Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson says the offense doesn't focus on the opponent as much as it does just trying to be better than the week before Mark Emmert, memmert@gannett.com
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Iowa offense has been looking inward all season.
That’s how sophomore tight end T.J. Hockenson explained things this week, trying to help reporters understand how the Hawkeyes could score 30 points or more in five games, while having little to show in recent losses to Penn State and Northwestern.
“That’s our entire goal during the course of the year, during the course of the game, is to be better than we were the week before. It’s not what any opponent does. It’s what we do to ourselves,” Hockenson said. “That’s what we talk about each week, not just the last three or the next two. We haven’t been looking at the opponent the entire year.”
Iowa might want to take a real close look at the opponent Saturday.
Illinois (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten Conference) fields one of the most abysmal defenses in college football. Hockenson and the Hawkeyes should be sprinting onto the field for a 2:30 p.m. game at Memorial Stadium.
It’s exactly the kind of team you want to face when trying to shake loose from a three-game losing streak. It’s exactly the kind of defense Iowa (6-4, 3-4) should be able to shake loose from.
“I can’t just sit here and be negative because there’s a lot of good things that are on film. And there’s a lot of improvement from week to week,” Hockenson said of an offense that didn’t produce a touchdown three weeks ago in a 30-24 loss at Penn State and rushed for only 64 yards last week in a 14-10 home loss to Northwestern.
![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) tries to get a pass out while Northwestern defensive lineman Jordan Thompson (99) gets his hands up during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
1 of 70![Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson (38) can't come up with a reception while being covered by Northwestern's Cameron Ruiz (18) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
2 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Max Cooper (19) attempts to pull in a pass while being defended by Northwestern's Roderick Campbell (9) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
3 of 70![F/A-18F Super Hornet flown by the Strike Fighter Squadron 103 fly over the stadium during the national anthem before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
4 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Nick Easley (84) evades Northwestern's Cameron Ruis (18) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
5 of 70![Iowa tight end Noah Fant (87) reacts after an incomplete pass that was called for defensive pass interference on Northwestern's Montre Hartage (24) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
6 of 70![Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates with players at midfield after a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Wildcats defeated the Hawkeyes, 14-10.]()
7 of 70![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks with Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
8 of 70![Iowa linebackers coach Seth Wallace gestures during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
9 of 70![Iowa defensive end Parker Hesse (40) looks at Northwestern's Clayton Thorson (18) after taking a knee during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
10 of 70![Iowa defensive back Josh Turner (4) pulls his mouthguard out after a punt during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
11 of 70![Iowa offensive lineman Cole Banwart (61) walks along the sideline during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
12 of 70![Iowa players attempt to block Northwestern's Jake Collins (49) field goal attempt during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
13 of 70![Northwestern's Roderick Campbell (9) celebrates after a turnover during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
14 of 70![Iowa fans leave the stadium during the fourth quarter of a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
15 of 70![Iowa tight end Noah Fant (87) reacts after an incomplete pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
16 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) celebrates after catching a pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
17 of 70![Iowa running back Toren Young (28) gestures for a first down during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
18 of 70![Iowa defensive back Jake Gervase (30) tackles Northwestern's Isaiah Bowser (25) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
19 of 70![Northwestern's Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (81) gestures as time expires during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
20 of 70![Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson (38) catches a pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
21 of 70![Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson (38) reacts after a play during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
22 of 70![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) rushes during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
23 of 70![Iowa placekicker Miguel Recinos (91) celebrates after making a field goal during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
24 of 70![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz calls out to LeVar Woods during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
25 of 70![Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) tackles Northwestern quarterback Clayton Throrson (18) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
26 of 70![Iowa defensive back Geno Stone (9) tackles Northwestern's Cameron Green (84) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
27 of 70![Iowa defensive lineman Brady Reiff (91) and Iowa defensive lineman Cedrick Lattimore (95) tackle Northwestern's Isaiah Bowser (25) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
28 of 70![Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson (38) jumps over a defender during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
29 of 70![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) walks onto the field before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
30 of 70![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks with Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
31 of 70![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) warms up before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
32 of 70![Iowa defensive back Amani Hooker (27) claps while huddling with teammates before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
33 of 70![Northwestern players make their way into the stadium before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
34 of 70![University of Iowa sophomore Colton Musser carries junior Allie Payne into the stadium before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
35 of 70![Iowa students run into the stadium before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
36 of 70![Iowa students run into the stadium before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
37 of 70![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is seen before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
