Matchups to watch: Week 4

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Illinois’ defensive line gets in to position during the game against Texas State on Saturday. This weekend the defensive line will have to stay on their toes to keep Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah in check.

Does it feel like deja vu? Illinois is 3-1 and heading on the road to face Nebraska to open Big Ten play, just like 2013. Also like last year, the odds are not in the Illini’s favor. The Big Ten as a whole is not winning games, but Nebraska is still ahead of the Illini. If this game were played later in the season, perhaps the outcome would be different.

Here are three matchups that will play a big hand in deciding the victor.  

Ameer Abdullah against Illini defense

The name Illini fans watching should fear. Abdullah has notched 625 yards on 92 carries already. For comparison’s sake, Josh Ferguson has 316 yards on 50 carries. To say Abdullah is a weapon is an understatement. He single-handedly saved Nebraska from an embarrassing home loss in week two and absolutely torched Miami (FL). Right now, Abdullah is a top five Heisman contender.

Wes Lunt and slow starts

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Through four games, Lunt has thrown 26 completions for 305 yards and one touchdown. In the second half he is 74 of 107 for 932 yards and touchdowns. The Illini offense cannot expect to fall behind early and stage a comeback. It did not work against Washington, and it surely won’t work against Nebraska.

David Reisner vs nerves

Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium is huge. It’s historic. For Reisner, his heart will be racing whenever he lines up to kick as fans turn up the noise. He is now the starting kicker and can ill-afford to make mistakes. The Illini could very well be in this game until late. If Reisner is called on, can he and his neon-green shoes deliver?