When Hardy Nickerson resigned as Illinois' defensive coordinator following a 63-33 loss Oct. 27 at Maryland, Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith became the team's defensive play-caller.
That change has impacted Nebraska's preparation this week significantly, Husker offensive line coach Greg Austin said Wednesday.
"It changes from the standpoint of numbers and metrics and tendencies in different situations like third down and even first and second down. What are they doing?" Austin said. "Everybody has a different vision of what they think it should look like."
Illiniois (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten) ranks 127th nationally in total defense.