Iowa Football: Early look at matchup with Illinois

Everything you need to know about Iowa football’s matchup with Illinois on Saturday. Here’s an early look at the game.

The 24th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2) travel to Champaign, IL to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-3) on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 pm CT. The game will be televised on either FS1 or Big Ten Network.

Iowa football is coming off their fourth-straight victory after defeating Nebraska 26-20. Meanwhile, Illinois’ game against No. 4 Ohio State was canceled this past weekend due to COVID-19 concerns within the Buckeyes program.

The Hawkeyes are currently a 13-point favorite against the Illini as of Monday morning, according Action Network.

Since taking over in 2016, Illinois coach Lovie Smith has a record of 17-37 (.315). Last season, Smith led the Fighting Illini to their first bowl game since 2014 after finishing 6-6 during the regular season. Smith has never defeated the Hawkeyes (0-4).

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has an all-time record of 11-3 (.786) against Illinois . The Hawkeyes have won six straight over the Illini dating back to 2014. Iowa has outscored their neighbors to the east 296-60 over that span, which includes two shutouts.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Iowa. Illinois leads the all-time series with a record of 38-35-2. At one point, the Illini won 12 in a row across a 25-year span (1942-1967).

Illinois has yet to win at home this season. Both of their wins have come on the road. The Illini rank 78th in total offense (381.8 yards per game) and 102nd in total defense (448.2). On the flip side, Iowa ranks 91st in total offense (364.5) and 20th in total defense (322.8).

Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras has struggled this season, but could have a big day against a weak Illinois defense. The Illini have been pedestrian against both the run and pass, so Petras should have little reason for mistakes. The Hawkeyes should win this game comfortably to make it seven straight.