Illinois is ranked #21 in total defense and #23 in scoring defense. I have doubt that Iowa puts up more than 30 points as some predict. Especially absent our best receiver and possibly a starting offensive tackle.
**Illinois @ Iowa Prediction Thread**
- Thread starter IowaHawkeyeFBnBB4Life
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Look at their competition. Kent State was only able to score a field goal against them, and Western Illinois had a goose egg. But then again, UNC laid 48 on them.
I see your logic, but my point was that we're not exactly world beaters on offense. Especially minus our best deep threat guy and possibly a starting tackle. I hope I am wrong come Saturday, but I guess I'm expecting a tighter game than most.
Middle Tenn also scored 25 and missed a 43 yard attempt basically on the last play of the game to win it. If we don't turn it over I would see a pretty good running day for the Hawks. That and a 70 degree clear day with little wind would set up CJ well too!
Gonna be a fun day in Kinnick Saturday! Grew up a hawk fan in Marion,Iowa. Brother now plays for Illinois. Been to a few Hawk games growing up and def gonna be different wearing O&B in Kinnick. Hope it's a good competitive game by both teams and the Illini squeek by with a 27-24 victory. Lunt is playing much better then his stats show. Lots of drops by young WRs, but no excuses, they have to get better each game. Sounds like josh Ferguson is not gonna be able to play which is a HUGE loss... He's so versatile but freshman Vaughn is running well and getting better each game. Showing why he was a 4 star with nice offers. Line is playing well. On defense, the DLine is playing very well and flying around. Linebackers are playing tough and making much better reads then they were last year. And the back group is good and experienced. They play well... Just seems once or twice a game they have a mental lapse and let a big play happen, can't do that Vs Iowa. Sorry for the long post! Just super exited for this week/weekend!
The Illinois offense is not producing as they should be. Big red zone problems and lots of drops by their receiver corps ( other than Geronimo Allison); but they've also done a really good job of protecting the ball. Lunt has only 2 int's on the year, so don't expect getting 4 TO's on Saturday. Still, I would pick Iowa 20, Illinois 17. I'll believe the Illini can win at a venue like Kinnick when they actually do it.
Beat NU the following week, OK?
Beat NU the following week, OK?
Iowa 29 Illinois 13
I predict good weather in Eastern Washington as I watch the game from my laptop in my boat while Walleye fishing.
OBTW, Iowa is unbeaten when I do this. 1-0. Last year Northwestern got destroyed as I watched from my boat.
Also, I think we are unbeaten when playing on ESPN U
I predict good weather in Eastern Washington as I watch the game from my laptop in my boat while Walleye fishing.
OBTW, Iowa is unbeaten when I do this. 1-0. Last year Northwestern got destroyed as I watched from my boat.
Also, I think we are unbeaten when playing on ESPN U
I took Illinois +11. I think Iowa wins something like 21-13. Iowa will struggle through the air again due to lack of separation. Iowa defense rock solid but will be given some bad field position a few times.
It's hard not to get worried about this game (like every game), but Iowa has shown so far this season that it is clearly the better team. Plus, there is a little history on our sides:
1) I don't believe Iowa has ever lost their first game of the season on their own homecoming, at least not in the Fry-Ferentz era.
2) Iowa hasn't lost straight-up as a home double-digit favorite to a conference opponent not named "Northwestern" since homecoming '92 vs. Purdue (I believe Matt Eyde was our QB).
(I welcome corrections on either of the above points)
Iowa 24, Illinois 21
1) I don't believe Iowa has ever lost their first game of the season on their own homecoming, at least not in the Fry-Ferentz era.
2) Iowa hasn't lost straight-up as a home double-digit favorite to a conference opponent not named "Northwestern" since homecoming '92 vs. Purdue (I believe Matt Eyde was our QB).
(I welcome corrections on either of the above points)
Iowa 24, Illinois 21
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