Kirk Ferentz provides update on key OL, discusses Illinois' 'steady improvement'

Iowa will be looking for its fifth consecutive win on Saturday when it heads to Champaign to take on Illinois.

While the Illini are just 2-3, they had last week off due to Ohio State having to cancel due to COVID-19 issues in the Buckeyes program and will be fresh. Both teams’ most recent opponent was Nebraska, where the Hawkeyes came away with a 26-20 win last Friday, and the Illini absolutely trounced the Huskers the week before, 41-23.

Illini coach Lovie Smith has never beaten Iowa in his five years at Illinois and will be looking to find a way to finish the year strong.

During his Tuesday media appearance, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz shared high praise for Smith and the Illini program, and won’t be taking anything lightly on Saturday.

Kirk Ferentz: Illinois has made "steady improvement" as a program over the last 4-5 years under Lovie Smith. Admires that Smith has a program system in all 3 phases and sees the Illini as a well-coached team.

— Chad Leistikow (@ChadLeistikow) December 1, 2020

Indiana grad transfer Coy Cronk had started the first couple of games for Iowa until re-injuring his surgically repaired ankle, and Ferentz indicated the valuable O-lineman may be able to get some playing time against Illinois.

Kirk Ferentz says Coy Cronk may be able to play some Saturday at Illinois

— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) December 1, 2020

Iowa and Illinois are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM EST on Saturday, Dec. 5 in Champaign. The game will be broadcast on FS1.