Huskers One Man Down for Top-25 Matchup Against Illinois

Nebraska Prepares for Big Ten Clash Despite Injury Blow

Martinez Out, Smothers Steps In

The Nebraska Cornhuskers will be without starting quarterback Adrian Martinez when they take on the No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday. Martinez suffered a knee injury in the Huskers' loss to Purdue last week, and he is expected to miss multiple games. Redshirt freshman Logan Smothers will start in Martinez's absence. Smothers has appeared in three games this season, completing 10 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. He also has rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown.

The Huskers will need Smothers to play well if they want to upset the Illini. Illinois is coming off a bye week, and they are looking to improve to 6-1 on the season. The Fighting Illini have a strong defense, led by linebacker Tarique Barnes. Barnes has 42 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks this season. They also have a talented offense, led by quarterback Tommy DeVito. DeVito has thrown for 1,382 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions this season.

The Huskers will need to play their best game of the season if they want to beat the Illini. Despite the loss of Martinez, the Huskers still have a talented team. They have a strong running game, led by running back Anthony Grant. Grant has rushed for 537 yards and six touchdowns this season. They also have a solid defense, led by linebacker Nick Henrich. Henrich has 41 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks this season.

Keys to the Game

* Nebraska must protect the football. The Huskers have turned the ball over 10 times this season, which is tied for the most in the Big Ten. They cannot afford to give the ball away against a good Illinois defense. * Nebraska must run the ball effectively. The Huskers have a strong running game, and they need to use it to keep the Illinois defense honest. If they can run the ball well, they will be able to open up the passing game for Smothers. * Nebraska must get pressure on Tommy DeVito. DeVito is a good quarterback, but he is not invincible. The Huskers need to get pressure on him and force him into making mistakes. If they can do that, they will have a good chance of winning the game.

Prediction

This is a tough game to predict, but I think the Huskers have a chance to win if they play their best game. The Illini are a good team, but the Huskers have a lot of talent. If Smothers can play well and the Huskers can protect the football, they will have a good chance of pulling off the upset. Final Score: Nebraska 24, Illinois 21