The Nebraska football team has arguably one of the toughest games on their schedule kicking off tonight in Lincoln.
For the Cornhuskers, in order to beat a strong #24 Illinois Fighting Illini team, running back Dante Dowdell will need to get hot. Illinois has had a stifling defense thus far, allowing just 26 points through three games with 17 points coming against a then-ranked Kansas Jayhawks squad.
Kansas nearly beat Illinois and arguably could have if the Jayhawks did not turn the ball over four times on offense. Illinois has worked to establish a ‘no-fly zone’ by recording three interceptions against Kansas and six total on the year. Defensive back Xavier Scott has been leading the way for the team with three interceptions through three games.
Xavier Scott is inevitable pic.twitter.com/hkvbyNwEDl
— Illinois Football Focus (@IlliniFB) September 14, 2024
However, the Fighting Illini have not been as strong on the ground, allowing 186 yards rushing against Kansas. Central Michigan also recorded 142 yards rushing against the Fighting Illini defense, which is further exposed the weakness.
Illinois might be doing a great job limiting damage in the run game in terms of touchdowns, but also have not been truly tested on the ground.
If the Nebraska football staff can establish the run against Illinois with Dowdell, it might be a big offensive game for the Cornhuskers.
Nebraska Football Staff Must Feed Dante Dowdell Against Fighting Illini
While quarterback Dylan Raiola has been the star of the show for the Cornhuskers through three games, Dowdell has also been a player expected to rise to the top.
The former Oregon Ducks running back transferred into the Nebraska football program this off-season. Nebraska has not had one featured back thus far this season but leaned heavily upon the running back during the win over the Colorado Buffaloes.
Dowdell carried the ball 17 times for 74 yards and two scores for the Cornhuskers, which matched his carry total from the 2023 season in one game.
The running back exposed the weakness within the Buffaloes’ defense, which features a strong secondary unit but struggles with the run. Dowdell could again work to expose the weakness of a defense tonight against the Fighting Illini.
True Freshman Joe Barna with the run stuff pic.twitter.com/lhB6VRU7RM
— Illinois Football Focus (@IlliniFB) September 14, 2024
The Illinois defense is highlighted by linebackers Dylan Rosiek and Joe Barna, both of whom pack quite the punch in their hits. Once Dowdell gets past the linebackers, however, the tackling ability falls off drastically. Defensive back Matthew Bailey is the current leading tackler for the Fighting Illini, however, Bailey is often going to come down into the left side of the box.
If Dowdell can make it past Rosiek and Bailey in the middle, along with Barna on the edge, the defense looks a lot less menacing. Running the ball to the right side of the field especially should be something the Nebraska football staff eventually keys in on.
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What do you think the Nebraska Cornhuskers need to do to beat the Illinois Fighting Illini?
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