After a week to rest and regroup, the Hawkeyes are back in action today boasting a fresh college football playoff ranking of #20 in the nation. They play host to the #9 Oregon Ducks in a game with massive
implications for both teams.
The Ducks come into the day also off a bye and 7-1 overall. That bye was much needed in Eugene as Oregon escaped with a 21-7 in their last outing against Wisconsin. Starting QB Dante Moore was dinged up in that one as the Badgers got home for four sacks. He’s good to go for today and the Ducks will look to get their offense humming once again.
While Oregon has averaged 41.5 points per game on the season, they managed just 17 points in regulation at Penn State, 20 against the #2 Indiana Hoosiers and 21 against the aforementioned Badgers. All those marks are below lowly Iowa’s offensive output in the same matchups.
But even if the Hawkeyes are able to slow down this high-powered Oregon offense, the Ducks boast one of the top defenses in the nation. Oregon is top-10 nationally in total defense and scoring defense while boasting the nation’s top pass defense.
Iowa, of course, has had their struggles throwing the ball and facing off with the top pass defense in the country is no recipe to improve in that area. Can Iowa establish the run early and drag Oregon into the proverbial mud? The Ducks are 30th nationally in rush defense, giving up nearly 115 yards per game on the ground. Iowa will be the best rush offense Oregon has faced all year, save for Indiana, who walked into Eugene and left with a win.
As we countdown to kickoff, here’s everything you need to know about today’s matchup.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 2:40 pm CT
Matchup: Oregon Ducks (7-1, 4-1) at Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2, 4-1)
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
TV: CBS
Updated Weather Forecast: Temps in the low 40s to high 30s at kickoff, 99% chance of rain turning to a rain/snow mix late
Updated FanDuel Line: Iowa +6.5, O/U 42.5
It’s a cold and wet day in Iowa City, but the festivities are flowing. While the game is set to be broadcast on CBS, FOX is in town for their Big Noon Kickoff. Coverage will be live from the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City beginning at 9am CT.
With the inclement weather, fans planning to attend today are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before kickoff to avoid being stuck at the gates.
Go Hawks! Be Loud!
