How To Watch Iowa-Illinois Saturday, Injury Report, Betting Lines
Game Time: 2:30 PM CT
Where: Kinnick Stadium - Iowa City, Iowa
TV: Fox Sports 1
Betting Line: Iowa -3.5, O/U 30.5
Injury Report:
- Illinois: WR Pat Bryant (Questionable – Undisclosed), RB Josh McCray (OUT -Neck), RB Aidan Laughery (OUT – Knee), RB Kaden Feagin (Questionable – Shoulder), DB Matthew Bailey (OUT – Shoulder)
- Iowa – QB Cade McNamara (OUT – ACL), DB Cooper DeJean (OUT – Lower Leg), TE Erik Hall (OUT – Knee), RB Terrell Washington Jr. (OUT – Undisclosed), DB TJ Hall (Questionable – Undisclosed), WR Diante Vines (Doubtful – Undisclosed), TE Steven Stilianos (Questionable – Undisclosed)
What to Expect:
- This game will prove to be an interesting matchup for the Illini, who outside of last week’s home win against Indiana have struggled offensively. This Iowa Hawkeye defense is playing at a championship level.
- However, the Hawkeyes have also struggled to score all season especially after losing starting quarterback, and former Michigan Wolverine Cade McNamara. However, the Illini defense has struggled at times this year, and gave up 45 points to Indiana, which is ranked 108th in offensive efficiency.
- “Playing Iowa is a very unique animal," Illinois coach Brett Bielema said. This will be a game where the Illini will need to take care of the football and put their defense in a position to succeed.
- Special teams and field position can win or lose this game. Iowa’s special teams have been stellar all season.
Notables:
- Brett Bielema, a former Hawkeye player and coach himself, returns to Iowa City looking to establish the run offensive and put pressure on the Hawkeyes offensive line defensively. However, Bielema has had success against Iowa during his tenure as the Wisconsin coach.
- In his pre-road trip press conference, Bielema noted that he has built much of his defensive philosophy during his time working under Kirk Ferentz.
- Last year the Illini beat Iowa in Champaign in a low scoring 9-6 matchup.