Ferentz wants to keep team sharp against down Illini

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz wants his team to be mentally sharp when they host Illinois on Saturday. The Hawkeyes are 6-2 while the Illini have struggled to a 1-8 mark. Ferentz says the Hawkeyes are not good enough to take any opponent lightly. He says that was his concern Saturday against Penn State with two quick turnovers. Ferentz says you can’t expect the defense to do everything. This game was billed as the return of Illinois quarterback Jon Beutjer who began his career as a Hawkeye. Ferentz says that had no bearing on his preparation, and he doesn’t have any emotion at all about it. Ferentz says he considered making a change on the punt team last week. David Bradley had a punt blocked at Ohio State and has struggled the past few games. He says he expects Bradley to do better and says he will.