By The Associated Press
Iowa (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) at Minnesota (1-6, 0-3) Saturday, 2:42
p.m. (BTN)
Line: Iowa by 16
Series Record: Minnesota leads 60-42-2
Last Meeting: Minnesota won 27-24 in 2010
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Hawkeyes are looking for payback after being stunned by the
Gophers last season, a defeat that came to symbolize Iowa’s
late-season collapse. Minnesota just needs to prove in can compete
against Big Ten opponents after an ugly 0-3 start in the league.
KEY MATCHUP
Iowa RB Marcus Coker vs. Minnesota’s defense: Coker has rushed
for 120 yards in each of his last two games after a chat with coach
Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes would like to establish the bruising
Coker early, as they did last week in an easy win over Indiana.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Iowa: WR Keenan Davis. He should play after what Ferentz said
was a “tender” ankle, but the junior could be limited.
Minnesota: QB MarQueis Gray: Mobile quarterbacks like Gray have
been known to cause the Hawkeyes trouble in the past.
FACTS & FIGURES
Iowa has taken home “Floyd of Rosedale” eight times in the
past 10 meetings, but the pig has spent 11 months in Minneapolis
after last year’s loss…The Gophers have given up at least 41
points in each of their Big Ten games, while the Hawkeyes have
scored at least 40 in their last two…The Gophers held Iowa to
just 218 yards of offense in 2010.