IceBoxGopher
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The Pioneer Press takes Iowa, 20-17
Minnesota Offense Vs. Iowa Defense: Iowa’s defense is 10th in nation at 2.8 per carry. Xavier Nwankpa won Big Ten defensive player of the week with 10 tackles and two takeaways vs. Nittany Lions. … Iowa has seven takeaways in the last four games; Minnesota has only one giveaway in same span. Edge: Iowa
Minnesota Defense Vs. Iowa Offense: Minnesota’s rush defense is 20th at 3.24 per rush. Iowa is 34th in the nation in yards per rush (5.0), but are 132nd in yards per pass (5.5). Minnesota’s rush defense is 20th at 3.24 per rush. Edge: Minnesota
Special Teams: The Gophers need to kick away from Wetjen — the only player in the nation this season with a punt and a kickoff returns for a touchdown. Edge: Iowa
Prediction: Per usual in this rivalry, points are expected to be scares with an over/under of 38.5 points and this edition will be an old Big Ten West slobberknocker.
Star Tribune has Iowa winning, 24-20
After putting together their best all-around game of the season in beating Nebraska, the Gophers face a much bigger challenge at Kinnick Stadium, where they’ve won only twice since 1999. Minnesota’s best route to victory is establishing the run to set up the pass, but Iowa’s run defense is stingy, allowing 93.4 yards per game. The Hawkeyes’ veteran and decorated offensive line will be the difference in a tight game.
CBS Sports is picking Iowa to win
While Minnesota found its rushing attack against Nebraska with 186 yards -- up from a combined 133 in the previous three Big Ten games -- Iowa's stout run defense, allowing just 2.8 yards per carry and roughly 92 yards per game, should keep the Golden Gophers in check.
Gopher Illustrated (247 Sports) predicts a 23-16 Iowa victory
It's an Iowa defense being called as aggressively as I've seen from Phil Parker, as I believe he knows his front-seven doesn't have the bodies they normally do. That means he has to send more blitzes and pressures, and Iowa has largely been able to get away with not allowing explosive plays.
Minnesota hasn't played well on the road this season, being 0-2, but this will be their first road game with the sun still out. Kinnick Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Gophers for decades, and I tend to agree with the Vegas line. Iowa is better up front, and that wins the game in the end.
Tony’s Picks goes with Iowa, 23-13
Minnesota relies on efficiency and clock control; Iowa leans on its rushing attack and defense. Quarterback play favors Minnesota slightly in the passing department, but the Hawkeyes’ line play and home-field advantage are major equalizers.
Minnesota Offense Vs. Iowa Defense: Iowa’s defense is 10th in nation at 2.8 per carry. Xavier Nwankpa won Big Ten defensive player of the week with 10 tackles and two takeaways vs. Nittany Lions. … Iowa has seven takeaways in the last four games; Minnesota has only one giveaway in same span. Edge: Iowa
Minnesota Defense Vs. Iowa Offense: Minnesota’s rush defense is 20th at 3.24 per rush. Iowa is 34th in the nation in yards per rush (5.0), but are 132nd in yards per pass (5.5). Minnesota’s rush defense is 20th at 3.24 per rush. Edge: Minnesota
Special Teams: The Gophers need to kick away from Wetjen — the only player in the nation this season with a punt and a kickoff returns for a touchdown. Edge: Iowa
Prediction: Per usual in this rivalry, points are expected to be scares with an over/under of 38.5 points and this edition will be an old Big Ten West slobberknocker.
Star Tribune has Iowa winning, 24-20
After putting together their best all-around game of the season in beating Nebraska, the Gophers face a much bigger challenge at Kinnick Stadium, where they’ve won only twice since 1999. Minnesota’s best route to victory is establishing the run to set up the pass, but Iowa’s run defense is stingy, allowing 93.4 yards per game. The Hawkeyes’ veteran and decorated offensive line will be the difference in a tight game.
CBS Sports is picking Iowa to win
While Minnesota found its rushing attack against Nebraska with 186 yards -- up from a combined 133 in the previous three Big Ten games -- Iowa's stout run defense, allowing just 2.8 yards per carry and roughly 92 yards per game, should keep the Golden Gophers in check.
Gopher Illustrated (247 Sports) predicts a 23-16 Iowa victory
It's an Iowa defense being called as aggressively as I've seen from Phil Parker, as I believe he knows his front-seven doesn't have the bodies they normally do. That means he has to send more blitzes and pressures, and Iowa has largely been able to get away with not allowing explosive plays.
Minnesota hasn't played well on the road this season, being 0-2, but this will be their first road game with the sun still out. Kinnick Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Gophers for decades, and I tend to agree with the Vegas line. Iowa is better up front, and that wins the game in the end.
Tony’s Picks goes with Iowa, 23-13
Minnesota relies on efficiency and clock control; Iowa leans on its rushing attack and defense. Quarterback play favors Minnesota slightly in the passing department, but the Hawkeyes’ line play and home-field advantage are major equalizers.
