I was encouraged by the outcome yesterday. Yes, it was a loss, but this was a competitive game on the road. Illinois has two weeks to fix up the mistakes they made against Iowa, and prepare for Wisconsin. If Ferguson is healthy for that game, I feel good about the Illini's chances. Here are the best players from yesterday's game:

1. The Defensive Line

The defensive line had one of the best games an Illini defensive line has had in a long time. Illinois was getting pressure on a very good Iowa offensive line for nearly the entire game.