Black Heart Gold Pants - #18 Iowa Hawkeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Game CenterSwelling with Iowa Hawkeye pride since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47511/bhgp-fave.png2021-11-23T06:16:00-06:00http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/rss/stream/225481312021-11-23T06:16:00-06:002021-11-23T06:16:00-06:00Iowa Football Position Grades: Illinois
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<figcaption>Charlie Jones making a House Call | JOSEPH CRESS/IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN</figcaption>
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<p>The Hawkeyes let Illinois stick around before jumping to 17 point lead late.</p> <p id="owpADu">I felt pretty decent going into the game against Illinois. I predicted a 30-13 Hawkeye victory. It ended up 33-23. I’ve decided to not count the Illini’s garbage touchdown, so my prediction looks even better, thank you very much. This game turned on Charlie Jones’ 100 yard kickoff return. At that point Illinois was up 10-0. It honestly felt like had we gone 3 and out, we could have had our doors blown off. On to this week’s grades. </p>
<h2 id="dM4re5"><strong>Offense</strong></h2>
<h3 id="UfTiy1"><strong>QB: C</strong></h3>
<p id="asEfVJ">I have been doing this column for the past two years. Iowa’s quarterbacks, whether it is <strong>Spencer Petras</strong> or <strong>Alex Padilla</strong>, are somewhat hamstrung with our philosophy of not turning the ball over, milking the clock, and protecting a seven point lead like it is the Holy Grail. At the QB position I value winning the football game over all other stats. I’m the same way when I look at a point guard in basketball. What made Saturday’s game so hard to breakdown were the drops. The number was six, I believe. It felt like 26. One of the drops could have had a little less zip on it, but I believe if the ball hits you in the hands, you should catch it. On the day Padilla’s stat line was abysmal. He was 6 for 17 for 83 yards and one interception. The pick was basically a jump ball to <strong>Keagan Johnson</strong>. I know Kirk and company will freak out about that throw, but Johnson will get that more often than not in his career. What Padilla did provide was the ability to move around in the pocket. At this point he is our best option. If no one transfers this offseason I honestly feel like we could have a true four person competition for the starting spot. Earlier this year I jokingly wrote that Petras’ O-line was blocking like they didn’t like him. I could have said that Padilla’s receivers were catching like they didn’t care for him either. </p>
<h3 id="dPooFA"><strong>RB: A-</strong></h3>
<p id="78E7x6"><strong>Tyler Goodson</strong> and <strong>Gavin Williams</strong> are becoming a nice one-two punch. Goodson had an excellent day on the ground, rushing 27 times for 132 yards (4.9). Williams came in in relief and rushed 10 times for 56 yards (5.6). Goodson is patient (sometimes to a fault) and Williams gets north and south very quickly. Both backs showed good ball security. </p>
<h3 id="aSviUt"><strong>WR: C</strong></h3>
<p id="jnVXPW">This grade is basically all over the map. <strong>Arland Bruce IV</strong> was ridiculous. The same could be said for another Iowa receiver. Bruce rushed 4 times for 23 yards and this glorious touchdown. That’s not going to be a fun film review for that Illinois defender. </p>
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<p id="BikjW6">Here was an excellent catch by Bruce IV along the Hawkeye sideline. This young man is something else. He reminds me a little bit of <strong>Brandon Wegher</strong>. </p>
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<p id="iAXbBY">Now to the not-so-great. <strong>Keagan Johnson</strong> was targeted 6 times and hauled in just 1 pass for 12 yards. <strong>Nico Ragaini</strong> caught two balls for 20 yards. The drops were many and they mostly were on nice third down throws by Padilla. </p>
<h3 id="kZOQKl"><strong>TE: D-</strong></h3>
<p id="g0WjBH">If you play tight end for the Hawkeyes you are required to block. Iowa had a very good day on the ground. <strong>Sam LaPorta</strong> and <strong>Luke Lachey</strong> played a role in this. From a receiving standpoint this game didn’t even take place. It never happened. LaPorta and Lachey were each targeted just once each. They had no receptions. </p>
<h3 id="q4U1i2"><strong>OL: C+</strong></h3>
<p id="BPYWRx">The Hawkeyes allowed two sacks. Padilla’s mobility probably avoided a few more. The Hawkeyes moved the ball very well on the ground against the Illini. I will take 172 yards rushing (3.3 avg) all day every day. <strong>Tyler Linderbaum </strong>might be the most respected/hated offensive lineman in the country. The Hawkeyes’ line seems to be making strides despite not having starting tackle <strong>Mason Richman</strong> for the second game in a row. I initially had this grade as a B-. I downgraded it because Illinois’ <strong>Isaiah Gay</strong> had a career day with 10 tackles, 1 sack, and 5.5 TFL’s. </p>
<h2 id="KYu0yS"><strong>Defense</strong></h2>
<h3 id="H94aio"><strong>DL: C</strong></h3>
<p id="zfDYyx">Illinois quarterback <strong>Brandon Peters</strong> started quickly against the Hawks. Part of this is that we didn’t have much of a pass rush on him. Eventually the Hawkeye defenders got to him. <strong>Logan Lee</strong> and <strong>Joe Evans</strong> both ended up with a sack on the day. <strong>Zach VanValkenburg</strong> played his last game at Kinnick Stadium collecting four tackles and 1 TFL. Iowa is getting some quality reps and experience from younger players; we could use a boost in production from <strong>John Waggoner</strong>. </p>
<h3 id="PdZuu8"><strong>LB: A-</strong></h3>
<p id="RzHLfz">Iowa’s top two tacklers were both linebackers. Not a huge surprise there. The two biggest plays they made were in pass coverage. <strong>Jack Campbell</strong> had 8 tackles, 1 QBH, and this pick 6. It shows you what type of cerebral player Campbell is as you could see him trying to decide if he should score or not. </p>
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<p id="5eTb3V"><strong>Seth Benson</strong> had 7 tackles and 2 pass breakups including this terrific play on a key third down stop. </p>
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<p id="tl1GVS"><strong>Jestin Jacobs</strong> had 4 tackles and 1 QBH. </p>
<h3 id="6Cx20L"><strong>DB/Cash: B-</strong></h3>
<p id="dt8Bxk">Iowa was without two starting defensive backs and it showed early in the game. Seniors <strong>Jack Koerner</strong> and <strong>Matt Hankins</strong> missed the game due to injury. <strong>Jermari Harris</strong> continues to gain valuable experience and Quinn Schulte filled in admirably for <strong>Phil Parker</strong>’s defense. Riley Moss had five tackles and one excellent pass breakup. <strong>Kaevon Merriweather </strong>has provided solid play from his safety position. <strong>Dane Belton</strong> has become Iowa’s next Cash (LB/DB hybrid) player who will play in The League. Belton had an interception and two pass breakups. Hopefully Iowa can get Koerner and Hankins back for Nebraska with the short week. </p>
