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What Lovie Smith said after Illinois’ loss to Iowa
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Illinois had a 14-point lead against Iowa during the first half but that slipped away and then some as Iowa came back and won 35-21.
Iowa actually ended up scoring 35 unanswered points on the Fighting Illini before Illinois got a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
This loss dropped Illinois to 2-4 on the season and with No. 14 Northwestern up next to end the season, it’s likely their record will be 2-5 after that game.
Here’s what head coach Love Smith had to say after Illinois blew their double-digit lead.
#illini Lovie Smith: Disappointing not to get the win especially with a start like that. pic.twitter.com/pkoVj4lgll
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 6, 2020
#illini Lovie Smith: Injury-wise we had a couple of injuries show up, especially on the defensive side of the football. Those hurt us. But anyway, disappointing.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 6, 2020
#illini Lovie Smith: Felt like their offensive and defensive lines took over. Simple as that.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 6, 2020
#illini Lovie Smith: Caleb Griffin "was the best option we have" at punt returner.
Cumby, Frenchie not available. Griffin can catch the ball as well as anyone.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 6, 2020
#illini RB Mike Epstein: Held Epstein out today. He'll be back next week.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 6, 2020
#illini Lovie Smith asked about Marquez Beason availability: "That's between Marquez and I. …He's fought through injuries and things like that. Eventually, he'll help us win a lot of games."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 6, 2020