It’s pretty clear that Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State are the class of the Big Ten this season.

Nebraska and Illinois are looking to nudge back to the .500 mark with a victory on Friday as the two schools hook up in Champaign.

The Cornhuskers began the Matt Rhule era with consecutive road losses to Minnesota and Colorado before beating Northern Illinois and Louisiana Tech at home.

However, Nebraska fell to 0-2 in Big Ten play after getting blown out at home by Michigan last week, 45-7.

The Fighting Illini have failed to cover a game this season by posting an 0-5 record against the spread.

Illinois edged Toledo in the season opener prior to consecutive losses to Kansas and Penn State.

Bret Bielema’s team squeezed past Florida Atlantic before dropping a 25-point decision to Purdue last week.

Illinois enters this week’s contest with Nebraska as a 3.5-point home favorite, seeking a fourth straight win against the Cornhuskers.

Last season, the Illini rolled past the Huskers, 26-9, as 7.5-point road chalk, marking the first time Illinois was favored against Nebraska in the last 10 matchups. 

Although both these teams haven’t started strong, it’s tough to back a team that hasn’t covered a game yet, like Illinois.

Nebraska is worth a strong look as a road underdog on Friday night.

The play: Nebraska +3 (-105, BetRivers)