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Unit Grades: Iowa Football 28, Illinois Fighting Illini 0
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
A look at how each unit on Iowa performed during their 28-0 win over Illinois
Considering how well the defense played, a 28-0 win for Iowa football doesn’t seem big enough. Iowa didn’t score an offensive touchdown until halfway through the third quarter, and allowed Illinois to hang around in a game the Illini should have been out of after the first quarter.
Nonetheless, a win is a win and Iowa improves to 7-4 on the season. After one of the biggest wins in the Kirk Ferentz era, Iowa came back down to earth this week, though. The offense returned to its same struggling self, while the defense knew they couldn’t make a costly mistake.
As tough as that may be at times, it has worked well for the Hawkeyes so far this season. Their offense does just enough to get the win, and this week they added a little extra late in the fourth quarter to truly put the game out of reach.
Even though it wasn’t the prettiest game to watch, Iowa’s 28-0 win looks good on paper, and it should continue to add confidence to a team who will look for their first three game winning streak of the season against Nebraska next week.
Here’s a look at how each unit on the Iowa Hawkeyes performed this week in their win over the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: C
Just like many times this year, Iowa’s offense was a tale of two halves. They didn’t score until halfway through the third quarter, but a LeShun Daniels Jr one-yard touchdown opened the flood gates for two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Still, despite topping 15 points for the first time in four weeks, the Hawkeyes offense continued to struggle for most of the game.
C.J. Beathard only completed 9-of-17 passes for 80 yards and an interception, which included three of those completions going to Akrum Wadley and Daniels. Illinois’ secondary didn’t step up and smother Iowa’s receivers, rather the Hawkeyes suffered from drops and poor throws.
For the first time in a while, the Hawkeyes were able to get separation in the passing game. Although, most of the time, Beathard overthrew an open receiver downfield or Iowa would drop a very catchable pass.
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In fact, Beathard’s seventh interception of the season occurred on a Riley McCarron drop. Beathard threw it a little behind McCarron, although it still hit him in the hands and was a ball that he should have caught. It bounced off his arms right into an Illinois defender.
Holding onto the ball was a problem all game for Iowa. Along with a Beathard interception near midfield, Akrum Wadley fumbled at the one-yard line at the end of a 17-yard run.
It was the first drive that Iowa was able to move the ball down the field, and it ruined any momentum they started to gain on offense. Once again, Iowa shot themselves in the foot on offense, which hindered their offense in the first half.
Still, the running game proved to be more effective than passing in windy conditions. Iowa averaged 5.3 yards per carry and gained 262 yards and three touchdowns. Plus, Daniels and Wadley combined to average a remarkable 6.2 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns in the second half.
Hopefully Iowa builds off their 21 point second half outburst heading into next week against Nebraska. That being said, other than screens to Noah Fant and Riley McCarron, the Hawkeyes’ passing game was non-existent all game.
Besides, Iowa didn’t run extremely well in the first half and piled on points when the game was out of reach. Iowa’s 28 points look a lot better on paper, but any sign of life from the offense is a good sign.
Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Defense: A
After being embarrassed by Penn State a couple of weeks ago, Iowa’s defense has stepped up for a second straight week. They recorded Iowa’s first shutout since 2010 when they shutout Ball State, and first Big Ten shutout since shutting out Minnesota in 2009.
Although, unlike in previous weeks against mediocre teams, Iowa’s defense dominated the game from the start, instead of a bend but don’t break mentality. Illinois had eight possessions of four plays or less, had two turnovers and only gained 198 total yards of offense. Plus, Iowa held the Illini’s run game to 2.5 yards per carry and their pass game to 3.3 yards per pass attempt.
Illinois picked up 10 first downs, but Iowa held the Illini to 6-of-19 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth down. The Illini would complete a big pass occasionally or break a decent run, but Iowa held Illinois in check for the most part.
Illinois’ longest gain was a 17-yard pass to Zach Grant, which was one of only two plays of 15 yards or more on the afternoon for Illinois. It became evident that Iowa would give Illinois short passes to avoid giving up a big play.
Iowa’s star players all stepped up, as well. Josey Jewell led the team with 10 sacks, Desmond King intercepted his second pass of the season and Jaleel Johnson had his team-leading 7.5 sack on the year.
On the other hand, Illinois’ stars on offense did not step up. Iowa held Malik Turner to one catch for 13 yards, and Kendrick Foster and Reggie Corbin only rushed for 61 yards on 21 carries — 2.9 yards per carry. Iowa shut down the entire Illinois offense, as both their defensive line and secondary controlled the game.
Iowa proved this week that they can wreak havoc when they keep everything in front of them. Sure, Illinois is one of the worst offensive teams in the nation this year, but holding any FBS team to zero points is an accomplishment. Iowa’s defense is playing their best football right now.
Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams: A Coaching: C-
There should be a lot of appreciation for Ron Coluzzi this year. He wins Iowa field position battles, and he did so again this week. Coluzzi averaged 40 yards per punt, which is a remarkable feat considering the horrid wind conditions he dealt with.
He didn’t have any magical bounces at the two yard line this week, but he consistently switched field position and pinned Illinois back. At this point of the season, it should not come as any surprise. He’s arguably been Iowa’s most consistent player this season.
Special teams played a crucial role in Iowa’s win outside of Coluzzi, as well. Riley McCarron had a 55-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter. On the ensuing punt after Akrum Wadley’s fumble, the Hawkeyes perfectly blocked for McCarron, and he sprinted into the end zone without being touched.
It was the only score in the first half and gave the defense breathing room.
Defensively, Manny Rugamba forced and recovered a fumble for the Hawkeyes on a kickoff return by Illinois. Five plays later, Wadley ran it in for a five-yard touchdown to put the icing on top of an Iowa win, extending their lead to 28-0.
As far as the coaching, it was very much a tale of two halves like the offense. In the first quarter, the Hawkeyes tried to be too cute. Illinois forced them into two three-and-outs to start the game.
Also, despite the running game being their bread and butter in the second half, Iowa tried to go away from it in the fourth quarter. It became clear that Illinois had no answer for LeShun Daniels Jr or Wadley, and that Iowa’s offensive line was too physical for them. Still, the Hawkeyes continued to try to pass with a big lead and the game in hand.
Ironically, Iowa’s best offensive play call came on Wadley’s fumble. On fourth and short, they faked an inside handoff and flipped it out to Wadley who easily got to the edge. It resulted in a fumble, but it was a great play call by Iowa to pick up a what should have been first down.
After a week where the play calling could not have been any better, it returned to its inconsistency, which is nothing new for Iowa this season.
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