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The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini will square off in a showdown between Big Ten programs on Friday. Not only are both teams 3-0 coming into this game, but it's a top-25 matchup with the Huskers ranked No. 22 and the Illini at No. 24 in the AP Top 25 poll.

Illinois is off to a strong start in 2024, and it already has a nice win over Kansas on its resume. Last week, the Fighting Illini took care of Central Michigan, 30-9, and quarterback Luke Altmyer turned in another clean performance. He completed 19 of his 29 passes for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Through his first three games of the season, Altmyer has connected on 69.2% of his throws for 647 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions. His relatively blemish-free start will be tested against a tough Nebraska defense this weekend.

In his second season on the job, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule seems to have things back on track in Lincoln. The Huskers are 3-0, and former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola is leading the way. In his first three career starts, Raiola has shown why he was so highly ranked, completing 73.8% of his throws for 670 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception.

As well as Raiola has played, the Huskers defense has been driving a lot of this early success too. They've allowed just 6.7 points and 255.3 yards per game thus far.

Where to watch Nebraska vs. Illinois

  • When: Friday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium -- Lincoln, Nebraska
  • TV: FOX
  • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
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Nebraska vs. Illinois spread, odds

In this conference-opener for both sides, Nebraska is a comfortable 9-point favorite against Illinois, according to the SportsLine consensus. The oddsmakers aren't expecting too many offensive fireworks with the over/under at 43.5 points.

Nebraska vs. Illinois series history

Nebraska owns a 14-6-1 record against Illinois in a series that dates back to 1892.

  • Oct. 6, 2023 -- Nebraska 20, Illinois 7
  • Oct. 29, 2022 -- Illinois 26, Nebraska 9
  • Aug. 28, 2021 -- Illinois 30, Nebraska 22
  • Nov. 21, 2020 -- Illinois 41, Nebraska 23
  • Sept. 21, 2019 -- Nebraska 42, Illinois 38