In a Big Ten game on Saturday, the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Where: Iowa City, Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium
Fox Sports 1 on TV
Line of Bet: Iowa -3.5, Over/Under 30.5
Injury Summary:
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– Illinois: RB Josh McCray (OUT – Neck), RB Aidan Laughery (OUT – Knee), RB Kaden Feagin (Questionable – Shoulder), DB Pat Bryant (Questionable – Undisclosed), Matthew Bailey (Shoulder) (OUT)
– QB, Iowa Cade McNamara, DB (OUT-ACL) TE Erik Hall (OUT – Knee), RB Cooper DeJean (OUT – Lower Leg), Terrell Washington Jr. (Unknown Outcome), Database WR Diante Vines (Doubtful – Undisclosed), TE Hall (Questionable – Undisclosed), Steven Stilianos (Unknown – Doubtful)
The Illini, who have struggled offensively aside from their home victory over Indiana last week, should find this game to be an interesting matchup. The defence of the Iowa Hawkeyes is performing at a championship calibre.
– But the Hawkeyes have also had trouble scoring, particularly since losing starting quarterback and former Michigan Wolverine Cade McNamara and his family. The Illini defence, which is ranked 108th in offensive efficiency, gave up 45 points to Indiana, a team that has struggled at times this season.
– Illinois coach Brett Bielema remarked, “Playing Iowa is a very unique animal.” In order to win this game, the Illini must manage the football and set up their defence for success.
– Field position and special teams have the power to win or lose this game. The entire season, Iowa’s special teams have been excellent.
Noteworthy:
– Former Hawkeye player and coach Brett Bielema is back in Iowa City with the intention of establishing the run offensive and applying defensive pressure to the Hawkeyes offensive line. But in his time as Wisconsin’s coach, Bielema has been successful against Iowa.
– Bielema mentioned in his press conference prior to the road trip that he developed a lot of his defensive philosophy while working under Kirk Ferentz.
– The Illini defeated Iowa in a low-scoring 9–6 game in Champaign last season.
