I thought it was pretty obvious Lovie left Bret (out of respect to his covid situation. After he is deemed ok, I'll call him by his rightful name BURT) a very decent group of linemen. That gives Bret a head start, becuase Bret is going to build a B1G type of team.
Illinois played a lot of man cover, single safety over the top. The Illinois fan that sat close to us disagreed with this, and I'm assuming he had to be from Chicago to be as stupid as he was. It was pretty obvious to anyone who understands football what was going on. Bret knew we have 2-3 playmaker receivers, and he game planned for this and to shore up pass defense.
And then Iowa ran the ball. And Iowa fans melted down about the passing game against a not very good pass defense. Some Iowa fans, not all Iowa fans. The stupid ones. Who likely came from Chicago. That's the only explanation I have.
Illinois running game plan was try to get outside. That was obvious. They couldn't. Iowa's offensive line, very young, and a work in progress, looked improved. That was really the game.
Half of Iowa's secondary was out. In the first quarter Iowa LB got beat badly. 2 plays later Iowa sends 2 on blitz, and Illinois throws a screen into it.
Late 1st quarter Iowa CB gets beat by same pattern as Iowa LB earlier.
4 on 3, miscommunication LB / CASH, and TE is uncovered.............................................
I could keep going and schematically break down the entire game if you wanted me to, but but I'm not sure this is what you're looking for.
Iowa is a pretty young team, and they've dug themselves a hole several time this season. And dug out of the hole successfully several times. I'd not sleep on Iowa the next several seasons unless there are unforeseen events. Which there usually are in college football in recent years.
Let me preface my Illinois observations by stating Lovie started a lot of the improvements. He did, and it was clear during his tenure. A bit surprised that there was so much anger in the Illinois fanbase, but that was misplaced. Also understandable since a portion of that fanbase is upstate, and probably clueless about football, and everything else.
I don't know the years of the Illinois players, but if the lines, or most of the lines return intact, that will be serviceable going forward. The running back is a decent B1G rb.
I need to eat my Thanksgiving Eve pizza, so maybe more later. But I don't think anyone who pays close attention to Illinois football doesn't have reason for optimism after seeing what Lovie started, and Bret is building on. It is clear, and has been for several seasons. Some will disagree, but ask them to breakdown the game, and be entertained by what comes out of their mouths. In a word they are idiots, and probably the reason Illinois doesn't celebrate and honor Chief Illiniwek any longer.