I took the time to rewatch the MD Ill since as a lot of folks have said, ILL is trying to copy IOWA in type of play. 2 things really jumped out at me.
1.ILL was in the game the whole way by running the ball well and keeping folks in front of them they rushed only 3 a lot and really left the check down back wide open,
2. ILL was not gap responsible, and when the MD QB did run, there was little to no contain.
IMHO, the difference was ILL did not play sound fundamental football, they did not wrap up and tackle well , nor did they gang tackle. and I thought they wore down on both sides of the ball.
There are 2 reasons I think IOWA WINS,
1. This is a gritty bunch of hard nosed, tough, team 1st guys, that are job focused.
the atmosphere (night game) will not distract them
2 there is a unity and team togetherness, that really shows on this team and theses guys really care for and push/ defend each other and in a tight game that goes a long way!