The Corn Pickers from Nebraska for the first time since 2016 undefeated (3-0). Friday’s game against No. 24 Illinois will be the first ranked matchup between two teams on the Memorial Stadium for the first time in more than a decade. It’s the fourth straight night game to open the season for NU with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. CDT on FOX.

The HuskerMax And Nebraska Cornhuskers SI crew make their predictions. The average score is 28-15.

The closest prediction for Nebraska vs. Northern Iowa last week was by Austin Jacobsen with a 34-7 score forecast for the Huskers. That was just four points shy of the actual 34-3 final.

*Indicates what was closest to last week’s prediction and how many ‘wins’ have been achieved this season.

The Why

Austin Jacobsen (20-13 NOW): The Huskers have yet to play a game that required a full 60 minutes of execution. Illinois will keep it close all game, but I refuse to believe the Illini have improved enough offensively to warrant two touchdowns against the Blackshirts. Watch for Dylan Raiola to get chances to fight for big passing opportunities downfield. It will be close, but if Nebraska avoids giveaways, the Big Red will be in control all game.

Ted Stryker (24-10 NOW): The Huskers continue to rely on their defense as Dylan Raiola gains momentum.

Eric Hess (34-24 NOW): Nebraska starts fast again, but Illinois finds success on the ground to stay in the game until the 4th quarter. Nebraska ultimately has too many weapons for Illinois to keep up with and the Blackshirts get some big stops in the 4th quarter to prevent a comeback.

Josh Petersen (27-17 NOW): Nebraska’s defense continues to perform at a very high level, while Dylan Raiola and the Cornhuskers offense move the ball but have to settle for field goals. So basically what we’ve seen in the first three games of the season.

ThotDoc ​​​​(31-21 NOW): The scoring projection may seem a bit high considering NU hasn’t had a single game go over the total this year, but I think both teams have the firepower to score. The Huskers should fare better against the Illini’s 250 pound RB than they did against UNI’s 230 pound RB. I’m sure Tony White stressed that this week. Illinois also has a number of speedy receivers who can break a long one at some point in the game, but the home field night game scenario with Nebraska’s offensive weapons should help the Huskers get to 4-0.

Cole Stukenholtz (27-17 NOW): Huskers lead by 17 for much of the second half before Illinois scores late. Blackshirts control Illini offense, NU breaks right on turnovers and Raiola throws “did you see that?”

Middle school ball coach (24-16 NOW): It’s going to be brutally physical. Illinois is neck and neck in the first half, but they trade FGs for Nebraska’s TDs. Illinois’ explosive plays will mostly result in them getting into the Red Zone, but settling for FGs. Nebraska will control the second half, making the score look closer than it actually was.

David Max (31-17 NOW): Illinois will likely score the most points against the Huskers this season, but it won’t be enough.

Chris Fort (31-21 NOW): Luke Altmeyer and his reception team give Nebraska a scorching heat, but Tony White’s defense holds them off and the Huskers lead a raucous crowd to victory.

Find more predictions at HuskerMax.com.

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