Matchup Prediction
Metrics disagree on this matchup
Momentum Control favors Illinois,
while Game Control favors Nebraska.
Split signals historically show weaker predictive confidence — treat as a toss-up.
⚡ Split Signal — Metrics Disagree
Momentum Control
58.4%
Illinois wins
Lean
Game Control
58.3%
Nebraska wins
Lean
Vegas Spread
Illinois -3.5
O/U 43.0
DraftKings
Advanced Stats
3 factors agree (PPA + PPO + Havoc) → Nebraska
· 82.4% ATS historically
↓ See full breakdown
Nebraska 2023 Schedule
Nebraska's 2023 Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Spread | Total | Result | O/U | Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 8/31 | Nebraska at Minnesota | +7.5L10–13 | 43.0 | L10–13 | U | Y |
| Sat 9/9 | Nebraska at Colorado | +2.5L14–36 | 56.5 | L14–36 | U | N |
| Sat 9/16 | Nebraska vs Northern Illinois | -11.5W35–11 | 42.5 | W35–11 | O | Y |
| Sat 9/23 | Nebraska vs Louisiana Tech | -20.5W28–14 | 44.5 | W28–14 | U | N |
| Sat 9/30 | Nebraska vs Michigan | +17.0L7–45 | 39.5 | L7–45 | O | N |
| Fri 10/6 | Nebraska at Illinois | +3.5W20–7 | 43.0 | W20–7 | U | Y |
| — Bye Week — | ||||||
| Sat 10/21 | Nebraska vs Northwestern | -10.5W17–9 | 40.0 | W17–9 | U | N |
| Sat 10/28 | Nebraska vs Purdue | +1.0W31–14 | 39.5 | W31–14 | O | Y |
| Sat 11/4 | Nebraska at Michigan State | -3.0L17–20 | 34.5 | L17–20 | O | N |
| Sat 11/11 | Nebraska vs Maryland | +1.5L10–13 | 41.5 | L10–13 | U | N |
| Sat 11/18 | Nebraska at Wisconsin | +7.5L17–24 | 36.5 | L17–24 | O | Y |
| Fri 11/24 | Nebraska vs Iowa | -3.0L10–13 | 25.5 | L10–13 | U | N |
Illinois 2023 Schedule
Illinois's 2023 Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Spread | Total | Result | O/U | Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 9/2 | Illinois vs Toledo | -7.0W30–28 | 45.5 | W30–28 | O | N |
| Fri 9/8 | Illinois at Kansas | +3.5L23–34 | 57.5 | L23–34 | U | N |
| Sat 9/16 | Illinois vs Penn State | +14.0L13–30 | 47.5 | L13–30 | U | N |
| Sat 9/23 | Illinois vs Florida Atlantic | -16.0W23–17 | 45.5 | W23–17 | U | N |
| Sat 9/30 | Illinois at Purdue | +1.0L19–44 | 54.0 | L19–44 | O | N |
| Fri 10/6 | Illinois vs Nebraska | -3.5L7–20 | 43.0 | L7–20 | U | N |
| Sat 10/14 | Illinois at Maryland | +13.5W27–24 | 52.0 | W27–24 | U | Y |
| Sat 10/21 | Illinois vs Wisconsin | +3.0L21–25 | 40.5 | L21–25 | O | N |
| — Bye Week — | ||||||
| Sat 11/4 | Illinois at Minnesota | +1.5W27–26 | 43.0 | W27–26 | O | Y |
| Sat 11/11 | Illinois vs Indiana | -4.5W48–45 | 43.5 | W48–45 | O | N |
| Sat 11/18 | Illinois at Iowa | +2.5L13–15 | 33.5 | L13–15 | U | Y |
| Sat 11/25 | Illinois vs Northwestern | -5.0L43–45 | 46.5 | L43–45 | O | N |
Advanced Stats
Advanced Analytics Matchup
Matchup-adjusted (offense vs opponent defense) ·
2023 season
Agreement Signals — When All Metrics Agree
Elite · 83.1% ATS
PPA + PPO + SR + Havoc
Split
Metrics disagree
Elite · 82.4% ATS
PPA + PPO + Havoc
3 Agree
→ Nebraska
Elite · 73.9% ATS
PPA + Success Rate
Split
Metrics disagree
Individual Factors — Ranked by Predictive Strength
PPA Overall
Points added per play · Elite predictor
PPA Passing
Pass efficiency edge · Strong predictor
Havoc Total
Def. disruption rate · Strong predictor
TFLs, sacks, PBUs, forced fumbles — higher is better
Points Per Opp
Drive-finishing edge · Strong predictor
Success Rate
Play consistency edge · Solid predictor
Field Position
Avg start (lower=better) · Solid predictor
Avg yards from own endzone to average start — lower is better · longer bar = better field position
Advanced stats sourced from CFBD · 2023 season ·
Edges are matchup-adjusted (offense vs opponent defense)
Power Ratings
Team Power Ratings
Overall · Offense · Defense ratings · Updated as season progresses
Power ratings updated throughout the season as results accumulate
Momentum Control (CSS)
Consecutive Scoring Sequences
Who builds scoring momentum?