<h2 id="Oorb2I"><strong>Special Teams: A-</strong></h2>
<p id="deGp6p">Iowa’s special teams was involved with two of the biggest plays of the day. The first was <strong>Tory Taylor</strong>’s drop on the low snap and the second was <strong>Charlie Jones</strong>’ momentum-swinging kick return for a touchdown. The kick returner gets the glory, but the kick return unit blocked incredibly well on that play. </p>
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<p id="OBtRSV">Taylor punted four times for 46.5 yards. <strong>Caleb Shudak</strong> has had an incredible year (knock on wood) hitting field goals from 51, 48, 29, and 30 (only missing from 57) and going 3 for 3 on his PAT’s </p>
<h2 id="E4D1d9"><strong>Next Up: Nebraska</strong></h2>
<p id="glpPVo">It has been a strange couple of weeks for Hawkeye fans. This past weekend we were forced to root for <strong>Nebraska</strong> (yuck) and next weekend we will need to cheer for the <strong>Gophers</strong> (nauseating). The biggest determining factor of course is if the Hawkeyes can take care of business. Nebraska is a team that scares me. They have some talent. It seems like <strong>Scott Frost</strong> does just enough each week to help his team lose the game. If Frost can stay out of his team’s way, the Cornhuskers (and their annoying fans) can ruin our Thanksgiving. Let’s not let that happen, Hawks. As always, Go Hawks!</p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/23/22794775/iowa-hawkeye-football-position-grades-illinois-fighting-illiniBartt Pierce2021-11-21T06:01:00-06:002021-11-21T06:01:00-06:00The Morning After: This is the Way
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<figcaption>Another 9-win season is locked in for Kirk Ferentz. | Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Hawkeye fans again find themselves stuck between hope and despair after Illinois win.</p> <p id="mW4Oxw">Sunday morning has a familiar feeling once again for Iowa Hawkeye fans. Again on Saturday, the Hawkeyes came away with a win but again the victory feels somehow unfulfilling, dissatisfying. </p>
<p id="iUcxSO">Illinois came out the aggressor and marched 75 yards over the course of 12 plays and nearly seven minutes to take an early lead. The Illini had no problem whatsoever dissecting Iowa’s zone defense as Brandon Peters completed six of seven passes, including a wide open 13-yarder to tight end Luke Ford to cap off the drive in paydirt. </p>
<p id="0uhUeS">The Iowa offense showed some life of their own in their initial drive, but stalled out on the Illinois side of the 50. Before Tory Taylor could pin Illinois deep in their own territory, he watched the snap dip between his legs and roll to the Iowa 28 yard line. The uncharacteristic special teams gaffe by the Hawkeyes led to another three points for the Illini and things looked to be going south in a hurry.</p>
<p id="f0dO6X">The special teams unit would quickly redeem themselves, however, as Charlie Jones took the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, securing the momentum back in Iowa’s corner.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">100 YARDS TO THE HOUSE <br><br>What a response from <a href="https://twitter.com/HawkeyeFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HawkeyeFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/j05N3ILTwX">pic.twitter.com/j05N3ILTwX</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1462143760683442180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2021</a>
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<p id="6La1e3">It was the first strike in a string of 17 unanswered points by the Hawkeyes. Iowa would get their only offensive touchdown of the day on their next possession as Arland Bruce IV capped off a 50-yard drive that featured the Hawkeyes’ only truly explosive offensive play of the day, a 28-yard pitch and catch from Padilla to Bruce. </p>
<p id="vfoOMF">Beyond that, it was fits and starts for the Hawkeyes. Iowa did pummel Illinois to the tune of 172 rushing yards, but managed just 3.3 yards per carry. Through the air, it was worse. As noted, Iowa didn’t test Illinois deep very often and ultimately only amassed 83 passing yards on 18 attempts (4.6 yards per attempt).</p>
<p id="Ax5P6E">New starter Alex Padilla threw his first interception as a Hawkeye on one of the few attempts downfield. While it was his only pick, he nearly threw at least one other. Making matters worse, Iowa receivers dropped a number of quality throws from Padilla.</p>
<p id="zEhOSq">But again, the defense tightened up as the game progressed and ultimately held a dangerous Illinois rushing attack to only 64 yards on the ground and 2.6 yards per carry. Phil Parker’s ball-hawking bunch came away with a pair of Brandon Peters interceptions, including a game clincher by Jack Campbell that was returned 32 yards for a touchdown.</p>
<p id="2cUKGs">The end result was a two-score victory for Iowa in their 8th consecutive win over Illinois. That pushes the Hawkeyes to 9-2 on the season and 5-2 in the Big Ten. </p>
<p id="tqCoRO">It’s a result that is both familiar for Iowa fans and no less frustrating. As with a season ago, the Hawkeyes are on the verge of finishing the year as a borderline top-15 team with a .750 winning percentage. But as with a season ago, Iowa is in need of help if they want to make a return trip to Indianapolis.</p>
<p id="BViAu6">Whether Iowa finishes at 9-3 or 10-2, this will objectively be a successful season. Few teams in the country will achieve such a record and fewer will do so in a conference with five teams ranked in the CFP top-25. </p>
<p id="AE2qXM">And yet, it feels somehow disappointing. After knocking off a pair of ranked teams right out of the gate, taking down a then top-10 team on the road and then coming home to defend Kinnick against a top-5 Penn State team, finishing the year again the bridesmaid in the West is indeed a letdown. </p>
<p id="FMH9Qe">But the football can only be pulled out from in front of you if you continue to step up to it expecting that this time will be different. The disappointment only sets in if you let the rollercoaster ride of the season erase from your memory the perspective of the offseason. That perspective that reminded us all this team was breaking in a slew of new faces on each side of the line and was likely to top out around 9-3. That perspective makes the prospect of a 10-2, top-15 finish a promising one. </p>
<p id="BKJyxr">That’s not how this season or this win feels. As Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding tells us in Shawshank Redemption, hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.</p>
<p id="I4r6pE">That’s what Hawkeye fans continue to fall victim to and this season has been no different. We all had our hopes up after that win over Penn State. We all had visions of Iowa <em>actually </em>putting it all together and giving us that coveted Big Ten title and potentially more. </p>
