ESPN’s FPI is predicting the outcome of games across the country in Week 3. That includes Nebraska’s home debut under Matt Rhule against Northern Illinois out of the MAC.

Ahead of that matchup, the Huskers are projected as heavy favorites for the game. The Football Power Index gives Nebraska a 75.8% chance of winning and getting its first victory of the season and Rhule’s first in Lincoln.

However, a couple of items should still be considered for Nebraska in preparation for this game. Starting quarterback Jeff Sims left the loss to Colorado with a late ankle injury, and he has been held out of practice prior to Wednesday.

If Sims is unable to go, the Huskers would be likely to roll with Heinrich Haarberg or Chubba Purdy. Both players are talented but neither have the experience of Sims from his time at Georgia Tech. However, it must also be noted that Sims has struggled to hold onto the ball this season.

As for Northern Illinois, Nebraska will not take any opponent lightly after the recent struggles for the program. The Huskies are also led by a veteran QB and former B1G starter in Rocky Lombardi who began his career at Michigan State.

There’s no reason to doubt the Huskers as favorites in the matchup, but that has not always yielded positive results in recent memory. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on FS1.