- Matchup: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Venue: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
- Broadcast: FOX
- Betting Odds: Fighting Illini (+4.5)
- Over/Under Total: 49.5
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The Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3) are set to travel to Gies Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 6, 2026, in hopes of defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-3). Nebraska enters this contest as 4.5-point favorites according to the oddsmakers, with the total set at 49.5.
This season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers carry a record of 5-3. In their previous game, they faced a tough loss against the Washington Huskies, finishing with a score of 17-10. The Cornhuskers were solid against the run, allowing just 32 yards on 19 attempts, which translates to an average of 1.7 yards per carry. However, they did concede 26 completions on 43 attempts, accumulating a total of 235 passing yards, reflecting a completion rate of 60.5%. Overall, Nebraska ran 74 plays, amassing a total of 387 yards, with their rushing game contributing 132 yards on 29 attempts, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
The Cornhuskers have accumulated 3,399 total yards throughout the season. In terms of scoring, they have notched 16 touchdowns through the air and 17 on the ground. They’ve turned the ball over to their opponents 7 times and chalked up 188 first downs. With 64 penalties costing them 555 yards, they average 186.6 rushing yards per game, placing them 36th nationally. In scoring, the Cornhuskers average an impressive 32.4 points per game.
Defensively, Nebraska ranks 14th in Division 1, allowing just 15.6 points per game (PPG). They permit an average of 3.1 rushing yards per attempt and 91.1 rushing yards per game, having yielded 729 rushing yards over the course of 8 games. In the passing game, they’ve surrendered 1,437 yards, positioning them 23rd nationally, allowing 179.6 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 54.8%. For the season, considering both rushing and passing, they’ve averaged 270.8 yards allowed per game, ranking 8th in the nation, conceding 8 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns.
The Illinois Fighting Illini also boast a 5-3 record this season. In their latest outing, they secured a narrow victory against the Maryland Terrapins, ending the game at 20-17. The Fighting Illini gathered an impressive total of 407 yards during the match, completing 65 plays at an average of 6.3 yards per play. Their ground game was effective, averaging 5.6 yards per carry for a total of 184 yards over 33 carries. Conversely, they granted their opposition 29 rushing attempts for 98 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, while their pass defense allowed a higher completion rate of 65.5%, with 190 yards conceded on 19 out of 29 attempts.
The Fighting Illini average 394.3 yards per game, ranking them 62nd nationally. This season, they have accumulated 279 penalty yards over 33 infractions, positioning them 134th in the nation for mistakes. Their rushing game yields an average of 164.3 yards per game, with a total of 1,314 rushing yards for the season. They have thrown 5 interceptions and lost 1 fumble, while achieving 172 first downs. In scoring, Illinois ranks 65th nationally with 29.0 points per game. So far, they have thrown for 1,840 yards, averaging 230.0 passing yards per game, placing them 67th in Division 1.
Defensively, Illinois has allowed 1,039 rushing yards (129.9 yards per game) and 11 rushing touchdowns this year. They also surrendered 12 passing touchdowns, averaging 240.8 passing yards per game, which ranks them 108th nationally. Overall, they’ve given up 194 points, with 3 fumbles recovered and 3 interceptions this season. The Fighting Illini have participated in 518 defensive plays, ranking 56th in Division 1, allowing an average of 24.3 points per game and placing them 66th in college football.
Who do you think will win tonight’s showdown between the Cornhuskers and the Fighting Illini against the spread?
Prediction: Choose the Fighting Illini +4.5
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