<p id="y2iWBb">Now with one week left and a trip to Lincoln on the docket, we’re doing it yet again. Hawkeye fans are collectively holding out a glimmer of hope that Iowa will win in Lincoln for a seventh straight victory over the Huskers and that Minnesota will put aside their hate for Iowa by knocking off the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a>. </p>
<p id="hBP8tl">We do that because that’s the essence of being an Iowa fan. That’s the essence of being a fan period. If there’s no hope, what’s the point? And yet, deep down we all know there is no hope. We know that at the end of the day, we’ll again be disappointed and let down and wondering what if. Because that too is the essence of being a Hawkeye fan. </p>
<p id="ikK5JA">So we again find ourselves entering the final week of the regular season somewhere between hopeful that Iowa can redeem their earlier losses to Purdue and Wisconsin and certain that they can’t. However the next week plays out, this season has already been a hell of a ride and an unquestionable success, even if it’s been equal parts disappointing.</p>
<p id="zDueQf">This is the way.</p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/21/22794031/iowa-hawkeye-football-illinois-fighting-illini-big-ten-west-championship-game-bhgpJPinIC2021-11-20T16:50:57-06:002021-11-20T16:50:57-06:00Iowa 33, Illinois 23: Nothing comes easy
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<figcaption>Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Another week, another win clocks in closer than it should have for the Iowa Hawkeyes </p> <p id="01W9IH">Tyler Goodson rushed for 132 yards on 27 carries, Gavin Williams added 56 on 10 carries, Alex Padilla went 6/17 for 83 yards and an interception, and the Iowa defense came up with two interceptions, including a game-sealing pick-6 from Jack Campbell, as the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> (9-2, 5-2) defeated the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> (4-7, 3-5) 33-23 on senior day in Kinnick Stadium. </p>
<p id="NBRkKh">While the run game in particular did its job, it was another frustrating day for Brian Ferentz and the Iowa offense. The success of the run game was plagued by what seemed like just as many run calls on first and second down that went for next to nothing, and set Padilla up for failure in countless 3rd and long situations. The Hawkeyes ended the day going 5-16 on third down, and were also outgunned in total yards, 312-257. Caleb Shudak was the true hero of the game, hitting 4-5 field goals, with his only miss coming from 58 yards and his longest at 51. </p>
<p id="bzFDPX">The passing game particularly struggled. Padilla threw a bad interception into double coverage. Multiple receivers dropped solid passes from Padilla. And the sophomore barely threw at all — but did show off his legs more than his first start. Honestly, I don’t know if there’s a true “better” quarterback between him and Spencer Petras. Petras may be the better passer, but Padilla’s mobility against the pass rush did a lot to ensure Shudak was kicking from manageable distance. </p>
<p id="P2ywLS">Iowa’s trouble getting teams off the field on third down (and the impact of multiple injuries to the secondary) seemed to rear its ugly head from the start as Illinois moved down the field efficiently in the passing game in its opening drive, converting on third-and-long 3 times before finding the endzone on a wide open pass over the middle to take the early lead, but as the day went on, the conversions stopped coming. However, three of Illinois four 3rd down conversions came on the first drive. </p>
<p id="Qzb8jg"> The emphasis on the run game for Iowa was apparent from the get-go, with Goodson converting a 3rd down on a toss, before Padilla opened up the pass game, but a dropped pass from Sam LaPorta killed the opening drive. </p>
<p id="45HaTX">Instead of going for it on a very manageable 4th and 3, Kirk Ferentz tried to play the field position game in response, but Tory Taylor whiffed on the snap for the punt and gave the Illini the ball with pristine field position. Thankfully, a penalty moved the Illini backwards, and the offense couldn’t convert through the air, but it still was enough to set up a 46-yard field goal for the Illinois lead. </p>
<p id="38wmn2">But who needs offense when you have Charlie Jones on special teams? The lid finally came off for the senior, who took Illinois’ kickoff 100 yards to the house. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CHARLIE JONES 100 YD TD RET HAWKEYES!! <a href="https://t.co/ft7a84DGno">pic.twitter.com/ft7a84DGno</a></p>— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeavensFX/status/1462143130577346562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2021</a>
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<p id="hNFfLv">Electric. </p>
<p id="zhlhfa">In response, the Hawk defense stepped up for its best drive of the early game, forcing the Illini into a 3-and-out. Jones had another nice return that set the Hawkeyes up nicely. An intentional grounding call moved the Hawkeyes back, but Padilla made up for his mistake by finding Arland Bruce IV on an absolute dime to end the quarter and bring the Hawkeyes into the red zone. Brian continued his use of the read-option in the red zone, and Padilla almost found the end zone. Instead, it was Bruce on an easy jet sweep that gave Iowa a 14-10 lead with 14:08 left in the second quarter. </p>
<p id="3i5mVG">For the second time in as many drives, Illinois could not get going on offense. In response, Iowa continued its most complete offensive effort of the season, getting good contributions from Goodson and Williams in the run game, big catches from Nico Ragaini, and even a play action tuck-and-run from Padilla that was noticeably absent last week. An absolutely asinine run call from Brian Ferentz on 3rd and very long generated nothing but boos from the crowd, but Caleb Shudak converted on his first field goal of the game, giving Iowa the 17-10 lead. </p>
<p id="9X6izJ">Peters and the Illini were finally able to move the ball a bit on their next drive, but couldn’t find pay dirt, but brought the game closer, 17-13.</p>
<p id="nw72Gv">Neither team could get anything going offensively as the clock ticked toward halftime, but Dane Belton picked off Peters with 55 seconds remaining in the half. But the offense couldn’t get anything going, and Shudak couldn’t convert a 58-yard field goal attempt, but the Illini couldn’t muster anything either, and the half ended with a Padilla kneel. </p>
<p id="CvCd3T">After deferring, the Hawkeyes got the ball to start the second half, marching down the field efficiently, highlighted by Padilla dodging a tackle on a rollout and scrambling, making a great play out of what should have been a sack. But the offense stalled once again as receivers continued to drop passes, requiring Shudak to add to the lead once again instead of hammering home for six. </p>
