Hawkeyes prepare for top-ranked Illinois.

The Iowa Hawkeyes face their most difficult test of the season when they visit top ranked Illinois Thursday night in Big Ten action. The Illini are 18-0 overall and 4-0 in league play after a victory at Northwestern. At his weekly news conference in Iowa City on Tuesday, Hawkeye coach Steve Alford said his team will need to do everything right to have a chance. The Hawks are 1-2 in the Big Ten and 13-3 overall.