Hyperbole is common in this game, and we’re already seeing it with the opening night of college football. Members of the media are already calling the Nebraska vs. Illinois game a must-win for Scott Frost and the Nebraska Cornhuskers as they kickoff the 2021 season. Of course the Nebraska football program is a bit on edge as it starts the season amidst the context of an NCAA investigation and a head coach whose seat is warming up.

Frost, in his recent appearance with the media this week kept things pretty short, not wanting to discuss much. The former Nebraska player is certainly under pressure to get this program heading in the right direction.

Nebraska vs. Illinois

So, yes, the Nebraska vs. Illinois game is a big one for both teams. Let’s consider Illinois. Head coach Bret Bielema would love to get the Illini off to a strong start in the 2021 season. Not only does this game kick off the season, but it kicks off conference play for both teams adding extra importance to this matchup.

Bielema was named the head coach of Illinois last December after taking a couple years off from the college game. Previously, at Arkansas, Bielema went 29-34 over five season as the Razorbacks head coach.

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This game was originally scheduled to be played in Ireland, but due to COVID-19 issues, the game was rescheduled as a “week zero” game in Champagne, Illinois. Last year the Nebraska Cornhuskers finished the abbreviated season with a 3-5 record. Illinois finished with a 2-6 record.

Nebraska vs. Illinois game

Date & Time: Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time
Location: Memorial Stadium at Champagne, Illinois
TV Channel: FOX
Spread: Nebraska is currently favored by 7 points.

Nebraska vs. Illinois history

Nebraska leads the all-time series between these teams with a record of 13-4-1.

Nebraska 2021 schedule

Aug 28: Illinois
Sep 4: Fordham
Sep 11: Buffalo
Sep 18: Oklahoma
Sep 25: Michigan State
Oct 2: Northwestern
Oct 9: Michigan
Oct 16: Minnesota
Oct 30: Purdue
Nov 6: Ohio State
Nov 20: Wisconsin
Nov 26: Iowa

Illinois 2021 schedule

Aug 28: Nebraska
Sep 4: UTSA
Sep 11: Virginia
Sep 17: Maryland
Sep 25: Purdue
Oct 2: Charlotte
Oct 9: Wisconsin
Oct 23: Penn State
Oct 30: Rutgers
Nov 6: Minnesota
Nov 20: Iowa
Nov 27: Northwestern

Other week zero games

Nebraska vs. Illinois is not the only game happening this weekend. If you want all the college football you can get, check out these other games:

UConn vs. Fresno State
Hawaii vs. UCLA
UTEP vs. New Mexico State