As No. 22 Nebraska prepares to face No. 24 Illinois in a pivotal Big Ten opener, both teams enter the matchup undefeated, marking a significant moment as they both appear in the AP Top 25 for the first time in over a decade. Nebraska, under first-year head coach Matt Rhule, boasts a strong start with a 3-0 record, while Illinois has also achieved a 3-0 mark, their best start since 2011. The game will test Nebraska's efficient running game against Illinois' opportunistic defense, which has forced nine turnovers in three games. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola of Nebraska has shown poise but will face a challenging defense, while Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has demonstrated mobility and improved performance. The stakes are high as both teams aim to secure their place in the national rankings after a successful non-conference run. The matchup is set against the backdrop of Nebraska's remarkable home crowd support, with 400 consecutive sellouts expected at Memorial Stadium.