Iowa is off to a great start but coach Kirk Ferentz says to have a special season the Hawkeyes will need to be consistent. Iowa is 5-0 after a heart stopping 10-6 victory at Wisconsin and The Hawkeyes will host an Illinois team on Saturday that is also considered a surprise at 4-1. Ferentz says all conference games are hard fought and it takes the correct preparation and focus to succeed on a weekly basis.

The Illini are coming off a 14-13 victory over Nebraska in their Big Ten opener. Interim Illini coach Bill Cubit took over the program a week before the start of the season and he has experienced success at Kinnick Stadium. His 2007 Western Michigan squad beat the Haweyes 28-19.

This is the first time in five years the Hawkeyes are preparing for a game as a nationally ranked team. They were 22nd on the latest AP Poll. Saturday at Wisconsin was a day for the defense but Ferentz says all phases have contributed to wins. Illinois coach Bill Cubit says they need to find a way to solve the Iowa defense. Cubit says while C.J. Beathard has played well at quarterback he has been impressed with the play of Iowa’s offensive line.

(Learfield Sports)