MINNESOTA vs. IOWA
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Huntington Bank Stadium
TV: NBC
Radio: KFXN-FM, 100.3
Weather: Mostly sunny, 74 degrees, 11 mph south wind
Betting spread: Iowa minus-2.5
Records: Minnesota and Iowa are both 2-1 with a loss to Power 4 Conference opponent. The Gophers fell 19-17 to North Carolina in the season opener on Aug 29. The Hawkeyes dropped its first rivalry game, 20-19 to Iowa State on Sept. 7.
History: This is the earliest calendar date for an Minnesota-Iowa game across the 133-year series that started in 1891. The Gophers snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 12-10 win over the Hawkeyes last season. The U leads the series 63-52-2.
Big question: Can either team’s offense capitalize on cornerback concerns? The availability of the Gophers’ top cover guy, Justin Walley, is up in air after suffering a knee injury against Nevada. The Hawkeyes might be rotating at the spot opposite standout Jermari Harris.
Key matchup: Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson vs. Gophers front seven. Minnesota’s defense struggled to tackle a thicker tailback in North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in the season opener. Both Hampton and Johnson are the only two rushers nationwide with over 300 yards after contact this season, per Pro Football Focus.
Who has the edge?
Gophers offense vs. Iowa defense: The Hawkeyes have been stout against the run (56 yards per game) and suspect against the pass (211 yards per game). Iowa has been susceptible on deep balls, allowing three completions over 60 yards this season. QB Max Brosmer has completed 69 percent of passes this season, but on throws over 20 yards, he’s 2 of 7 for one touchdown and one interception. OC Greg Harbaugh will want Brosmer to take what Iowa’s defense is giving them, but when, where and how many deep shots Minnesota takes — and hits on — will be a big factor in which team wins. Five attempts might be a target number. … How physical this rivalry game has been at the line of scrimmage has been a theme coming out of Dinkytown this week. It’s hard not to hear that message aimed at the U offensive line, which has struggled to consistently get things going in the run game through three contests. Before Darius Taylor’s 80-yard touchdown vs. Nevada, Minnesota was averaging 2.7 yards per carry in the opening 10-plus quarters of the season. … CB Jermari Harris has set up a no-fly zone. He has the top coverage grade (90.7) at his position in the country, according to PFF. SAF Sebastian Castro is “excellent,” according to Harbaugh. And LB Jay Higgins, who has a team-high 25 tackles, is the fourth-best graded linebacker in the nation (91.0). EDGE: Iowa
Gophers defense vs. Iowa offense: The Hawkeyes let go of OC Brian Ferentz, the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, after an anemic year in 2023 and replaced him with Tim Lester. “Some of the window dressing around (the offense) has changed, more condensed formations. It’s been more motions and shifts,” DC Corey Hetherman said. But the Hawkeyes will still want to control line of scrimmage and run the ball. … The 6-foot, 225-pound Johnson has an FBS-best 479 rushing yards this season, with a gaudy 7.9-yard average. The Gophers posted their first consecutive shutouts in 62 years, but missed 22 tackles against the Tar Heels in Week 1 as Hampton put up 129 yards on 30 carries against the U. More than a handful of missed tackles would be a sign of doom for Minnesota. … If Walley can’t play, Za’Quon Bryan will likely get the start. He played early against North Carolina, showing he’s earned a spot on the field. But Walley has been such a big-time player for the U, including an interception in last year’s Floyd game. … Iowa tight ends continue to be a focal point; Luke Lachey and Addison Ostrenga each have nine receptions this season. “Especially in third (down) and medium (distance), the ball goes through those guys,” Hetherman said. The Hawkeyes enjoy using two tight ends in formations, which will mean an important resistence is necessary from LBs Cody Lindenberg and Maverick Baranowski. EDGE: Gophers
Special teams: Iowa allowed Troy to return a punt 77 yards for a touchdown last week, while the Gophers freshman returner Koi Perich has shown potential to break off a big one. … Gophers DE Anthony Smith blocked a Nevada field goal last week. … K Drew Stevens is 5 for 5 on field goals with a long of 42, while Dragan Kesich is 5 for 9 with a long of 52. EDGE: Gophers
Prediction: Minnesota will pull off a consecutive wins in the rivalry for the first time since 2010-11. And it can be done without a contentious call after the invalid fair catch penalty shrouded last year’s affair in Iowa City. Gophers, 19-17
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