Kirk Ferentz is going to need all the help he can get if he wants to shut down the Illinois offense. 247Sports’ David Eickholt and Des Moines Register’s Kennington Lloyd Smith III posted about the status updates Ferentz gave for Terry Roberts and Yahya Black.

Roberts has been dealing with a soft tissue injury lately. Roberts has appeared in three games for the Hawkeyes this season and has 12 total tackles, 2 pass deflections, and 1 interception. Ferentz stated that Roberts is doing better and is hopeful that he’ll play Saturday.

For the status of Black, Ferentz said that he is still out. The Iowa HC described how he is doing by saying that he is on an “upward trajectory”. Black last played in the season opener against South Dakota State, and has had a foot injury.

Iowa is taking on the high powered Illinois offense on Saturday. The Fighting Illini are coming into the game 4-1, with their one loss coming against Indiana.