Iowa defeated Wisconsin, 10-6, last week.
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Will undefeated Iowa suffer a letdown when it hosts Big Ten rival Illinois at 12:00PM ET today?
With 3 Wins and 1 Losses, Illinois Fighting Illini gained 327.6 total yards on an average including 221.2 passing yards (with 34.8 passing attempts having completion percentage of 54.0) and 106.4 rushing yards per game. The defense has been impressive and the offense has been much more dynamic than it has been in years past, helping vault Iowa to co-favorite position in the Big Ten West.
“They were harassing us, and I thought the one thing that’s consistent with him is his poise and his toughness out there”, Ferentz said.
Wes Lunt has tossed for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns to date this season, but Illinois will be without starting tailback Josh Ferguson will not play due to injury. Smith has a knee sprain in will likely be out until Iowa plays Maryland on October 31. Dudek led Illinois in receiving his freshman year, but hasn’t played yet as a sophomore after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. He picked us apart in that ’07 game, ” Ferentz said. However, the Hawkeyes have said all week they know Illinois is a capable Big Ten team that must be taken seriously. But the Hawkeyes have an outstanding secondary, led by Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year candidate Desmond King. Backup Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who has run for 325 yards and two scores this season, will get the nod and look to make a positive impact. Vaughn looked the part against Nebraska, with 98 yards on 24 carries off the bench.
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If one month ago someone told you Iowa-Illinois would be either the championship or consolation game for Iowa-Wisconsin and Illinois-Nebraska, which would you have chosen?