<p id="n6FVQP">Illinois once again was able to move down the field in its next drive ,but the defense once again held to force a 53-yard field goal from the Illini. As the lead continued to dwindle, it seemed like it would be the time for Brian to open up the playbook. Instead, after a successful run from Goodson, he called two straight runs that went for nothing, setting Padilla up for a 3rd and 9 that couldn’t be hauled in by Luke Lachey. </p>
<p id="pVUoQj">Thankfully, Taylor bombed his punt and the Illini got flagged for a penalty, which moved them deep into their own end zone and punted after a 3-and-out. And yet, the Hawkeyes could do nothing either and punted it right back. </p>
<p id="L8fz7s">After a few more frustrating offensive drives from Iowa, Illinois was flagged for multiple penalties off the Jones punt return, which set Iowa up in the red zone. Brian tried to get cute with a Ragaini target to Padilla on a reverse wheel route, but the Illini were called for roughing the passer, which was reviewed for targeting, but waved off. </p>
<p id="hIMG1n">And yet, Brian’s frustrating red zone play calling trend continued, and Iowa once again kicked a field goal, going up by two scores, but frustrating in the process simultaneously while going up 23-16 with just over nine minutes to play. </p>
<p id="qrvhQp">It seemed like no one could play effective offense, particularly as Padilla threw down the field right into double coverage and threw his first interception in his time as starter. But Illinois couldn’t convert on a 4th and 3, turning the ball over with just over 5 minutes to play, and Goodson and Williams bled clock to set up another Shudak field goal, giving Illinois the ball back down 26-16 with just under two minutes left. </p>
<p id="cci6lv">And the Illini came out firing, but it was for naught. Peters was picked off once again, this time by Campbell, who took Iowa’s 21st interception of the year all the way home. Illinois finally managed to find the end zone, but the Hawkeyes got the ball back with 31 seconds left and kneeled it out for the win. </p>
<p id="0OGMFF">Once again, a frustrating offensive performance, but a win in the end...again. </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/20/22793273/iowa-33-illinois-23-nothing-comes-easymattcabel2021-11-20T12:31:00-06:002021-11-20T12:31:00-06:00#17 Iowa Hawkeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Game Thread
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<figcaption>It’s go time in Iowa City. | Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Hawkeyes look to keep Floyd home in Iowa City.</p> <p id="SaqCCQ">For the final time in 2021, the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> are set to take to Duke Slate Field at Kinnick Stadium. Fresh off their seventh straight win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the Hawkeyes are set to take on the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> in a quest to extend their existing seven game winning streak over the Illini to eight in a row.</p>
<p id="PghG6F">For their part, Illinois comes in fresh off of a bye with wins over that same Gopher squad and the <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com">Penn State Nittany Lions</a> in two of their last three games. The Illini have allowed fewer than 24 points in their last seven outings under new head coach and former Hawkeye Bret Bielema. But ol’ Bert isn’t back in Iowa City today due to a positive COVID-19 test result earlier in the week.</p>
<p id="aKHJ31">Instead, the Illini will look to stop Iowa’s winning streak with assistant head coach and wide receivers coach George McDonald at the helm. Can Illinois channel their recent defensive prowess to stifle an Iowa offense that has struggled for much of the season? Or will new starting quarterback Alex Padilla again be able to dial up the big play to open up the Hawkeye offense? Answers to those and many more questions will be answered soon enough as the Hawkeyes face off with the Illini from Iowa City.</p>
<p id="GpYUaJ">Here’s a quick reminder on the details.</p>
<p id="h8icHq"><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, November 20th<br><strong>Time:</strong> 1:00pm CT<br><strong>Matchup:</strong> Illinois Fighting Illini (4-6, 3-4) at #17 <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> (8-2, 5-2)<br><strong>Location:</strong> Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA<br><strong>TV: </strong>FS1<br><strong>Streaming: </strong><a href="http://foxsportsgo.com/">FoxSportsGo.com</a><br><strong>Weather Forecast:</strong> mostly cloudy with temps in the low-50s, 0% chance of rain<br><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/regj?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D418369933%26wpcid%3D163239%26wpcn%3Dhowtowatch%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DCFB&pcid=163239&pscn=Odds&pcrn=Howtowatch&psn=Vox"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook Line</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Iowa -13, O/U 38.5*</p>
<p id="pygRZX">The usual rules apply. Play nice in the comments and please report the spam bots.</p>
<p id="oRNeq8">Go Hawks!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5IUe7u">
<p id="zpb1LI">*<em>Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/</em><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/featured"><em>sportsbook</em></a><em> for details.</em></p>
<p id="0DOOJo"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/20/22792639/iowa-hawkeyes-vs-illinois-fighting-illini-game-live-updates-tv-channel-watch-spread-line-bhgpJPinIC2021-11-20T06:33:00-06:002021-11-20T06:33:00-06:00#17 Iowa Hawkeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini: How to Watch, Updated Betting Line + More
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<img alt="Syndication: HawkCentral" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OIPaKG_Qly9yFULZfTLKWgsRer0=/0x0:3812x2541/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70169952/usa_today_17174647.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It’s nearly time for one final kickoff from Kinnick Stadium in 2021. | Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Iowa looks for their 8th straight win over the Illini in a game with Big Ten West implications.</p> <p id="i5chjT">The <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> are fresh off their second win in a row and now turn their attention toward the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a>, who have been more than a thorn in the side of many a Big Ten team this season. The Illini have already knocked off Minnesota and Penn State, now they look to keep their hopes for bowl eligibility alive as they enter Kinnick Stadium on senior day.</p>
<p id="I3Qvqv">Iowa is looking for their eighth consecutive win over Illinois in an effort to keep their hopes for a Big Ten West title alive. The Hawkeyes need some help in that regard as even winning their next two games would put them behind the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a> in a tiebreaker scenario if the aforementioned Gophers or the <a href="https://www.cornnation.com">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> are unable to knock off the Badgers in the next two weeks.</p>
