LINCOLN — Illinois depends heavily on its two explosive receivers, and covering them creates a catch-22 for Nebraska. If the Huskers play cover-2 and try to double-team Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant, it opens up space for the Ilini to run between the tackles with 6-foot-3, 250-pound running back Kaden Feagin. It all adds up to pressure on the shoulders of Tommi Hill and Marques Buford Jr. If they can cover Franklin and Bryant one-on-one it will create more opportunities for the rest of the defense at the line of scrimmage. Bryant has started almost every game since his sophomore year. Through three games as a senior, he has 15 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns. Franklin began his college career in 2019 at UTSA. After four years with the Roadrunners, he transferred to Ole Miss for a season before hitting the portal again and coming to Illinois over the offseason. He entered this year as the NCAA active leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. “They’re throwing the deep ball, getting one-on-one coverage, not afraid to put it up, and they have great catch radiuses,” NU coach Matt Rhule said. “They can hold off a defender and go up and catch the football. Luckily with Tommi, Tommi’s 205 pounds. He’s not a little corner. And I think Buford’s been playing really, really, really well.” The Huskers hope to have that, led by cornerback Tommi Hill, when it comes to covering Illinois' talented receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. But Nebraska certainly has respect for how those two wideouts can attack you, and how the Illinois offense can piggyback that passing game off having a big back and mobile quarterback. “They try to stress you by putting them both out here so you have to play them one-on-one to stop the run, or you have to double them and play cover two, or quarters, or something, like we did against Colorado,” Husker head coach Matt Rhule said this week. “And now they can run the football with a 250 pound back. “They’re very well put together with how they’re doing it.” Of course Illinois also has to show it can get over Nebraska's Hill. Nebraska's Matt Rhule full press conference from Sept. 16, 2024. Perhaps. Maybe less so if you have corners who are ready to ace what's put in front of them on Friday. ## Nebraska Secondary's Task Nebraska's secondary will face a true test against Illinois' high-powered offense. ### Illinois' Offensive Weapons Illinois has a potent offensive attack, anchored by the dynamic receiving duo of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. The Illini’s offensive scheme is designed to exploit mismatches by utilizing the strengths of both receivers, forcing defenses into difficult coverage decisions. ### Nebraska's Defensive Response To contain Illinois' explosive offense, Nebraska will likely rely on its defensive coordinator, Tony White's strategy to deploy its corners to best combat these challenges. The Huskers' secondary will be tested by the Illini’s receivers, who possess exceptional size, speed and catching ability. ### The Importance of Coverage The success of Nebraska’s defense against Illinois will hinge on its ability to handle the dual threat posed by Bryant and Franklin. The Huskers will need to make tough decisions: do they double-team these receivers, leaving the run game vulnerable, or risk leaving them in one-on-one coverage? The choices made by the Huskers' secondary will determine the outcome of the game. ## A Key Matchup The battle between Nebraska's Tommi Hill and Illinois' receiving duo will be a key matchup in this game. ### Hill's Role Hill's performance will be critical to Nebraska's success against Illinois' potent passing attack. As a seasoned veteran, he possesses the experience and physicality to handle the challenge presented by Bryant and Franklin. ### The Challenge Ahead Hill will need to be at his best to disrupt the rhythm of Illinois' offense. His ability to read routes and make plays on the ball will be essential for Nebraska to keep Bryant and Franklin in check. The Huskers' secondary will be in a constant battle against the Illini's passing game, and Hill's performance will be a major factor in deciding the outcome of this matchup. ## Looking Ahead The upcoming game against Illinois promises to be an exciting and challenging one for Nebraska's defense. The Huskers’ secondary will need to rise to the occasion and display their defensive prowess against a potent Illinois offense. ### The Challenge of the Illini Offense The Illini's offense, fueled by the dynamic receiving duo of Bryant and Franklin, will present a unique challenge for Nebraska’s defense. The Huskers' secondary will need to be prepared to handle this challenge and demonstrate their ability to match the Illini’s offensive firepower. ### Nebraska's Defense The Huskers' defense will need to be prepared to face Illinois' high-powered offense and show its resilience under pressure. Their ability to make critical stops and limit the Illini's offensive production will determine their success in this game. The battle between the Huskers’ secondary and Illinois’ receiving duo will be a key storyline to watch for in this crucial matchup. ## A Test of Skills The game against Illinois will be a true test for Nebraska’s defense. ### The Importance of the Game The game against Illinois will be a pivotal opportunity for Nebraska to prove its defensive strength and show its ability to handle a high-powered offense. The Huskers will need to be prepared for the challenge, and their performance will determine the outcome of this crucial matchup. ### The Stakes are High The stakes are high in this upcoming game, and the Nebraska defense will need to be ready to step up and perform at its best. The Huskers will need to make smart decisions on defense, utilize effective coverages, and execute their game plan with precision. The game against Illinois is a chance for Nebraska's defense to showcase its ability to contain a dynamic offense, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the Huskers' season.