The Iowa Hawkeyes are nearing an upcoming trip to Champaign, IL to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday in Week 6 of the college football season. This border matchup within the Big Ten West has two programs each desperately wanting to take home the win in this, but for different reasons.
Iowa enters the matchup after a loss to the Michigan Wolverines last week that went a long way in showcasing why the Wolverines are a true College Football Playoff contender.
Illinois is coming off of an extremely impressive 34-10 win on the road at Wisconsin that shocked a lot of people. The Illini are confident under the Bret Bielema regime and looking to take that next step towards a bowl berth and Big Ten relevancy.
Illinois plays a stout defense, nearly as talented at the Hawkeyes are, and will rely heavily on them to keep this a low-scoring affair.