Iowa’s defense has carried the team this season, but that unit continues to get better as the Hawkeyes get ready to host Illinois. Through 10 games Iowa has allowed only one rushing touchdown.

That’s defensive tackle Logan Lee. Illinois had more than 500 yards of passing last week against Indiana, but Lee says slowing down the Illini begins with the run game.

Lee says a good pass rush begins by stopping the run.

After squandering the west division title last year with a home loss to Nebraska the Hawks get another chance to clinch in Kinnick against the Illini.

That’s defensive end Joe Evans who says the continued improvement of the defense begins in practice.