Run defense is the key

No matchup will be more important for Illinois Saturday than having its run defense shut down the Iowa ground game. Statistically, it looks like a tough matchup. Illinois is ninth in the Big Ten in run defense (152.4 yards a game), while Iowa tailback Shonn Greene is third in the nation in rushing (144.2). But it's a challenge that excites Brit Miller. ``The dude's awesome. Shonn Greene is a baller. He's one of my favorite guys to play against, because he runs the ball hard. He's always aware. he finds little gaps and makes plays happen. He's probably the premier running back in the Big Ten. We have a great challenge in trying to stop him. But it will be fun going against a guy of his caliber.''