Report Card: Grading the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 9-6 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini

What does the report card look like for Iowa following the Hawkeyes’ 9-6 setback at Illinois? Let’s take a peek.

Much of this will likely feel like a broken record. Ultimately, that’s because it is. It’s the same song and dance for Iowa.

In the Hawkeyes’ 9-6 loss at Illinois, Iowa’s defense was largely terrific. Meanwhile, its offense was once again largely anemic.

“So, we’re sitting here right now. We’re 3-3. We’ve got a week to figure things out best we can. We’re not going to get, you know, cavalry’s not coming , so we’ll try to figure out what we can do and do more effectively and then brace up for the next six weeks.

“But, we knew they were all going to be tough and that’s how I look at it moving forward. We do have some strengths on our team. We’re going to have to shore up whatever weaknesses we have and see what we can do. It’s a new six-game season and we’ll just take it a week at a time,” Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said following the Hawkeyes’ defeat.

Without further ado, pull up a chair. Class is in session.