After an up and down non-conference schedule that saw the Hawkeyes demolish their two cupcakes at home and stumble in their lone road game against a quality opponent, Iowa is poised to open conference play on the road Friday evening. They travel east to Piscataway, New Jersey to face off with the 3-0 Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
The Knights too have feasted on inferior opponents, but have looked much more in control in those three matchups, averaging more than 50 points per contest. They’re led by former
Minnesota QB Athan Kaliakmanis, who is the nation’s highest graded passer according to PFF after three weeks. He’s thrown for 820 yards and 7 TDs without an interception.
In fact, the Knights are yet to lose a turnover. Coincidentally, Iowa’s typical ball-hawking defense has yet to generate one. The D has been stout overall, ranking in the top-20 nationally in both rush and pass defense. They’ll certainly have their hands full against the Knights.
But it’s the other side of the ball where the game may well be decided. Rutgers has looked solid in pass defense but has been a bit more suspect in defending against he run. They come into the week ranked 90th in the nation in total rush defense, giving up more than 150 yards per game on the ground. Iowa, on the other hand, has averaged more than 200 yards per game rushing and would certainly like to lean on the running attack in an effort to ease in Mark Gronowski and the passing game.
The Knights will no doubt be looking to shut down Iowa’s rushing attack and force Gronowski to make throws, and Iowa’s receivers to make catches, in order to win. It will be a battle to watch as Tim Lester adjusts from his first half game plan to his second half adjustments.
The Hawkeyes opened as 3.5-point favorites in this one, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. That’s dropped down to Iowa -1.5 this afternoon with the over/under climbing to 46.5 total points. Neither is a strong indication for Iowa, who will be without several key pieces on offense. While they are expected to get Kamari Moulton back at RB in some capacity, they’ll be without Xavier Williams, in addition to starters Addison Ostrenga (season) and Reece Vander Zee. Any climb in the over/under is likely driven by expectations Rutgers finds more success against Iowa defense than the other way around.
As we countdown to kickoff, here’s everything you need to know about today’s matchup.
Date: Friday, September 19th
Time: 7:00 pm CT
Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1, 0-0) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0, 0-0)
Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey
TV: Fox
Updated Weather Forecast: Clear with temperatures in the mid-70s at kickoff.
Updated FanDuel Line: Iowa -1.5, O/U 46.5
With a Friday evening kick, this will also serve as this week’s game thread.
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Go Hawks!
