2:30 PM Kickoff at Iowa

[DodgerHawki]

Don't know where the point spread will be, but at the midway point...

Iowa's punting game is rated #1 in the B1G, but Gophers are actually 4th. But Iowa has punted 47 times, the Gophers only 27 times. Iowa uses the punt as a field position dagger better than anyone ...
In kickoffs, Iowa ranks 1st, Gophers are 2nd. Tie. Dragan effect.
Both teams have good FG kickers.
In kickoff and punt returns, however, Iowa ranks 4th in the B1G with, among other things, a 70 yard punt return for a TD (to win a game). Minnesota, of course--because more games are lost than won--ranks a solid 14th in the B1G in kickoff and punt returns.

On defense, Iowa isn't quite as dominant as in the last few years, but it is still quite effective. It allows 325.6 yards per game versus the Gophers' 373.2 per game. Sacks and interceptions are actually about equal for Minnesota and Iowa's defenses. Here are the differences: Iowa is 7th in the B1G for completion percentage allowed; Gophers are 14th. Iowa is 2nd in B1G for yards allowed per completion (4.9 yards); Gophers are 14th (7.9 yards). But the capper is scoring: Iowa defense allows 14.9 points per game; Minnesota allows 26.7. Overall, Iowa's defense is rated 4th in the B1G (behind PSU, Mich and OSU) and Gophers defense is rated ... 14th.

On offense, the Iowa--Minny game is the "Toilet Bowl." Iowa has the 14th ranked offense in the B1G; Minnesota is ranked 13th. The Gophers score 21.7 points per game; Iowa scores 20.9. Both have anemic passing games: Iowa is 14th with 116.6 yards per game, and the Gophers are 13th with 132.8 yards. Our rushing game, however, has been considerably better than Iowa's (180.5 yards/game to 130.9 yards/game). Minnesota has allowed only 8 sacks; Iowa (with one more game played) has allowed 13. Minnesota has thrown 7 interceptions in 5 games; Iowa has thrown 5 interceptions in 6 games. One key stat: Iowa has fumbled 6 times on rushing attempts (includes QB sacks); Minnesota has only fumbled 2 times.

So, the game should be a very interesting chess match. Certainly a chance for the Gophers to win, probably with our running game featured, as the game should be low scoring. Iowa will try to score early and then squeeze the life out of us, using superior defense and special teams. The team that can get an explosive play or two might well win on that basis. Just like last year ... and the year before. Gophers are 0-2 on the road this year ...

Go Gophers!

You fairly pegged the Iowa defense and special teams. Watching Iowa try to win games is amazing just because the offense is so bad. The Iowa defense is not as good as it was last year (and last year Gophers pushed Iowa up and down the field but turned it over).

Only thing to watch for the Iowa offense is they have managed to run the ball well the last 2 weeks despite not being able to throw. You are 100% right on how Iowa tries to approach games. Somehow get a lead and then just try to squeeze on the opponent with special teams and defense. Iowa considers it a success if they can get the ball to midfield, because it means the punter can pin the opponent inside the 10. Then if Iowa gets a 3 and out and a punt return they are set up on the + side of the field. Then try to get 1 or 2 first downs and be in FG range. And while this has happened half the quarter has run off. And I would agree that whichever team can get an explosive play or 2 will likely win the game.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

You fairly pegged the Iowa defense and special teams. Watching Iowa try to win games is amazing just because the offense is so bad. The Iowa defense is not as good as it was last year (and last year Gophers pushed Iowa up and down the field but turned it over).

Only thing to watch for the Iowa offense is they have managed to run the ball well the last 2 weeks despite not being able to throw. You are 100% right on how Iowa tries to approach games. Somehow get a lead and then just try to squeeze on the opponent with special teams and defense. Iowa considers it a success if they can get the ball to midfield, because it means the punter can pin the opponent inside the 10. Then if Iowa gets a 3 and out and a punt return they are set up on the + side of the field. Then try to get 1 or 2 first downs and be in FG range. And while this has happened half the quarter has run off. And I would agree that whichever team can get an explosive play or 2 will likely win the game.

Iowa seems always to break an explosive play in the 4Q, against us anyway. Could be a TD run, or a TD pass (through broken tackles), or a Pick Six or, this year against another team, a 70 yard punt return TD. It is in the team’s DNA. When it comes to beating Iowa in a close, one score game, PJ becomes Scott Frost. We need to break the mold.

 

[Some guy]

Iowa has:

beat Utah State at home by 10
went to Ames and won by 7
crushed Western Mich at home by 31
got shut out and smoked at Penn St 0-31
beat Mich State at home by 10
beat Purdue at home by 6
went to Madison and won by 9


The biggest thing against us is that this game is in Iowa City. If it was here, I would feel much better.

Should be close regardless. Just hope we don't do things like fumble, throw pick sixes, etc. Keep the killer mistakes to a minimum and we have a solid chance.

Pretty good take.
Minnesota not good. I think better than Purdue and Michigan state.
Should be a one score game that could go either direction

 

[GopherVotary]

Anyone have a good idea when the MSU game will start? I really, really need this to be a day game!

2:30 Central.