LINCOLN -- Illinois depends heavily on its two explosive receivers, and covering them creates a catch-22 for Nebraska.

If the Huskers play cover-2 and try to double-team Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant, it opens up space for the Ilini to run between the tackles with 6-foot-3, 250-pound running back Kaden Feagin. It all adds up to pressure on the shoulders of Tommi Hill and Marques Buford Jr. If they can cover Franklin and Bryant one-on-one it will create more opportunities for the rest of the defense at the line of scrimmage.

Bryant has started almost every game since his sophomore year. Through three games as a senior, he has 15 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns. Franklin began his college career in 2019 at UTSA. After four years with the Roadrunners, he transferred to Ole Miss for a season before hitting the portal again and coming to Illinois over the offseason. He entered this year as the NCAA active leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

"They're throwing the deep ball, getting one-on-one coverage, not afraid to put it up, and they have great catch radiuses," NU coach Matt Rhule said. "They can hold off a defender and go up and catch the football. Luckily with Tommi, Tommi's 205 pounds. He's not a little corner. And I think Buford's been playing really, really, really well."

Photos: Nebraska football hosts Northern Iowa