<p id="F8aLbB">Iowa is once again expected to start Alex Padilla at quarter back this week. Padilla has been solid since taking over for the injured Spencer Petras, completing 50% of his passes for 439 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception. Can the Hawkeyes utilize his skillset to once again dial up some big plays against an Illinois defense that’s held their last seven opponents under 24 points? And can this Iowa defense find a way to slow down an Illinois running attack that’s averaged 216 rushing yards over the last three games?</p>
<p id="pX0yz7">As we count down to kickoff, here’s a look at the details for today’s Big Ten West matchup.</p>
<p id="h8icHq"><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, November 20th<br><strong>Time:</strong> 1:00pm CT<br><strong>Matchup:</strong> Illinois Fighting Illini (4-6, 3-4) at #17 <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> (8-2, 5-2)<br><strong>Location:</strong> Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA<br><strong>TV: </strong>FS1<br><strong>Streaming: </strong><a href="http://FoxSportsGo.com">FoxSportsGo.com</a><br><strong>Weather Forecast:</strong> mostly cloudy with temps in the low-50s, 0% chance of rain<br><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/regj?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D418369933%26wpcid%3D163239%26wpcn%3Dhowtowatch%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DCFB&pcid=163239&pscn=Odds&pcrn=Howtowatch&psn=Vox"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook Line</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Iowa -13, O/U 38.5*</p>
<h2 id="cdXOML">Game Prep</h2>
<p id="YB7eKO">As you count down to kickoff, be sure to check out all of our coverage from throughout the week. You can easily access everything Kent State related in the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/16/22784090/iowa-hawkeyes-vs-illinois-fighting-illini-game-center-preview-series-history-ferentz-bielema-bhgp"><strong>#18 Iowa vs. Illinois Game Center</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="ocecWt">Below are a few key items from throughout the week:</p>
<p id="cBdq7Y"><strong>Preseason Opponent Preview: </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/8/12/22607167/iowa-hawkeyes-football-2021-opponent-preview-illinois-fighting-illini-bret-bielema-bhgp">2021 opponent preview: Illinois Fighting Illini</a><br><strong>Matchup to Watch: </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/19/22790686/matchup-to-watch-illinois-chase-brown-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-football-rush-defense-jack-campbell-bhgp">Matchup to Watch: Illinois’ Chase Brown vs. Iowa’s rush defense</a><br><strong>Game Preview: </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/19/22789292/iowa-hawkeyes-football-matchup-opponent-preview-illinois-illini-alex-padilla-bhgp">Iowa Football Opponent Preview: Illinois</a><br><strong>Staff Predictions:</strong> <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/19/22788199/iowa-hawkeyes-illinois-fighting-illini-game-predictions-game-line-betting-spread-bhgp">The Pants Predicts: Iowa vs Illinois</a></p>
<p id="jkhga2">Don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Heart Gold Pants podcast feed. You can catch a fresh episode of The Pants Party and the All Eyes Podcast every week with game recaps, previews and everything in between. </p>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5IUe7u">
<p id="zpb1LI">*<em>Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/</em><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/featured"><em>sportsbook</em></a><em> for details.</em></p>
<p id="IptWL2"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/20/22792118/iowa-hawkeyes-vs-illinois-fighting-illini-how-watch-tv-channel-gambling-betting-line-spread-weatherJPinIC2021-11-19T11:13:18-06:002021-11-19T11:13:18-06:00The Pants Predicts: Iowa vs Illinois
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Iowa at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jblcr9j0WS0dUKxiyWPTs6Axc-Y=/0x0:2175x1450/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70166339/usa_today_15273027.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can Iowa finally get something going on the ground? | Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The spread is nearly two touchdowns, can the Hawkeyes put up enough offensive production to cover against the Illini?</p> <p id="q5nWJw">The <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> took home another win last week as they defeated the <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com">Minnesota Gophers</a> 27-22. That’s the same Gophers team that Illinois defeated 14-6 in their last action two weeks ago.</p>
<p id="TJqzFX">Now the Hawkeyes and Illini are set to face off in the home finale for Iowa as Illinois returns to action from their bye week. The Hawkeyes are looking to extend their winning streak in this rivalry to eight games while Illinois is looking to keep hopes for a bowl game alive.</p>
<p id="m3UiHQ">According to <a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/ju2q?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D780828136%26wpcid%3D163240%26wpcn%3Dinarticle%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DCFB&pcid=163240&pscn=CFB&pcrn=Inarticle&psn=Vox">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>, the Hawkeyes are favored by 13 points in a game that’s got an over/under of 38.5 total points. Iowa has gotten over that mark twice in their last five games while Illinois has been under in each of their last seven matchups.</p>
<p id="KNlJX5">As for The Pants, we’re all on the Hawks this week. That is, we’re taking Iowa on the moneyline but just two of our staffers think the Hawkeyes will cover the double-digit spread. Collectively, we’re calling for a final score of Iowa 26, Illinois 14. That puts us on the over by a point and a half and has us taking Illinois with the points, but just barely. </p>
<p id="ymAoOg">Here’s a look at the staff’s individual predictions for Iowa’s matchup with Illinois.</p>
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<p id="o3MflL"><strong>JPinIC</strong></p>
<p id="CxrSAd">This one is concerning to me. Iowa faces two coaching staffs they really dislike in a three week span and then smack in the middle of that we get Illinois, a team I don’t think this coaching staff has thought about in half a decade.</p>
<p id="nJeuWw">Yet, this isn’t any old Illinois team. This is now Bert Bielema’s Illinois team. And despite Bert missing this week due to COVID, this group has been playing solid defense and already has a couple nice winds in a year that should be a reset season. </p>
<p id="E209UT">I expect more of the same from Iowa in this one. Trying to establish the run to no avail. Facing a team that can assert themselves in the running game to the point we see a tight one down to the wire. Ultimately, I think Alex Padilla adds enough to this offense to outscore the Illini and I trust Phil Parker to button things up in the second half.</p>
