The Butcher’s Word: Illinois

Did someone say steak?The Iowa Hawkeyes entered the week one win away from clinching the Big Ten West thanks to a dominating (yes, I said it) 22-0 win over Rutgers. But the Hawkeyes were dealt some brutal news earlier this week when we learned star cornerback and return man Cooper DeJean will miss the remainder of the season.

With Iowa now prepared to close out their home slate short-staffed, they face an Illini team that has been up and down all year. Despite the volatility, Illinois has won their last two matchups and enters the weekend still in position to win the West if they close out the year on a winning streak.

In the words of the wise and sage-like Big Tom Callahan, you can get a…