GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: The Illinois defense came up with two fumble recoveries last week against Minnesota, pushing their takeaway total to 17, tied for 23rd nationally. The Illini’s ability to force turnovers against true freshman quarterback Adrian Martinez and Nebraska’s fast-paced spread offense will be key against an attack gaining confidence. Martinez is a budding star who has been an efficient passer while being the team’s second-leading rusher (480 yards) to tailback Devine Ozigbo (796).
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Del’Shawn Phillips, a senior who arrived at Illinois last season from junior college, is the team’s only senior on defense. He had eight tackles last week, including 1.5 for loss. He appeared to score on a 63-yard fumble return last week against Minnesota, but the play was overturned on replay. Phillips has three interceptions this season and is tied for the team lead with 74 tackles.
ROSTER REPORT:
–RB Mike Epstein (60 carries, 411 yards this season), has missed the past two games because of right foot injury.
–RB Dre Brown, a junior, had a career-high 92 rushing yards against Minnesota, fueled by a 72-yard TD run.
–FS Tony Adams, a sophomore, made a career-high 10 tackles last week. He also broke up three passes and had a sack.
–OL Nick Allegretti has started 33 straight games.
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