The Hawkeyes cannot lose this weekends game with Illinois. Never mind any mantra that ‘every game on the schedule is important’. If the Hawkeyes want to go to a mid to top tier bowl, or potentially be in the conversation in the Big Ten West, a win is necessary.
Iowa could very well be undefeated going into a game with the Fighting Illini where they are nearly three touchdown favorites. An Amari Hooker tip against Penn State, and cutting down on the turnovers in East Lansing, and Iowa would be near, or in the Top 15.
But, the reality of things are as such, that the Hawkeyes lost both of those games, and had to sweat out an overtime win against in-state foe Iowa State to sit at 3-2. The Illini would like nothing more than getting a statement win for second year head coach Lovie Smith, and end the three game winning streak the Hawkeyes have in the head to head series.
Causing Issues For Whomever Is The Illini Signal-Caller
Many unknowns remain heading into the game. Illinois is moving in a new direction after looking rutterless behind Chayce Crouch. Jeff George Jr will get the start on Saturday, as Lovie Smith stated to Fox Sports:
"”Some positions you try to stay the course as much as you possibly can,” Smith said Monday. ”But you kind of have to look at what’s going on the field.”"
Depending on how the game goes, a true freshmen might get in for Illinois at quarterback in Chicago QB (Marian Central) Cam Thomas. Thomas was the #30 player in Illinois per 24/7 Sports.
It could be a harrowing task for either George or Thomas with established pass rushers like Anthony Nelson, and the up and coming AJ Epenesa waiting to tee off. Along with perhaps the best defensive player in the country right now in linebacker Josey Jewell.
Getting The Ground Game On The Tracks Again
Since the injury to James Daniels, that may be keeping him out a few more weeks, Iowa doesn’t pack the same punch on offense, especially on the ground. The offensive line is not getting the normal push that they are known for, and it just hasn’t been pretty.
Akrum Wadley has been bottled up often, usually having to make electric plays a couple times a game, but the every down production has been stifled. Iowa will have to get Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin established like that were able to do against North Texas when the temperatures start to dip.
Figuring Out ‘The Other Corner’
Desmond King was an elite talent that locked down one half of the field for Iowa for several seasons. Teams stayed away from him, and forced Greg Mabin to defend an influx of passes. The same is starting to happen with Josh Jackson, who has been excellent for Iowa in his junior year.
However, Iowa is still working out the other side where players like Manny Rugamba, Michael Ojemudia and true freshmen Matt Hankins have played. If improvement doesn’t appear from another corner this season, it will be more of the same, with opponents wide receivers getting conference recognition against Iowa regularly.
One way or another, Iowa cannot lose this game heading into the bye week. They finish out October with division rivals Northwestern, and Minnesota. November is even more daunting with the likes of Ohio State, Wisconsin and the much improved Purdue waiting.
Predictions
Season Review:
Patrick Mooney (Dear Old Gold): 42-9
Devin Keller (Dear Old Gold): 41-10
Brendan Stiles (Hawkeye Expert): 39-12
Joe Favia (Dear Old Gold): 38-13
Derrick Mitchell (Former Hawkeye RB/Current Incarnate Word RB): 36-15
Bryan Dietzler (Dear Old Gold): New Picker!
Illinois Fighting Illini At Iowa Hawkeyes
Joe, Derrick, Brendan, Devin, Bryan- Iowa
Penn State Nittany Lions At Northwestern Wildcats
Joe, Derrick, Brendan, Devin, Bryan- Penn State
Minnesota Golden Gophers At Purdue Boilermakers
Joe, Brendan- Purdue
Devin, Derrick, Bryan- Minnesota
Charleston Southern At Indiana Hoosiers
Joe, Derrick, Brendan, Devin, Bryan- Indiana
Maryland Terrapins At Ohio State Buckeyes
Joe, Derrick, Brendan, Devin, Bryan- Ohio State
Michigan State Spartans At Michigan Wolverines
Joe, Derrick, Brendan, Devin, Bryan- Michigan
Wisconsin Badgers At Nebraska Cornhuskers