Oct. 06--Illinois had the ball in a fourth-and-short situation on the Nebraska 10-yard line in the first quarter Saturday. Interim coach Bill Cubit sent backup quarterback Chayce Crouch in for an obvious run play.
The play was slow to develop, resulting in the Cornhuskers defense stuffing Crouch and the Illini turning the ball over on downs.
It was another example of a doomed opportunity in the red zone for the Illini, who despite heading to Iowa on Saturday with a surprisingly strong record have struggled to score.
The Illini (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) rank 13th in the Big Ten, scoring on only 15 of 22 opportunities inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Three times the Illini missed field-goal attempts, a recurring issue with kicker Taylor Zalewski.
Four times the Illini turned the ball over on downs.
"Our red zone has not been very good," Cubit said. "We have to get better at that. When you get in the red zone it's all matchup. It's my guy against their guy. There's little things that happen. You just have to keep on working and find a way."
Iowa's defense is ranked third in the Big Ten in stopping opponents inside the red zone. In 11 trips, opponents have scored five touchdowns and two field goals against the Hawkeyes (5-0, 1-0). And Iowa has not allowed a rushing touchdown from inside the red zone.
sryan@tribpub.com