38 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) gets pushed out of bounds on a kickoff return by Northwestern's Jake Collins (49) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
39 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) looks to an official after catching a pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
40 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Max Cooper (19) attempts to pull in a pass while being defended by Northwestern's Roderick Campbell (9) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
41 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) tries to pull in a ball while being defended by Northwestern's Cameron Ruiz (18) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
42 of 70![Iowa defensive back Jake Gervase (30) defensive end Anthony Nelson (98) linebacker Jack Hockaday (48) tackle Northwestern's Isaiah Bowser (25) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
43 of 70![Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) gets tackled by Northwestern's Nate Hall (32) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
44 of 70![Northwestern's Travis Whillock (7) holds up a ball after the defense recovered a fumble during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
45 of 70![Northwestern's Jordan Thompson (99) celebrates with teammates after a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
46 of 70![A Northwestern cheerleader runs on the field during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
47 of 70![Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) sheds a tackle during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
48 of 70![Northwestern strength coach Alex Spanos celebrates as time expires during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
49 of 70![Northwestern's Isaiah Bowser (25) gets tripped up with teammate Flynn Nagel (2) as Iowa defensive back Geno Stone (9) and company try to get a stop during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
50 of 70![Northwestern's Clayton Thorson (18) passes while Iowa's Parker Hesse (40) Matt Nelson (96) and Sam Brincks (90) attempt to break into the pocket during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
51 of 70![Northwestern's Clayton Thorson (18) gets caught up by Iowa's defense as an official calls a false start on the offense during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
52 of 70![Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) closes in on Northwestern's Riley Lees (19) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
53 of 70![Iowa offensive lineman Cole Banwart (61) blocks during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
54 of 70![Ed Podolak (left) waves while being acknowledged during a break in game action from the Hawkeye radio booth while his commentary partner Gary Dolphin (center) looks on during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
55 of 70![Iowa linebacker Barrington Wade (35) reacts after getting a stop on a kickoff during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
56 of 70![Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) attempts to get past a block during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
57 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Nick Easley (84) gets tackled by Northwestern's Cameron Ruiz (right) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
58 of 70![Iowa defensive lineman Cedrick Lattimore (95) tackles Northwestern's Isaiah Bowser (25) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
59 of 70![Iowa linebacker Djimon Colbert (32) adjusts his mouth guard as Northwestern's Cameron Green (84) signals for a first down during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
60 of 70![Iowa defensive back Devonte Young (17) blocks Northwestern's Tyler Gillikin (43) during a kickoff return during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
61 of 70![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz calls to an official during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
62 of 70![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks with an official during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
63 of 70![Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) evades defenders during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
64 of 70![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) drops back to pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
65 of 70![Iowa offensive lineman Cole Banwart (61) blocks during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
66 of 70![Iowa defensive back Matt Hankins (8) defends Northwestern's JJ Jefferson (12) during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
67 of 70![Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) rushes during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
68 of 70![Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (74) Ross Reynolds (59) Alaric Jackson (77) and Levi Paulsen (66) celebrate an overturned call during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
69 of 70![Iowa defensive lineman Brady Reiff (91) gets his hands up to attempt to block a pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
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“I like to believe that we have a solid offense.”
Illinois counters with a liquid defense. The Illini have been taking on water all Big Ten season, starting with a 63-24 demolition by Penn State, which gained 591 total yards. Purdue put up 611 yards, Wisconsin 545, Maryland an astonishing 712. Nebraska settled for 606 in a 54-35 win last Saturday.
You get the picture.
Now the question is how well does Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley.
The junior has been inconsistent with his throws this season, although he has passed for 2,308 yards and 18 touchdowns. It wasn’t long ago that he was toying with Minnesota and Indiana, with 10 touchdowns in back-to-back wins. The firepower has been there against bad defenses.
Hockenson has become Stanley’s most productive receiver. And, whatever happens with the playing time of junior tight end Noah Fant, there will be plenty of opportunities to target the 6-foot-5 Hockenson, who has 39 catches for a team-leading 615 yards.
“T.J.’s done a really good job at becoming a better route runner. He’s got great hands and makes a lot of those contested plays,” Stanley said.
It will certainly help, with rain in the forecast, if Iowa can get a running game established as well. The good news is Illinois has been an equal-opportunity pushover, ranking last in the Big Ten in yards allowed on the ground (248) and in the air (285). The Illini have given up 51 touchdowns, nine more than the next-worst league team, Rutgers.
“We just haven't gotten it to the point where we'd like to,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of a backfield that has yet to produce a 100-yard rusher this season and is glaringly lacking in big-play opportunities. “We've got two games left, so this would be a great time to get it started.”
Last week, the Wildcats blitzed Iowa every time they sensed a running play coming. It worked. Illinois, led by former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith, surely noticed this.
“Maybe some team will see what Northwestern did and try to emulate that. It doesn’t really matter what the defense does. It just matters about our execution and how we handle those,” Stanley said.
“(We have to) run the ball the other way or change the play at the line of scrimmage. Try to take advantage of it.”