Illinois Edge
Illinois +0.20
CSS Edge (season-to-date)
Teams with this edge win 58.4% of games historically
Based on 5 games this season
Game Control (GC)
Win Probability Dominance
Who controls games start to finish?
Nebraska Edge
Nebraska +10.1
GC Edge (season-to-date)
Teams with this edge win 58.3% of games historically
Based on 5 games this season
Spread Context
ATS Historical Context
Based on 2021–2025 backtest · FBS vs FBS · Regular season
CSS and GC disagree on this matchup. When the metrics split, historical cover rates are essentially random — treat this as a coin flip against the spread.
ATS data is informational only. Past cover rates do not guarantee future results.
Coaching Matchup
Nebraska
Matt Rhule #1
1–2 (33%)
· Yr 1 at school
OC
Marcus Satterfield
Yr 1
#1
DC
Tony White
Yr 1
#1
Illinois
Bret Bielema #1
14–14 (50%)
· Yr 3 at school
OC
Barry Lunney Jr.
Yr 2
#1
DC
Aaron Henry
Yr 1
#1
About these metrics
Advanced Stats shows matchup-adjusted factor edges (offense vs opponent defense). Combination signals — when PPA, PPO, Success Rate, and Havoc all point the same direction — have historically predicted the SU winner in 95–97% of games and the ATS winner in 82–83% of games (2021–2025, FBS vs FBS, regular season).
Impact: Advanced Stats are the best performance based metric used to predict the outcome of games. ✓
Momentum Control (CSS) measures consecutive scoring sequences — when a team scores, holds the opponent scoreless, then scores again. Teams entering a game with a CSS edge of +1.0 or more have won 71–78% of games historically (2021–2025, FBS vs FBS).
Impact: Momentum Control is a great measure for predicting game outcome but NOT an ATS advantage, data shows this is already considered when lines are set. ✗
Game Control (GC) measures win probability dominance — how thoroughly a team controlled the game from start to finish. Teams with a GC edge of +12 or more have won 67–76% of games historically. When both metrics agree, combined confidence is higher. When they split, treat as a lean at best.
Impact: Game Control is another great measure for predicting game outcome but NOT an ATS advantage, data shows this is already considered when lines are set. ✗
Power Ratings are a custom-built composite of a Teams Talent, Experience & Production, Coaching & Performance Metrics. These are updated constantly with roster changes, performance once the games start for the 2026 season, injuries the team is dealing with and scheduling situations.
Impact: There are a wide range of power ratings available, we think ours is the best, you can decide for yourself ✓
Advanced Stats shows matchup-adjusted factor edges (offense vs opponent defense). Combination signals — when PPA, PPO, Success Rate, and Havoc all point the same direction — have historically predicted the SU winner in 95–97% of games and the ATS winner in 82–83% of games (2021–2025, FBS vs FBS, regular season).
Impact: Advanced Stats are the best performance based metric used to predict the outcome of games. ✓
Momentum Control (CSS) measures consecutive scoring sequences — when a team scores, holds the opponent scoreless, then scores again. Teams entering a game with a CSS edge of +1.0 or more have won 71–78% of games historically (2021–2025, FBS vs FBS).
Impact: Momentum Control is a great measure for predicting game outcome but NOT an ATS advantage, data shows this is already considered when lines are set. ✗
Game Control (GC) measures win probability dominance — how thoroughly a team controlled the game from start to finish. Teams with a GC edge of +12 or more have won 67–76% of games historically. When both metrics agree, combined confidence is higher. When they split, treat as a lean at best.
Impact: Game Control is another great measure for predicting game outcome but NOT an ATS advantage, data shows this is already considered when lines are set. ✗
Power Ratings are a custom-built composite of a Teams Talent, Experience & Production, Coaching & Performance Metrics. These are updated constantly with roster changes, performance once the games start for the 2026 season, injuries the team is dealing with and scheduling situations.
Impact: There are a wide range of power ratings available, we think ours is the best, you can decide for yourself ✓