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Illinois Football: 5 most intriguing games of the 2023 season

By Jason Klaer

Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets linebacker Tarique Barnes (8) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets linebacker Tarique Barnes (8) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- APRIL 22: Head coach Kirk Ferentz of the Iowa Hawkeyes walks across the field during the Iowa Spring Open Practice at Kinnick Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- APRIL 22: Head coach Kirk Ferentz of the Iowa Hawkeyes walks across the field during the Iowa Spring Open Practice at Kinnick Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

2. Illinois at No. 25 Iowa (November 18)

From top to bottom, winning on the road in the Big Ten poses a challenge to all of its members. Kinnick Stadium is filled to the brim with raucous fans yelling obscenities from kickoff to the final whistle.

Kirk Ferentz has been on the Iowa coaching staff for 33 seasons, and since 1999, he has been the head coach. Following a 3-4 start in 2022, the Hawkeyes rattled off four straight wins. A late-season loss to Nebraska foiled any plans for the Big Ten Championship Game.

This season, Iowa has Michigan transfer Cade McNamara at quarterback, who is coming off just three games in 2022 because of a knee injury. The Hawkeyes are hoping he can have similar success as he did in the 2021 season when he led Michigan to a Big Ten Championship.

Last season, the Illini topped Iowa, 9-6 in a defensive battle at Memorial Stadium. A trio of Fabrizio Pinton field goals were the difference in the October 8 matchup.

The Illini are looking for their first win in Iowa City since 1999. Illinois averages 19 points per game against the Hawkeyes. On top of the game versus the Badgers, this is one of the most crucial games for the Illini in terms of the Big Ten West. Expect a chilly, hard-fought battle between these storied Big Ten rivals.

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