The Illini, who use man-to-man coverage, may borrow Northwestern’s scheme. But they can’t borrow the Wildcats’ players.
This is the ideal get-well-quick opportunity for Iowa’s offense. Stanley was too polite to eagerly rub his hands together in front of reporters Tuesday. He didn’t have to. The message was clear.
“I’m excited to finish up this week of practice and preparation and go out there and compete again and get back on the right track,” Stanley said.
![Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley, left, drops]()
1 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley looks for a pass during the senior day match-up between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City.]()
2 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) rushes during a Big Ten Conference NCAA football game on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
3 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley looks over the line of scrimmage before taking a snap during the first quarter against Nebraska.]()
4 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley passes the ball during the senior day match-up between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City.]()
5 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley looks for a pass during the senior day match-up between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City.]()
6 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley celebrates after making a touchdown scoring pass during the senior day match-up between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City.]()
7 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) slides after rushing for a first down during a Big Ten Conference NCAA football game on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
8 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) gestures at the line during a Big Ten Conference NCAA football game on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
9 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) before a Big Ten Conference NCAA football game on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
10 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) talks with reporters in front of portraits of Iowa Consensus All Americans during an Outback Bowl announcement press conference on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City.]()
11 of 118![Nov 17, 2018; Champaign, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) sets up to pass during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium.]()
12 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) drops back to pass during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
13 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) tries to get a pass out while Northwestern defensive lineman Jordan Thompson (99) gets his hands up during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
14 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) rushes during a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
15 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley, center, passes as he is pressured by Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.]()
16 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) walks onto the field before a Big Ten Conference football game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
17 of 118![Nov 3, 2018; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) throws a pass under pressure from the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium.]()
18 of 118![Nov 3, 2018; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) sets up a play in the huddle at Ross-Ade Stadium.]()
19 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) drops back behind running back Toren Young (28) while playing against Purdue in the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.]()
20 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) throws a pass as Purdue linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) leaps to defend against it in the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)]()
21 of 118![Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) drops back in the pocket during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.]()
22 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) had trouble getting ample time to find his receivers, and as a result he hurried his throws in most situations in a 30-24 loss at Penn State.]()
23 of 118![Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes walks off the field after a 30-24 to the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.]()
24 of 118![Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes throws a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions at of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.outside of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.]()
25 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) is pressured by Penn State's Micah Parson (11) and Cam Brown (6) as he throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Penn State won 30-24. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)]()
26 of 118![Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes throws a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions at of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.outside of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.]()
27 of 118![Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes before taking the snap from Keegan Render #69 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.outside of Beaver Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in State College, Pennsylvania.]()
28 of 118![Penn State's Robert Windsor (54) sacks Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)]()
29 of 118![Penn State's John Reid (29) and Antonio Shelton (55) chase down Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)]()
30 of 118![Oct 27, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports]()
31 of 118![Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley looks to make a handoff during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins on Oct. 20, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium.]()
32 of 118![Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley looks to pass during the third quarter on Oct. 20, 2018, against the Maryland Terrapins at Kinnick Stadium.]()
33 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) calls out defensive coverage before taking a snap from Iowa center Keegan Render (69) during an NCAA Big Ten conference football game on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
34 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) looks to pass while Iowa running back Toren Young (28) blocks Maryland linebacker Nnamdi Egbuaba (31) during an NCAA Big Ten conference football game on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
35 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) rolls out to pass during an NCAA Big Ten conference football game on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
36 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) scrambles from Maryland linebacker Mbi Tanyi (50) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)]()
37 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley directs a play against Maryland on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
38 of 118![Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley sets his offense during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Kinnick Stadium.]()
39 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley touches the helmet of a Nile Kinnick statue before an NCAA Big Ten football game on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
40 of 118![Nate Stanley was more than willing to air it out in Bloomington, Indiana. The Iowa junior quarterback attempted 12 deep shots among his 33 attempts, and finished with 320 yards passing.]()
41 of 118![Nate Stanley scrambles on his way to throwing a spectacular touchdown pass to Nick Easley during Saturday's 42-16 win at Indiana.]()
42 of 118![Fullback Austin Kelly (46), a senior, is surrounded by happy teammates (clockwise from left: Kyle Groeneweg, Nate Stanley and T.J. Hockenson) after he scored on a 6-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. That was Stanley's sixth TD pass of the game.]()
43 of 118![Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman James Head Jr. (6) gets a hit on Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018.]()
44 of 118![Indiana defensive back Marcelino Ball (42) tries to sack Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)]()
45 of 118![Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) huddles up with his team against the Indiana Hoosiers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium.]()
46 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) calls a play out to the offense during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 13 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)]()
