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WATCH: Illinois defense starts strong vs. Iowa with this INT
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Illinois is playing its final home game of the 2018 season this afternoon, hosting Iowa on a rather important senior day.
If the Fighting Illini can somehow manage to secure an upset and win today, it would improve to 5-6 with an opportunity to become bowl eligible next weekend at Northwestern.
They’re going to need more plays like this early interception from its defense, which entered Week 12 with 14 on the season (No. 2 in the Big Ten):
PICK!@IlliniFootball starts fast with a Del'Shawn Phillips interception: pic.twitter.com/7KwQblklCh
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) November 17, 2018
That gives linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips four interceptions on the season, which is tied for 3rd among all players at his position in college football.
Despite a stretch of three straight losses, Iowa (6-4, 3-4) is still a quality team and a win would arguably be the best during coach Lovie Smith’s tenure.
Tyler has covered college football on a freelance basis since 2010. In addition to Saturday Football, his work has been featured on ESPN Radio, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, Cox Media Group, Athlon Sports, and more.