One area which was relatively exposed in last week’s game against Michigan was the Iowa Hawkeyes struggling to stop the Wolverine rushing attack. Behind an assertive back in Blake Corum, they built a 13-point lead with an efficient passing attack and, more importantly, 131 rushing yards on 25 attempts (5.2 YPC).
The Hawkeye defense stiffened in the second half but Blue still finished with 4.1 YPC (a full yard above the worst Iowa had allowed previously this season). The first half damage was done.
Illinois followed a similar script to open last year’s matchup, using efficient passing to score a first-possession touchdown.