Long way to go

The average fan would assume Saturday's 7 p.m. home game with Indiana (2-4, 0-3) represents Illinois' easiest game the rest of the way.

Don't tell Zook that.

Not after losing to Minnesota on Saturday - and not after losing two of his first three games with the Hoosiers.

"It's going to be a game just like (Saturday)," Zook said. "They'll come in here and play like the frickin' Indianapolis Colts. I just got done telling the staff we've got to make our guys understand that."

Zook, Illini not about to look past Indiana

"At times we are a better football team," Zook said one day after Illinois suffered a painful 27-20 homecoming loss to Minnesota. "But we have a long way to go.

"One of the things you have to do before you're considered an elite football team is you have to win the games you are supposed to win. In the Big Ten you'd better be ready to go every single game."

Zook: Illini have a 'long way' to go

...if you're asking what happens if Illinois wins six straight ... then the bowl offers would be very good, maybe even Jan. 1. If they finish 3-3, we might be looking at Motor City at best.

Tate & Turpin chat

Zook said Benn erred Saturday when he brought a kickoff out of the end zone after muffing it. As a result, the Illini started from their own 2-yard line. Benn could have downed the ball in the end zone for a touchback.

Special teams gets a second look from Zook

IU's offense had just found a rhythm, scoring just before halftime to make the score 17-9. But a couple of quick three-and-out series shifted the momentum Iowa's way for good.

Of course, it's hard to regain momentum when you don't have the ball. For the second straight week, the Hoosiers' opponent held the ball for nearly 40 minutes.

IU needs to find fix before season is lost