<p id="AJvRjr">Iowa 24, Illinois 16</p>
<p id="dRqyHF"><strong>Bartt Pierce</strong></p>
<p id="kEXItS">I have written before that I’m a fan of Bret Bielema. Barry Alvarez (thank you, Coach Fry) resurrected Wisconsin football, but Bielema maintained it. That’s no small accomplishment. Ask Scotty Frost. Biels ventured off to SEC territory but he’s back where he belongs. Bielema is an excellent Big Ten football coach. He understands that you win up front. Illinois is also a recruiting hotbed. You know that the guy with the Tigerhawk tattoo wants to bite the hand that fed him. Not this year, but this is going to be a tough test for the Hawks while he is there. The Gophers ran the ball well against us. Our tackling has been suspect the last two weeks. Biels’ will try to play slobberknocker football. Hopefully Brian/Kirk Ferentz take the training wheels off Padilla and our offense and we go at the Illini for four quarters. If so, Hawks win convincingly. Big if, but we can dream, can’t we?!?! </p>
<p id="6nBWSu">Hawks 30, Illinois 13</p>
<p id="4lCjtK"><strong>MattReisener</strong></p>
<p id="ZjMMte">Is Illinois a particularly good football team? No, but that certainly didn’t stop them from scoring road upsets against #7 Penn State and #20 Minnesota this season. Illinois’ formula for getting its third upset against a ranked team is simple: run the ball effectively, control the clock, and force turnovers or three-and-outs whenever Iowa has the ball. However, Iowa’s path to victory is far easier: stop the running game, stop the Illini. </p>
<p id="IEtw0z">Iowa’s offense continues to stabilize under Alex Padilla, Tyler Goodson goes for over 100 yards for the third time this season, and Iowa keeps the dream of a Big Ten Championship alive. </p>
<p id="jeIdp0">Iowa 27, Illinois 13</p>
<p id="1jCuun"><strong>tnels20</strong></p>
<p id="Bjl8kJ">For the fourth consecutive game, Iowa faces a team with a solid running game, but major issues through the air. I was amazed to look back and find out Iowa’s 27 points against Minnesota was the second most they had given up this season. </p>
<p id="pFxlaO">Once again, I expect possessions to be a premium with quarters ending quickly. Iowa will need to jump out with some offense early to keep Illinois from running the ball 50 times while attempting to possess the entire clock in the most boring of Big Ten West fashions. But this week Padilla and company will stick with enough play action gains while Goodson breaks off two long touchdowns.</p>
<p id="BRxry3">Iowa 28 - Illinois 16</p>
<p id="O0YWjK"><strong>BoilerHawk</strong></p>
<p id="kmTOS1">I think Bret Bielema is worth a touchdown, maybe more. They say the first thing teams forget about when they fall behind is the run game and if Iowa is able to get up early on the Illini, that could create some consternation without the steady hands of Bielema guiding them to run as much as possible.</p>
<p id="8oxRJP">Even without him, I think Illinois has a decent-enough defense (16.4 PPG over the last 7) to keep it close and Iowa hasn’t yet shown an ability to break open a big against a team demonstrating competency on that side of the ball.</p>
<p id="5uUVyZ">But Iowa finds enough in a game that is more comfortable than the final score.</p>
<p id="ku1BF6">Iowa 20, Illinois 11</p>
<p id="lEUAw8"><strong>Ben</strong></p>
<p id="Md6BYo">I was fully committed to my bit of picking coaches who have a history of success over Kirk Ferentz, but now that Bert came down with the cooties, and after scanning the Illinois coaching staff, I can say with confidence that Kirk Ferentz is undefeated against whoever will take the sideline opposite he. </p>
<p id="KlUnuw">Iowa 27, Illinois 17</p>
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<p id="UMUs1R">Those are our predictions. What’s your take on this week’s matchup? Can Iowa make it eight straight against the Illini? Let us know your prediction in the comments!</p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/19/22788199/iowa-hawkeyes-illinois-fighting-illini-game-predictions-game-line-betting-spread-bhgpJPinICBenjaminRossBoilerHawktnels20MattReisenerBartt Pierce2021-11-19T08:31:00-06:002021-11-19T08:31:00-06:00Matchup to Watch: Illinois’ Chase Brown vs. Iowa’s rush defense
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Iowa at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kjA5hX6zAtaJaiU9TLkMymBfTtQ=/0x0:3642x2428/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70165257/usa_today_15271874.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Will the Hawkeyes be able to contain Illinois’ run game?</em></p> <p id="TYD4Ii"><em>Week 1: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/2/22653442/iowa-hawkeyes-football-matchup-to-watch-ty-fryfogle-vs-corners-riley-moss-matt-hankins-bhgp"><em>Ty Fryfogle vs. Iowa’s corners</em></a><br><em>Week 2: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/9/22663951/matchup-to-watch-isu-cyclones-tight-ends-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-football-linebackers-jestin-jacobs-bhgp"><em>Charlie Kolar/Chase Allen vs. Iowa’s linebackers</em></a><br><em>Week 3: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/16/22677119/matchup-to-watch-kent-state-golden-flashes-corners-iowa-hawkeyes-football-wideouts-tyrone-tracy-bhgp"><em>Kent State’s corners vs. Iowa’s wide receivers</em></a><br><em>Week 4: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/23/22689357/iowa-hawkeyes-football-matchup-to-watch-colorado-state-rams-thomas-pannunzio-vs-tory-taylor-bhgp"><em>Thomas Pannunzio vs. Tory Taylor</em></a><br><em>Week 5: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/30/22701938/matchup-to-watch-marylands-offensive-line-vs-iowas-defensive-line-zach-van-valkenberg-bhgp"><em>Maryland’s offensive line vs. Iowa’s defensive line</em></a><br><em>Week 6: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/10/7/22714094/matchup-to-watch-penn-state-nittany-lions-jahan-dotson-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-secondary-riley-moss-bhgp"><em>Jahan Dotson vs. Iowa’s secondary</em></a><br><em>Week 7: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/10/14/22725665/matchup-to-watch-purdue-boilermakers-george-karlaftis-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-football-tackles-bhgp"><em>George Karlaftis vs. Iowa’s tackles</em></a><br><em>Week 8: BYE</em><br><em>Week 9: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/10/28/22749925/matchup-to-watch-wisconsin-badgers-jim-leonhard-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-football-brian-ferentz-bhgp"><em>Jim Leonhard vs. Brian Ferentz</em></a><br><em>Week 10: </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/4/22762685/iowa-hawkeyes-football-matchup-to-watch-kirk-ferentz-vs-northwestern-wildcats-pat-fitzgerald-bhgp"><em>Kirk Ferentz vs. Himself</em></a><br><em>Week 11: </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/e/22541448"><em>Minnesota’s pass defense vs. Alex Padilla</em></a></p>
