Week 12 sees the Big Ten West crown on the title in this matchup. The Iowa Hawkeyes can advance to 9-2 and clinch their trip to Indianapolis with a win. Their opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini sit at 5-5 and with a win, can clinch a postseason bowl berth.
The emotions will be high as it is Senior Day inside Kinnick Stadium on a day that is supposed to be pristine weather for tailgating and packing the stands. The environment is set up to be electric and a buzz in the air.
Despite losing Cooper DeJean for the rest of the regular season, the Hawkeyes are going to play their game relying on defense and special teams to get one more key victory. Illinois is going to roll with Luke Altymer at quarterback as he returns from injury.
As we near kickoff, College Football News’ Pete Fiutak offered his breakdown and prediction for this late-season Big Ten West showdown. Here is how he thinks this one shakes out with a prediction.