History: The Illinois Fighting Illini are seeking their first win against the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2008. Iowa is on a four game winning steak against the Illini, although these two teams did not play against one another from 2009 to 2013 during the “Leaders vs Legends” Big Ten Football (mis)alignment.
The now for Illinois: “This is the playoffs for us” Lovie Smith said in his post-Nebraska game press conference and his Monday afternoon press conference, and he’s absolutely right. The Illini have four wins and need six to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2014.