The Iowa football team has always been adamant that every game is a must-win, but Saturday’s seems to be a bit more critical.
Now 3-2, the Hawkeyes head into the Homecoming game on a two-game losing streak after falling to Penn State and Michigan State. They have the chance to redeem themselves, though, Saturday in Kinnick against 2-2 Illinois.
Iowa has had success against the Illini in recent years, having won 11 games in the teams’ past 14 meetings. Most recently, Iowa visited Champaign, Illinois, in 2016 and shut out the Illini, 28-0.
And although Illinois has not had a winning record since 2011, Iowa will not overlook the game.
“The first thing on the list is that we have to get ready to play every game in the Big Ten,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Conference play, you expect it to be challenging and tough, and that’s got to be our approach certainly. Obviously, we’ve got to be a better fundamental football team this week. We’re looking for our first Big Ten victory, as is Illinois, and that’s really what it gets down to at this point.”
Still, if Iowa’s defense continues to play the way it has the past couple of games, and if the offense that appeared in the Iowa State game shows up, the Hawkeyes should have no trouble moving past a struggling Illinois team.
The biggest mismatch of the game will most certainly be the Illinois offense against the Iowa defense — though it may not quite look that way in every category.
Iowa’s defense has allowed just 19.2 points per game over Iowa’s first five, but opponents have also averaged 376.8 yards per game. While the Hawkeyes have allowed teams to run and pass the ball effectively, they have been successful in keeping opponents out of the end zone.
Illinois, on the other hand, is averaging 18.25 points per game on just 267.25 yards. The offense has relied more on the pass, with 645 of the Illini’s 1,069 yards coming through the air.
However, the quarterback position has been a troublesome one so far this season. Three different players have thrown the ball in 2017, with the main two having rather difficult years.
Illinois announced that Jeff George Jr. would be the one under center in Kinnick on Saturday, ousting Chayce Crouch, who has played in all four games so far this season. The change is understandable; Crouch has thrown 4 interceptions to just 1 touchdown in 2017.
It will be George’s second appearance this season. He threw for 211 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions in the second half against South Florida.
The sophomore also appeared in five games last year with four starts, compiling 470 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
The change was announced earlier this week, so Iowa has had to go back and adjust its defensive game plan.
“We just have to go back and look at film more and just kind of study what [George’s] tendencies are and what he likes to do,” defensive back Josh Jackson said. “I’ve seen some film on him, but it’s the same thing — we still have to come out and play ball.”
After the upcoming game, Iowa will head into its bye week, which could not come at a better time.
It is midway through the season, and it is starting to take a toll on some of the Hawkeyes. The week of rest will give those with nagging injuries, such as Boone Myers, a chance to rest and avoid any further aggravation.
It will also give those trying to make their way back on to the field, such as Brandon Snyder and James Butler, an extra week of rehabilitation before they’re ready to play again.