LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — What once looked like a cushy October schedule for Nebraska just might be more of a challenge.

The way the Cornhuskers’ defense has performed through four games surely has Illinois thinking it could steal a win at Memorial Stadium on Saturday and end its 14-game Big Ten losing streak.

Nebraska (3-1) is 107th nationally in total defense and no higher than 75th in any major category. Illinois (3-1) has displayed a versatile offense that’s averaging almost 480 yards a game.

The Huskers allowed 465 yards to FCS South Dakota State in their last game and used their bye week to shore up deficiencies ranging from missed tackles to attitude.

Tommy Armstrong Jr. will start at quarterback for Nebraska in place of the injured Taylor Martinez.