Dear Old Gold
Fansided

B10 West Power Ranking: It’s a Mess After Wisconsin

By Jeremy Karll

Oct 22, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) is the first to the Heartland Trophy after their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. The Badgers beat the Hawkeyes 17 to 9. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) is the first to the Heartland Trophy after their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. The Badgers beat the Hawkeyes 17 to 9. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
iowa football
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7 – Illinois Fighting Illini 2-5 (1-3)

Last Week: 6

No one expected Illinois to upset Michigan, especially since they went into the game with third-string quarterback Jeff George Jr. After seeing how easily Michigan beat Rutgers, a 41-8 loss isn’t terrible. Besides, the Illini managed to score eight points on an impressive touchdown, that nearly got intercepted, and held the Wolverines to 10 points in the second half.

Although, with Wes Lunt and Chayce Crouch both out, Illinois is in an even bigger hole than before. George completed just 4-of-15 passes for 95 yards and threw a touchdown and interception. However, George finished the first half with more interceptions (one) than completions (zero). He didn’t complete a pass until 8:41 left in the third quarter.

It’s a testament to the stifling defense Michigan has, but also shines a light on the struggles Illinois’ offense is facing with their top two quarterbacks hurt.

One positive is the Illini’s run game. Kendrick Foster and Ke’Shawn Vaughn combined to rush for 88 yards on 15 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. It’s an impressive feat against a very good run defense, but it’s hard to win with no pass game.

Defensively, Illinois allowed Michigan to score a touchdown on each of their first four drives and score points on five of six drives in the first half. Wilton Speight didn’t play in the fourth quarter or it could have been much worse for the Illini.

When it comes down to it, Illinois has no identity on offense, and their defense isn’t good enough to win them games. Until Lunt or Crouch become healthy, the Illini will have a hard time winning. Illinois will be underdogs the rest of the season, but against Minnesota this week is their best chance to win the rest of the season.

Home/Iowa Football