NCAA Football '14 Simulation: Illinois Fighting Illini @ #15 Nebraska Cornhuskers

With the help of some passionate college football fans on the Internet, TCR will be simulating every Illinois football game this season using EA Sports' NCAA Football '14. We've downloaded updated rosters and the team depth charts will be changed on a week-by-week basis to reflect what we'll see on the field. We'll also check the weather forecast to mirror the expected conditions at kickoff.

Our simulation has predicted the outcome correctly 80% of the time over the last two seasons. This Fall, the simulation is 2-1.

Illinois Fighting Illini (1-2) @ #15 Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-0)

Illinois Fighting Illini

• Overall: 83
• Offense: 83
• Defense: 82

#15 Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Overall: 88
• Offense: 88
• Defense: 88

Simulation Results

From the beginning of the simulation, it was clear that Illinois was going to need to throw the ball well in order to hang with the Huskers.  Wes Lunt completed 2 passes of 20+ yards to extend the opening drive, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn capped it with a 1 yard run.  Illinois would control the first quarter entirely, and hold a 14-3 lead as Nebraska took the field to start the 2nd quarter.

For the rest of the game, Nebraska would rely on their run game to move their offense.  Terrell Newby, Tommy Armstrong Jr, and Devine Ozigbo would combine for a total of 6 rushing touchdowns, and Nebraska would hold a lead they never relinquished.

Wes Lunt and the Illini had a chance late in the 4th quarter, but an interception (only turnover of the game) thwarted any hopes of an Illinois comeback.

Final Score: Nebraska 52, Illinois 45