<p id="1DAe8C"><em>Alex Padilla looked like the type of quarterback Iowa needed with his ability to throw on the run and connecting down the field, particularly two big plays to Charlie Jones. He stayed clean in terms of sacks and interceptions and helped Iowa max out their scoring with season-low time of possession.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1U96Fz">
<p id="A7MV68">The #17 <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> (8-2, 5-2) remain in a tie for the Big Ten West lead with #15 Wisconsin and will look to maintain or take the lead against the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> (4-6, 3-4). There’s a <a href="https://twitter.com/SickosCommittee/status/1461417570234478602?s=20">chaotic scenario</a> where Illinois finds their way into a tie at 5-4. Naturally, that means a win against Iowa and they’ll use an excellent run game to try and get there.</p>
<p id="S7o8Bj">Lead back Chase Brown has been an absolute workhorse for the Illini at a clean 6 yards/carry and 25+ carries in three of their four wins. Illinois employs plenty of the old Wisconsin-style running with 6+ offensive linemen to serve as lead blockers and get the <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/chase-brown-3.html">technically-fourth-year-sophomore</a> in space.</p>
<div id="wXaTk8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W80UNoQP8DI?rel=0&start=4" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="iJ4Z7Q">He reminds me a bit of Mekhi Sargent in his ability to combine enough shiftiness to make guys miss with strength to shirk would-be tacklers in a smaller frame.</p>
<p id="iM3aEa">Defensively, the Hawks have been pretty okay against the run over the course of the season. Nobody has eclipsed more than 4 yards per carry except for Maryland in a game Iowa won handily. Yet the sheer volume Iowa has faced over the course of the last five games warrants concern at 39 carries/game with Wisconsin and Minnesota at 48 & 50.</p>
<p id="3mE92n">The main concern is up front, where Iowa lacks the classic over-300 pound defensive tackle to take up bodies. The Illinois offensive linemen weigh above 300 and have plenty of experience.</p>
<p id="KJi29m">A best case is that Iowa’s defensive line occupies the offensive line to free up Hawkeye linebackers to make plays. Jack Campbell sits just <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2021.html">3 tackles shy of 100</a> and would be the first Hawk over the mark since Josey Jewell in 2017. Seth Benson is also excellent in run fits and has 72 tackles on the seaosn.</p>
<p id="5RMYx9">Yet Iowa struggled against Minnesota throughout much of the first half, particularly on a shotgun toss which allowed their backs to get in space and create cutback lanes with offensive linemen blocking linebackers. The Hawkeyes were able to get to halftime and throw tons of run blitzes at the Gophers to stymie their attack but it was a bit of a weakness for future opponents to identify.</p>
<p id="rnNbe9">If Iowa has to commit too much to the run game, it could open them up to constraint plays like this one Illinois used to get a lead on Minnesota:</p>
<div id="e0M1OM"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cd1tBtJq0zI?rel=0&start=22" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="15jqYb">While Bret Bielema will not be available for the game, the Illini are constructed in his image. Chase Brown is a tricky back to bring down and the Hawkeyes will need to improve in their tackling to prevent him from breaking any big plays.</p>
<p id="PvRKXD">In a game where points are very likely to be at a premium, defending Illinois starts with the Hawks’ ability to contain the run and force them to become one-dimensional. If they’re able to do that, Brandon Peters as been a volatile quarterback and Iowa should be able to take advantage.</p>
<p id="HwEIXa">Yet if it maintains tight throughout, Illinois is very likely to remain wedded to a run game and hope it eventually breaks in their favor. It’ll create a more tense game than it probably should be and open the Hawks up to a disappointing loss after bouncing back and serve as the nail in the coffin to their divisional hopes.</p>
<p id="tPrp2F"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/19/22790686/matchup-to-watch-illinois-chase-brown-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-football-rush-defense-jack-campbell-bhgpBoilerHawk2021-11-19T06:17:00-06:002021-11-19T06:17:00-06:00Iowa Football Opponent Preview: Illinois
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 05 Iowa at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sdVtm-uQl_lslG-F5DkrBh61uok=/0x0:3655x2437/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70164562/1230001919.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Iowa will have to stop a potent running game to extend its winning streak against Illinois and stay in the hunt for the Big Ten West title.</p> <p id="k449YW">When sitting down to evaluate the Illinois football team, one of the first observations that came to mind was that the Fighting Illini are a poor man’s version of the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a>. While Illinois has nowhere near the talent of the Badgers, both teams are committed to the power running game to the point of being almost allergic to the forward pass, both teams run physical three-man fronts on defense, and both teams have improved their performance as the season progressed despite poor starts to the year. The similarities even extend to Illinois’ choice to lead the program: former Wisconsin head coach and Hawkeye defensive lineman Bret Bielema.</p>
<p id="jvhR1r">While the resumption of the rivalry between Iowa and its prodigal son will be delayed due to Bret Bielema’s <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2021/11/16/22785248/bielema-tests-positive-for-covid-out-saturday-at-iowa-fighting-illini-illinois-bret">COVID-19 diagnosis</a>, there is reason to believe the Hawkeyes will still get Illinois’ best shot on Saturday. The Fighting Illini had a bye week to prepare for this matchup and desperately need a win against Iowa to stay in the running for bowl eligibility. While Iowa has <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&school_id=iowa&opp_id=illinois">dominated this series</a> in recent years (Iowa has not lost to Illinois since 2008 and its last home loss to the Illini came in 1999), the Hawkeyes will need to avoid succumbing to the same pitfalls that doomed them against Wisconsin if they hope to keep their winning streak and their hopes for a Big Ten Championship alive. </p>
<p id="QO7nl9">Here are a few key factors to watch for in tomorrow’s game:</p>
<p id="cJLbwB"><strong>1. Can Iowa slow down the Illinois run game?</strong></p>
<p id="NFLSe8">While Iowa’s run defense has been effective for most of the season, some cracks have begun to show over the past few games. Iowa gave up 189 yards on the ground to Minnesota last week, displaying the same poor tackling and susceptibility to cutbacks that Northwestern’s offense exposed in the second half the prior week. The Hawkeyes have now surrendered hundred-yard rushers in two of the past three games, with both of those performances coming against freshmen running backs. </p>
