Nebraska after failing to cover the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games are 3-1 ATS in the last three seasons and 33-15 ATS since 1992. Nebraska off a home loss against a conference rival are 4-2 ATS in the last three seasons. Nebraska off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival are 2-0 ATS in the last three seasons. Illinois when playing with 6 or less days rest are 0-3 ATS this season. Illinois off a upset loss by 14 points or more as a favorite are 1-5 ATS since 1992. Illinois after 5 or more consecutive losses against the spread are 3-11 ATS since 1992. Illinois are 0-5 ATS this season.

Best bet: take the points with Nebraska.