Iowa prepares for the 118th meeting against Minnesota in the Twin Cities. For the Hawkeyes it is the Big Ten opener and their first road test of the season.

That’s Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz who expects this to continue a string of close games in the series.

Iowa won four of five road games last season.

Ferentz feels quarterback Cade McNamara and the offense are making progress but the Hawkeyes have yet to play a complete game.

The Hawkeye defense has been victimized by three long touchdown passes the past two weeks and the Hawkeyes gave up a punt return for a touchdown in a 38-21 win over Troy.