Rhule Expecting a "Four-Quarter War" vs. Illinois Friday Night

Image courtesy of University of Nebraska

The Huskers football team opens Big Ten play Friday night by hosting Illinois.

Both clubs are 3-0, with Nebraska ranked No. 22 and the Illini are 24th in the AP poll. NU is trying to end a 24-game losing streak against Top 25 teams and win a conference opener for the first time in five years.

On Wednesday, a reporter asked head coach Matt Rhule about the fact that a lot of Nebraska players saw action during the Huskers’ three non-conference games. “I think that builds depth,” Rhule said. “And also the Big Ten’s tough. It’s physical, it’s hard, it’s cold, it’s turf.”

NU’s second-year coach also feels that Friday night’s game will be a battle: “This will be a four-quarter war. This will be a 60-minute football game.”

Tomorrow’s kickoff is at 7 p.m. with the pregame starting at 3 on News Talk 900 KJSK. It will be joined at 6:30 on 93.5 The Hawk.