The Hawkeyes picked up a second straight win a week ago when they came storming back against the Penn State Nittany Lions to win 25-24. It was a gutsy win despite playing anything but a clean game, much
in contrast to their rivalry win the week prior at Wisconsin.
Now Iowa again takes to the Kinnick turf looking for a third straight win and a second straight rivalry trophy. The Hawkeyes have won nine of the last ten meetings in the series and 10 of the last 11 in Iowa City.
But of course, the last meeting of these two teams in Kinnick resulted in the first win for the Gophers south of the border since 1999. We can rehash the details of that loss until the end of time, but the official records are going to continue showing that lone L.
Iowa can avenge that loss and keep the momentum building for the remainder of this season by bringing home the bacon today. The Hawkeyes square off with a 5-2 Minnesota team that is fresh off a 24-6 drubbing of Nebraska a week ago.
The Gophers boast a stout defense and an up and coming quarterback in Drake Lindsey that has helped to mitigate the impacts of injuries in the backfield and a rushing attack that has yet to find its stride. The Gophers enter the day averaging just under 27 points per game and have scored at least 24 in each of their Big Ten wins. Their lone conference loss came to Ohio State where they managed just three points.
That’s a common thread for the Gophers. They’ve scored 23 or more points in their five wins, but have failed to top 14 points in their two losses (Ohio State and Cal).
Iowa enters the day ranked 6th nationally in scoring defense, giving up just under… 14 points per game. The Hawkeyes will no doubt look to put pressure on the young QB Lindsey while containing dangerous running back Darius Taylor. If Iowa is able to create turnovers, as they did a week ago, they should be in good shape.
However, if the Hawkeyes manage to fall behind early and allow the Gophers to find some rhythm in the passing game while establishing the run down the stretch, the Minnesota defense is good enough to capitalize on an Iowa offense that continues to struggle throwing the ball.
As we countdown to kickoff, here’s everything you need to know about today’s matchup.
Date: Saturday, October 25th
Time: 2:40 pm CT
Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2, 3-1) at Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1)
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
TV: CBS
Updated Weather Forecast: Cloudy with temperatures in the mid 50s at kickoff
Updated FanDuel Line: Iowa – 8.5, O/U 39.5
