ESPN's Stanford Steve Predicts Illinois-Nebraska: A Cornhusker Upset Looms?
With the college football season in full swing, ESPN's resident hype man, Stanford Steve, is back with his signature energy and bold predictions. This week, Steve turned his attention to the Big Ten clash between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Illini, led by the electrifying running back duo of Chase Brown and Josh McCray, are coming off a surprising 9-4 season and a victory over the Cornhuskers in 2022. Illinois boasts a stout defense, led by the talented linebacker duo of Jake Hansen and Johnny Newton.
Nebraska, however, enters the game with a new head coach, Matt Rhule, who is trying to rebuild a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2016. The Cornhuskers have shown flashes of offensive potential with quarterback Jeff Sims, but they have struggled defensively.
Stanford Steve's Prediction
While many see the Illini as the favorites, Stanford Steve is siding with the Cornhuskers in this one. He believes the “fresh start” energy in Nebraska will be too much for Illinois to handle. Steve points to the struggles of the Illinois offense in Week 1 against Toledo, and the potential of the Cornhusker offense to exploit the Illini defense.
Will the Cornhuskers Pull Off the Upset?
Stanford Steve’s prediction is certainly an eyebrow-raiser. The Illini are a formidable opponent, and they have a significant edge in experience and consistency. However, the potential for Nebraska’s offense to light up the scoreboard, coupled with their potential for an emotional upset, could make for an exciting and unpredictable game.
Key Factors to Watch
- Illinois Offense vs. Nebraska Defense: Can the Illini running game exploit the Cornhusker defense? Can the Illinois passing attack find a rhythm against Nebraska’s secondary?
- Nebraska Offense vs. Illinois Defense: Will Sims be able to capitalize on the Illini’s lack of depth in the secondary? Can the Nebraska running game find room to operate against the Illini’s stout defensive line?
- The Rhule Factor: Can Matt Rhule instill a winning culture in Nebraska, and how will his players respond in this crucial game?
The Verdict
Stanford Steve’s prediction may be bold, but it’s not without merit. The potential for an upset in this game is high. This week, the Big Ten clash between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Nebraska Cornhuskers is one to watch closely, as a new chapter in the Nebraska program could begin with a statement win.