<p id="QnFwyv">Iowa will need to shore up its run defense if it hopes to keep the run-heavy Illini in check. Chase Brown has emerged as one of the conference’s top backs with monster rushing performances in upsets wins over Penn State (223 yards) and Minnesota (147 yards), and his 106.38 yards per game <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/827/player/split01/category01/sort01.html">ranks second</a> among all Big Ten backs. Meanwhile, 6’1”, 240 lb. freshman Josh McCray will remind Hawkeye fans of Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen and provides a bruising and effective counterweight to the more explosive running of Brown. If Iowa struggles to stop the run, it could also leave the Hawkeyes vulnerable to being attacked over the top, something which led to two long scoring plays against Minnesota. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big Man Ko Kieft rumbling stumbling bumbling for a touchdown. What a play <a href="https://t.co/v3bEugmQaS">pic.twitter.com/v3bEugmQaS</a></p>— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolBigCat/status/1459640463179329547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="uLp98E">However, Iowa’s defense should be in a good position if it does manage to slow down the Illini ground attack with its front seven. Illinois is incredibly dependent on the running game to move the ball and is averaging the <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category02/sort01.html">7<sup>th</sup>-fewest</a> passing yards per game in college football, so if the Illini are likely in for a rough time if they are forced to pass to stay in the game. Still, Illinois’ power running offense does decrease the opportunities for Iowa to force turnovers, a trait which has been the calling card of the Hawkeye defense this season. Illinois has committed the <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category12/sort04.html">third-fewest</a> turnovers in the Big Ten with only nine on the season, but if the Hawkeyes can manage to get out to a healthy lead, perhaps they can coax the Illini out of their comfort zone and force them to throw into the teeth of the Iowa secondary.</p>
<p id="QNVmLN"><strong>2. Which line can hold up best in pass protection?</strong></p>
<p id="zLwUGw">While neither Iowa nor Illinois have had particularly dynamic passing attacks this season, both teams’ quarterbacks have been hurt by inconsistent pass protection from their offensive lines. Iowa surrenders sacks on 8.2% of its non-garbage time passing attempts while Illinois allows them on 8.3% of attempts, <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa/sp/overallol/2021">ranking</a> as the 102<sup>nd</sup> and 106<sup>th</sup> best teams respectively in this regard. The team whose line is best able to stand up against the opposing pass rush will have a major advantage when it chooses to go to the air in this game.</p>
<p id="mbf4jE">Illinois has been the <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category20/sort01.html">superior pass rushing team</a> so far this season, collecting 25 sacks on the year to Iowa’s 20, including sicks sacks against an excellent Minnesota front five two weeks ago. Outside linebacker Owen Carney is Illinois’ best pass rusher with six sacks on the season and will be a difficult assignment for Iowa’s offensive tackles to handle in this contest. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Owen Carney <a href="https://t.co/5u9i3khJqO">pic.twitter.com/5u9i3khJqO</a></p>— IllinoisLoyalty (@IllinoisLoyalty) <a href="https://twitter.com/IllinoisLoyalty/status/1444372798336557061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a>
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<p id="ML9hJ7">Still, there is some reason for optimism regarding Iowa’s offensive line. The Hawkeyes allowed no sacks last week, a statistic which can be partly credited to new starting quarterback Alex Padilla’s superior mobility to Spencer Petras, but which also reflects the fact that Iowa’s pass blocking was noticeably better than it has been for most of the year. If Iowa’s line is able to give Padilla sufficient time, Illinois has proven vulnerable to giving up big plays in the secondary and is allowing <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category02/sort01.html">237.6 yards per game</a> through the air. </p>
<p id="31m4Di">Meanwhile, Iowa’s pass rush has been solid in obvious passing downs but has otherwise struggled to produce pressure on QB drop backs for much of the season. Illinois, a team that is not afraid to run the ball on 3<sup>rd</sup> down is not likely to give Iowa many such attempts. With the Hawkeye linebackers likely to be keyed in on stopping the run, Iowa’s front four will need to prove it can consistently generate enough pressure to exploit Illinois’ vulnerability up front whenever Illini quarterback Brandon Peters looks to pass.</p>
<p id="eXfyfA"><strong>3. Which team can best capitalize on its redzone trips?</strong></p>
<p id="jRyCxm">Unfortunately for both Iowa and Illinois, trips to the redzone have not necessarily meant touchdowns for either team this season. In fact, the Hawkeyes and the Fighting Illini have the worst <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category27/sort05.html">redzone touchdown percentages</a> in the conference with Iowa finding the endzone on 47.06% of its trips and Illinois doing so a woeful 40.91% of the time. Conversely, both teams boast <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/827/team/defense/split01/category27/sort05.html">two of the conference’s best</a> redzone defenses, as Iowa surrenders touchdowns on only 43.33% of its opponents redzone trips compared to 44.74% for the Illini. Will either team be able to consistently capitalize on trips to the redzone in this game?</p>
<p id="AVXE8n">If both teams struggle in the redzone, it might be the team that can score from beyond the 20-yard line that has the advantage. The Hawkeyes have a decided advantage in this regard, as Iowa has produced <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2021/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category30/sort04.html">twice as many</a> 40+ yard plays from scrimmage (10) as Illinois has on the season (5). Should both offenses find themselves settling for field goals, the ability of Alex Padilla to attack the defense downfield like he did against Minnesota</p>
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<p id="F39pCS">or the big play ability of Tyler Goodson and Keagan Johnson</p>
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<p id="IQZa7o">could prove critical in what may become a protracted pitch battle between two physical bend-but-don’t-break defenses. </p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/11/19/22789292/iowa-hawkeyes-football-matchup-opponent-preview-illinois-illini-alex-padilla-bhgpMattReisener