For the first time since October 2011, No. 22 Nebraska and No. 24 Illinois find themselves listed in the same Associated Press Top 25 poll. They'll meet in a Big Ten opener Friday night in Lincoln, Neb., to decide which team gets to stay there.

The Cornhuskers (3-0) are off to their best start since 2016 -- their most recent bowl season -- while the Illini are 3-0 for the first time since 2011.

After cruising through their respective non-conference schedules, both teams will get a much better picture of their might while they clash in front of Nebraska's 400th consecutive home sellout.

The Illini enter Friday's game tied for second nationally in turnover margin (+8) and tied for fifth in turnovers forced (9). Defensive back Xavier Scott is one of four FBS players with at least 3 interceptions through three games, and he has forced four turnovers overall.

But Scott and company haven't faced a passer like Nebraska's Dylan Raiola. Even on the rare occasions when the pass rush has forced him to improvise, the five-star freshman has appeared unflappable while completing 73.8 percent of his passes for 670 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception.

Bielema wants to see his rushing attack be more reliable. The Illini's quartet of backs have been satisfactory (153.3 yards per game), but Illinois hasn't faced anything like the Huskers' defense, which surrenders just 2.5 yards per carry and 70.3 rushing yards per game.