47 of 118![Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium .]()
48 of 118![Oct 6, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) drops back for a pass in the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports]()
49 of 118![Iowa State linebacker Willie Harvey, left, pressures Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 13-3.]()
50 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) looks to pass while Wisconsin defenders close in during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
51 of 118![Members of the Wisconsin defense celebrate after pulling in an interception against Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
52 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
53 of 118![Iowa junior quarterback Nate Stanley calls a play to his offense against Wisconsin in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
54 of 118![Iowa junior quarterback Nate Stanley fires a pass against Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
55 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley sets up a play during the Hawkeyes' game against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Satuday, Sept. 1, 2018.]()
56 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley throws down field during the Hawkeyes' game against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Satuday, Sept. 1, 2018.]()
57 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley is pictured during the Hawkeyes' game against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Satuday, Sept. 1, 2018.]()
58 of 118![Iowa junior quarterback Nate Stanley scrambles against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
59 of 118![Iowa junior quarterback Nate Stanley fires a pass against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
60 of 118![Sep 15, 2018; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports]()
61 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) rushes during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
62 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) gestures at the line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
63 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley speaks with offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz during a time out against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
64 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) runs from Northern Iowa linebacker Duncan Ferch (39) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)]()
65 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) runs to the sideline during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
66 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) gestures at the line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
67 of 118![Iowa junior quarterback Nate Stanley warms up prior to kickoff against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
68 of 118![Iowa State defensive end Matt Leo (89) pressures Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)]()
69 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley jogs on the field before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)]()
70 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) talks to teammates during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
71 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) looks to pass while offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (77) protects the pocket during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
72 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) passes during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
73 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) takes a snap from offensive lineman Keegan Render (69) while offensive lineman Ross Reynolds (59) gets set during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
74 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley adjusts his shoulder pads after scrambling for a first down run against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
75 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley hands the ball out to a running back against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
76 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley fires a throw against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
77 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) takes a snap from Iowa offensive lineman Keegan Render (69) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
78 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) hands off a ball to Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
79 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) dives towards the side line during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
80 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) calls to teammates at the line during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
81 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley winds back to pass the ball against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
82 of 118![In front of the home crowd in a game that should finish under the lights, quarterback Nate Stanley (4) and running back Toren Young (28) should be part of a crisper offensive performance than they showed in Week 1.]()
83 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) looks to pass while offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (74) gets a block against Anthony Nelson (98) during a Kids Day practice on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
84 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley looks to the sideline during a Kids Day practice on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
85 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley throws a ball during Iowa football media day on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, in Iowa City.]()
86 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley tosses a ball around during Iowa football media day on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, in Iowa City.]()
87 of 118![Iowa's Nate Stanley (4) passes during the first half]()
88 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley fires a pass against]()
89 of 118![Iowa sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley is sacked by]()
90 of 118![Nate Stanley makes a pass during open practice at Kinnick]()
91 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley calls a play against]()
92 of 118![Iowa sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley (4) passes]()
93 of 118![Iowa sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley throws a pass]()
94 of 118![Nate Stanley makes a pass during open practice at Kinnick]()
95 of 118![Iowa sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley (4) passes]()
96 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley is sacked by the Boston]()
97 of 118![Iowa's Nate Stanley (4) makes a handoff during the]()
98 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley has 22 touchdown passes]()
99 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley has been incredibly efficient]()
100 of 118![Iowa's Nate Stanley (4) hasn't had enough opportunities]()
101 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley faced 19 blitzes against]()
102 of 118![Despite missing some deep balls this season, Iowa quarterback]()
103 of 118![Nate Stanley extends a handoff to Akrum Wadley (25),]()
104 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley scrambles out of the]()
105 of 118![Nov 11, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback]()
106 of 118![Nov 11, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive]()
107 of 118![Nov 11, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback]()
108 of 118![Nov 11, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker]()
109 of 118![Oct 21, 2017; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback]()
110 of 118![Sophomore Nathan Stanley was listed atop Iowa's depth]()
111 of 118![Quarterbacks coach Ken O'Keefe, right, talks with quarterback]()
112 of 118![Nathan Stanley played in seven Iowa football as a freshman.]()
113 of 118![Iowa freshman quarterback Nathan Stanley made big steps]()
114 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nathan Stanley completed his first]()
115 of 118![Iowa quarterbacks C.J. Beathard, left, and Nathan Stanley]()
116 of 118![Nathan Stanley (4) entered Saturday's game with Iowa]()
117 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nathan Stanley calls for the snap]()
118 of 118
IOWA (6-4, 3-4) at ILLINOIS (4-6, 2-5)
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill.
TV: BTN (Lisa Byington, J Leman)
Line: Hawkeyes by 14 1/2
Weather: Cloudy and 38 degrees; occasional rain showers in afternoon; winds from NNE at 10-15 mph
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