Beat writer Scott Richey breaks down Illinois and Iowa:
Offense
Illinois broke into the top 50 nationally in total offense after putting up 509 yards against Nebraska. The Illini's total per game average (425.3 yards) is overwhelmingly based on their ability to run the ball. The Illinois passing game has its warts — dropped balls, receivers struggling to get open and some poor decisions at times at quarterback — but the run game has only progressed. The Hawkeyes' grind-it-out style has been less effective this season because their run game isn't there. Nate Stanley is even more efficient at quarterback, but neither Mekhi Sargent or Toren Young has really filled Akrum Wadley's shoes at running back.