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Illinois Football: 4 Big Ten West Teams the Illini Will Beat

ByRees Woodcock|
4 of 5

Nov 15, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes fans celebrate in the fourth quarter of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Iowa defeated Illinois 30 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa Hawkeyes

Key Losses:

Jake Rudock (Leading passer)

Mark Weisman (Leading rusher)

John Lowdermilk (Led defense in tackles and interceptions)

Louis Trinca-Pasat (4th in tackles, 2nd in sacks)

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been in a decline as of the last half decade or so.  They struggled last season finishing 7-6 overall and 4-4 in the Big Ten.

This upcoming season could be even a bigger struggle though.

Iowa has lost their quarterback from last season that is now going to play for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.  That is a gut-punch to the Iowa fans that had hopes of improving this season.

The Hawkeyes also lost their leading rusher in Mark Weisman.  Weisman never had that quick burst of speed but he was more of a ground and pound back.  He was great around the goal line.

On the defensive side of the ball Iowa could be struggling too.  They lost their leading tackler and interception guy, John Lowdermilk.  They also lost Louis Trinca-Pasat who was their 4th leading tackler and the 2nd leading sack man.

The Iowa team we will see out on the field in 2015 will not be better than the Illinois football team we will see.

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The only hope that Iowa has is if Drew Ott can add to his 8 sacks he had last season.

Illinois gets the great privilege of playing Iowa the 2nd game of the Big Ten season.  They play at Iowa so that will make for a closer game.

I could see Illinois really putting a beating on the Hawkeyes from a defensive standpoint.  Iowa is going to struggle to put up points against a much improved Illinois defense.  Illinois wins 28-10.

Next: Minnesota Golden Gophers

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