The game seemed like the Hawkeyes were playing a very high ranked team by the outcome of the score. Turnovers hurt the Hawkeyes as they barely won over Illinois 34-31. By the barely win, the Hawkeyes slipped in the polls. They are now at #19 in Coaches, #8 in Media and #14 in BCS. They did keep their two Heisman hopefuls in the running with LE Christian Ballard still at #1 and HB Nathan Guillroy at #3. The Hawkeyes also signed their final three recruits during the season.
Headline of Week #12 ESPN Magazine reads, "DISRESPECTED! Hawkeyes get the short end of the stick in the latest polls."