Illinois Football: Preview of the Nebraska Cornhuskers Offense
Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Illinois football team takes on the Nebraska Cornhuskers this weekend in what is a critical must-win to save the season.
With the Illinois Fighting Illini season on the line, the defense is going to be challenged with a solid Nebraska offense.
Here is what the Illini defense will be facing on Saturday.
Quarterback: Tommy Armstrong Jr. (931 yards, 56.6 Comp%, 8 TD, 1 INT)
The quarterback position for the Nebraska Cornhuskers is arguably their strongest positon on offense.
Tommy Armstrong Jr. has led this team to an undefeated record so far this year through four games. He has thrown for almost 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Armstrong is also dangerous with his feet. He has 281 yards and 4 touchdowns this season on the ground. That is the definition of a duel-threat quarterback.
There are a few ways to beat Armstrong, though. Illinois needs to load the box and make him beat us with his arm.
The wild inaccuracies haven’t bit Armstrong this season but one time. But, if Illinois can put pressure on him and stop the run this game could go in their favor.
Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Devine Ozigbo (22) scores a touchdown against Oregon Ducks linebacker Jimmie Swain (18) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Running Game: Devine Ozigbo (66 carries, 283 yards, 4 TD); Armstrong Jr. (52 carries, 281 yards, 4 TD); Terrell Newby (32 carries, 187 yards, 1 TD)
Nebraska has a very dynamic running game. There really isn’t one person you have to fear most in this backfield because, really, you have to keep an eye on all of them.
Devine Ozigbo leads the backfield right now with 66 carries for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns. He isn’t an overly fast running back but he is big and has a lot of power.
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Last season against Illinois, Ozigbo carried the ball 7 times for 70 yards and a touchdown. This can’t happen on Saturday or the Illini will lose.
There has to be a dedication to stopping the run for Illinois. This can prevent Nebraska from scoring because I think their main focus is the running game.
Illinois also has to keep an eye on Armstrong in the running game. If they let him get loose then it could be game over for the Illini as well.
Armstrong is a quick quarterback that can really cause chaos. The defensive ends need to keep contain and the linebackers better have a quarterback spy.
Illinois also needs to switch things up a bit and possibly bring a safety or cornerback blitz every once in a while to throw this offense for a loop.
Nov 14, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (1) returns Rutgers Scarlet Knights punt during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Wide Receivers: Alonzo Moore (12 rec, 310 yards, 2 TD); Jordan Westerkamp (9 rec, 163 yards, 4 touchdowns); Cethan Carter (9 rec, 99 yards, 1 TD)
Illinois will be facing a solid group of wide receivers on Saturday. But, the Illini might be getting a break as wide receiver Alonzo Moore is doubtful for the game.
That would eliminate the top wide receiver for the Cornhuskers. Jordan Westerkamp would then step up into that role.
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Westerkamp has been one of the best wide receivers for Nebraska the last few seasons. Last year he finished with 918 yards receiving.
This season Westerkamp has started off a little slow but that probably has to do with Armstrong’s inaccuracies.
Illinois needs to keep tabs on Westerkamp. He has NFL hands and will catch just about anything that comes toward him.
Cethan Carter is another weapon that Nebraska likes to use. He is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound, tight end that is just a beast of a player.
Carter has good hands and enough speed to be dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Armstrong dump a lot of passes off to him in the middle of the field.
Illinois needs to be prepared for a Nebraska team that has momentum on their side. They have some talented players and the Illini need to focus on shutting down the run.