How to watch the Gophers vs Iowa Hawkeyes and 3 keys to a Minnesota win
A night game for Floyd of Rosedale? I am here for this!
How to Watch
TV: NBC
Time: 6:30
Stream: Peacock
Such a big game for both programs this season. Can the Gophers get 2 consecutive wins in this rivalry?
3 KEYS
- Big plays on offense – Last week the Troy Trojans scored on plays of 63 and 62 yards on offense (and a 77-yard punt return). Can the Gophers score on a couple of big plays? Also, it is worth mentioning that they need to limit Iowa’s big plays. This has hurt us in recent Iowa matchups.
- Don’t start slow! – Slow starts in 2019, 2021 and 2022 have killed Minnesota’s chances of earning Floyd in recent years. The Iowa defense is notoriously good and having to come from behind is not the situation you want to be in. Do not get behind early.
- Make them play our game – A year ago, PJ Fleck made a comment about how he was discussing with Bret Bielema about how there is a specific way to beat Iowa. Which makes me nervous. Don’t change who you are, you do you, make them adjust to what you are running because you’re doing it well. And beat them. That 37-15 win over Wisconsin in 2018 was a great example of running what you run, executing it and winning.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #2 RB – Kaleb Johnson – The Iowa back is dangerous. He leads the Big Ten in rushing and touchdowns. Containing Johnson is crucial.
- #49 DE – Ethan Hurkett – Has 2 sacks on the season and 10 tackles. The Gopher pass protection has been not great this season, so Hurkett (and
PREDICTION
This one is easy, and here’s my logic. Nevada beat Troy. Troy was within 21-24 through 3 quarters in Iowa City last week. The Gophers beat Nevada soundly. Clearly this is an easy Gopher win.
More realistically, I am feeling confident here. Iowa is tough, they are always a physical and sound football team. Minnesota, in recent years, has been plagued by slow starts and untimely mistakes. If they can get an early lead, I’m feeling very confident that this improved Gopher offense can move the ball enough while the defense makes life very difficult on Cade McNamara.
Minnesota – 27
Iowa – 16