Bill Busch should be happy about this news. The Nebraska defensive coordinator should have safety Marques Buford Jr. ready to go for the Week 9 game against No. 17 Illinois.

Buford was banged up in Nebraska’s 43-37 loss to Purdue. The sophomore defensive back recorded 5 tackles before exiting the game. Overall, Buford has recorded 39 tackles and 2 interceptions. He picked off 2 passes in the Cornhuskers’ game against Georgia Southern.

This is good news for a Nebraska team that will need Buford against Illinois. The Fighting Illini are one of the more surprising teams in the country with a 6-1 record.  Running back Chase Brown has rushed for over 1,000 yards and three receivers have 25 or more catches led by Isaiah Williams’ 47 receptions for 346 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Nebraska is having a rocky season after firing head coach Scott Frost. The Cornhuskers will look to even their record to 4-4 with a win on Saturday.