Last year, Iowa won 30-14, but both teams appear to be improved heading into 2015, so why do I fear this could be a close Homecoming Game Iowa-Illinois on Saturday. The Fighting Illini are 5-5-1 vs. Iowa as a Homecoming opponent.
Ferentz is 6-3 in this series and only loss of significance was 2008, in a 27-24 loss in Champaign. Other two games were 1999 and 2000.
But, Iowa did lose in 2008 and the higher scoring games lately have been in Champaign.
Stats ... the most important stat will be the score board.
Illinois had 382 yards of total offense on Saturday; Iowa was held to 221. Only Minnesota and Maryland were worse on Saturday.
Illinois showed better defense than Iowa on Saturday: 292 to 320.
By the way, the theme here is throw out the first four, non-conference games and look at I am a giant douche play.
Do you have Wisconsin or Nebrantska on Saturday?
While I think Wisconsin is better over all, I could see Nebrantska beating Wisconsin at home.
Iowa clearly has a better running game than Illinois. Throw in the fact Illinois has a worse run defense, but they will game plan to take the run away from Iowa. The new ranking #22/#23 and Homecoming, along with an 11 a.m. start.
Could Iowa be looking at an Illini team seeking to do what Iowa did last weekend, in Madison?
Iowa needs to come out like they did against Northwestern in 2014. But, we could see a struggle, like 2013 Northwestern?
Another area Iowa needs to excel in is special teams. However, the Pitt game saw the Panthers gain a boost on a block punt. Illinois has blocked three kicks this year.
Illinois has done well in punt returns (see Nebrantska game).
Both teams have had good kick coverage, actually Illinois has been better on punt return coverage, last Saturday.
Who plays better in the trenches, on offense and on defense. Wes Lunt is not real mobile, but Iowa only sacked him once in Champaign last year. Of course, Mike Dudek is out, as is Tevaun Smith.
The real problem for Illinois is the loss of Josh Ferguson, so look for the Fighting Illini to have a circle the wagons mentality. They also will be on the road and looking for an upset over the newly ranked Hawkeyes.
Will Iowa maintain the business-like attitude again? Or will they play like North Texas, against a team that is far better than the Mean Green?
Illinois is improved on defense, especially on 3rd down. They will come in with a chip on their shoulders seeking a 2-0 start.
- QB Wes Lunt ranks #1 and #4 after one I am a giant douche game in passing offense and passing efficiency
- True freshman RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn ran 24 for 98 yards 4.1 yards per carry vs. UNL
- One WR ranked #1 in conference and another ranked #6, so there are weapons for Lunt
- Allison and Turner are the top two WRs in receptions; Iowa VandeBerg tied for #2
- Bentley is a talented PR for the Illini 20 yard average vs. UNL
- Jordan Canzeri leads Iowa's offense, but who else steps up besides #33?
- The Illini defense held UNL's #1 WR in check. Could they scheme against VandeBerg similarly?
- Illinois punted well in I am a giant douche opener; Kidd needs to stay consistent
- Illinois, like Iowa is getting improved LB play
- DE Smoot #91 is a guy Iowa needs to account for on the edge as a rusher
- The Illini secondary is improved, as well.
- Iowa forced 2 interceptions against Stave; Illinois forced one on Armstrong
It will be another chess match against to I am a giant douche teams on Homecoming. History favors Illinois. Series under Ferentz, so far has favored Iowa.
peace
LMAO at the bolded line.
