Is this the biggest game of the year? I think so.
How to Watch
TV: CBS
Time: 2:30
Stream: CBSSports.com
PJ Fleck managed to come out of Iowa City with win two years ago. Can he do it again?
What makes me
nervous were his comments after that win in 2023, which were something to the effect that he and Bret Bielema have had conversations about what it takes to beat Iowa. Which essentially boiled down to you have to out-Iowa, Iowa. I think that is a terrible idea, especially this year.
We have to play to our strengths. Not try to run the ball for 2.9 yards per carry, win the field position battle and walk away with a 14-13 win from a defensive touchdown.
So how will we win tomorrow?
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Let Drake Lindsey cook – I still do not trust our offensive line and running game, especially against the Iowa front-seven. I want to let Lindsey go. Loosen up that defense with his arm and then catch the Hawkeyes off guard with draws, screens and eventually running the ball.
Stop Gronowski’s legs – Maybe the Jackrabbit transfer completes some passes on you, but I’m most worried that he’s going to convert way too many third downs with his legs. Really need to be disciplined on our rush lanes and contain him. There will not be nine sacks on Saturday afternoon, but keeping him in the pocket will be just as successful. He has three passing touchdowns, four interceptions and 10 rushing touchdowns. Iowa City is the place where quarterbacks go to die.
Turnovers are going to be huge – They always are, but in Iowa City, they are everything.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #11 QB – Mark Gronowski – He’s very good with his legs and throws a 4-yard out like he’s the second coming of Jeff George.
- #48 DL – Max Llewellyn – An Iowa kid, as a senior and he has 5 sacks this season. He has a ton of “Ls” in his name. Let’s give him another one.
PREDICTION
This is a game I have very little confidence in, but just enough to almost let my optimism overtake my realism. Almost.
Officially I’m saying that Iowa wins this game. It will take a +2 in the turnover battle and a very poised game from Lindsey. Can the kid play well in Iowa City? And on the other side of the ball, can the defense by disciplined and physcial enough to stop the Iowa ground game? Two questions that I don’t feel super confident in.
Minnesota – 17
Iowa – 23
