In the Big Ten, every game matters. It is a grind each week to stack up wins and string together a successful season. But, there are some games that mean more and that is undeniable.
Be it what is at stake, sentimental moments, playing for something bigger, or whatever you may have, there are games that just mean more. That is what the Iowa Hawkeyes have this Saturday.
This Saturday, the Hawkeyes host the Illinois Fighting Illini in a Week 12 Big Ten West showdown. There are so many things in play for this one. Not just on Iowa’s side either. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is a former Hawkeye. Illinois is 5-5 and yearning to play in a bowl game.
On the other side, the Hawkeyes have even more at stake to play for when they take the field inside Kinnick Stadium. Here are the five reasons this game versus Illinois is massive for the Iowa Hawkeyes.