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Illinois Football: Illini have tough test against stout Iowa defense

By Rees Woodcock

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback AJ Bush Jr. #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drops back to pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback AJ Bush Jr. #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drops back to pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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The Illinois football team takes on the Iowa Hawkeyes at home this weekend.

Illinois needs to win the final two games of the season to become bowl eligible, but can they get past a tough Hawkeyes team? That question will be answered on Saturday, but is there a possibility the Orange and Blue can pull it off?

At one time this season, Iowa was 6-1 and looking like they were going to possibly make the Big Ten Championship Game. Since then, the Hawkeyes have dropped three straight to bring their record to 6-4 on the year.

Just looking at what Iowa can do on the field, I honestly believe Illinois has a chance to win this game on Saturday. Take a step back and hear me out.

The strength for Iowa is the strength for the Illini. The Hawkeyes are only giving up 106 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 14 in the nation. They have a tough rush defense. But, Illinois has a strong rushing attack. They are averaging 266.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 6 in the nation. Strength meets strength here, so this should be fun to watch.

Let’s take a look at the weakness for Iowa. That would be their offense. Iowa is only averaging 140.9 yards per game on the ground this season, which ranks No. 92 in the nation. They are also only averaging 227.1 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 69 in the nation. There is a lot left to be desired on the offensive side of the ball for the Hawkeyes. But, the one weakness for Illinois is their defense.

Illinois is one of the worst teams in the country in rush defense. They are giving up 268.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 124 out of 130 teams in the country. Their pass defense is actually worse than their rush defense. They are giving up 283.9 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 125 in the nation.

Next. 3 observations from the Illini loss to Nebraska. dark

When it comes down to it, the matchup between Illinois and Iowa this weekend is going to be pretty good. Illinois has a really good offense and Iowa has a stout defense. The Illini have a bad defense and Iowa has an ugly offense. I am going to guess that turnovers will determine who comes out ahead.

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