Ameer Abdullah vs. Illinois: Stat Line, Highlights, Twitter Reaction

The Heisman campaign for Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah seems to gain steam every week. Saturday night, Abdullah helped Nebraska roll over the Illinois Fighting Illini en route to a 45-14 victory at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Take a look at Abdullah's stat line:

Rushes	Yards	Yards per Carry	TDs
22	208	9.5	3

Abdullah opened the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run that culminated a seven-play, 75-yard drive. In the second quarter, Abdullah added two more touchdown runs of eight and two yards. The 5'9", 195-pound senior has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in all but one of Nebraska's five games.

This was his third 200-yard performance.

He's averaging 166.6 yards per game.

Saturday the Illini had no answer for Nebraska's rushing attack on the whole, but Abdullah has feasted on almost every opponent. Coming into the season, Abdullah wasn't considered a major contender for the Heisman Trophy, but his production has forced people to take notice.

He came into the week second in the nation in rushing. After his 208 yards, Abdullah passed Pittsburgh's James Conner for the top spot.

Being the nation's leading rusher will undoubtedly help add some legitimacy to Abdullah's case to at least be invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Abdullah and Nebraska have the first of two huge games ahead of them nest week. Next Saturday, they will attempt to conquer the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans on the road. Michigan State will represent the stiffest run defense Abdullah has seen this year, and the Cornhuskers' toughest opponent overall.

Coming into the week, the Spartans were No. 5 against the run in the nation and the highest-ranked team in the conference.

If Abdullah can shine and Nebraska wins in East Lansing, it'll serve as a major plus for the player and team. Later in the season, Nebraska will take on the No. 19 Wisconsin Badgers in Madison. 

Putting up big numbers and winning against the best competition is the key to getting Abdullah recognized nationally. We'll see if he can keep it going.