Illinois is out to its best start since 2011 and owns a win over a then-ranked Kansas. Nebraska is off to its best start since 2016 and soundly beat Colorado in a rivalry game two weeks ago. Each team has allowed just two touchdowns.

The No. 22 Nebraska football team (3-0) welcomes in No. 24 Illinois (3-0) to begin Big Ten Conference play for one of three ranked games of college football’s week four. The Huskers finished their non-conference schedule undefeated for the first time since 2016 and has momentum that hasn’t been felt through the program and fan base in years.

Nebraska beat Illinois 20-7 in Champaign last year, ending a three-game losing streak in the series. Illini coach Bret Bielema said he noticed pep in his players’ steps this week.