B1G West rivals No. 17 Illinois (6-1, 3-1 B1G) and Nebraska (3-4, 2-2) will face off against each other in Week 9’s matchup on Saturday.

During Monday afternoon’s presser, Illinois’ offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. addressed Nebraska’s environment ahead of this week’s game. Lunney believes it is and will be a challenge on game day.

Lunney is not treating this game like an easy matchup. Instead, it is more of a huge B1G challenge.

Heading to Lincoln from Champaign is about 520 miles apart and a 7-hour drive between the two teams. Lunney says that the Fighting Illini have to play with the same amount of intensity that they would for any other opponent.

“We have to play with a lot of intensity up front. …Another great Big Ten challenge.”

Illinois is continuing to push up the ranks in the Top 25 and make a case in the B1G. The Fighting Illini are currently first in the B1G West and have won their last five games with. The only loss came in Week 2 against Indiana.

The Illini will hit the road for their next challenge against the Cornhuskers on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.