Iowa Football: Big Ten Predictions for Week Seven
By Jeremy Karll
Iowa Hawkeyes (-11.5) @ Purdue Boilermakers
Iowa enters the week as the biggest favorite in the Big Ten. Despite their recent mishaps and struggles, the Hawkeyes take on a Purdue team who lost to Maryland by 43 points and barely squeaked out a victory at Illinois a week ago.
The Boilermakers rank outside the top-80 in the nation in both points per game and points allowed per game. Now, they’ll have to find a way to replace leading receiver Domonique Young who is out this week. Young leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, and he could have had a big day against the Hawkeyes.
Must Read: Iowa Football vs Purdue: Four Players to Watch
Iowa’s secondary is coming off a very impressive showing against Minnesota. They effectively shut down Mitch Leidner and Drew Wolitarsky. Although, the Hawkeyes have had a tough time stopping teams’ top options this year. While Purdue still has Deangelo Yancey, who has 22 catches in 2016, and starting running back Markell Jones returns, Iowa will have more freedom to pressure the quarterback with Young out.
The constant pressure on Leidner resulted in three turnovers and two sacks a week ago. The Hawkeyes will now take on the NCAA leader in interceptions, David Blough. In 2016, Blough has thrown nine interceptions, including five in one game against Cincinnati.
Whether it’s a high or low scoring game, Iowa should win. Their defense has consistently done enough every game this season to give the offense a chance to win. Purdue ranks a measly 93rd in the nation in points allowed per game, so this could be the game Iowa’s offense gets going.
Iowa has only scored 14 points in two of their last three games. Establishing a ground game with LeShun Daniels Jr and Akrum Wadley will be important against a defense allowing 5.6 yards per carry. It will set up the play action, as well as creating more receiving opportunities for tight end George Kittle.
Riley McCarron has emerged as C.J. Beathard‘s favorite target since Matt VandeBerg went down. While Kittle is still helping with effective blocking, he has become non-existent in the passing game as of late.
Despite the recent struggles, Iowa’s offense should have their way with this Purdue defense. They have a chance to get off to a fast start and put this game away early.
Next: Iowa Basketball: Who Will Start at Point Guard?
Purdue might be over .500, but they’re not a good team on either side of the ball. The last thing the Hawkeyes need is to be in a close game with the Boilermakers this week. This game should be over quick, but that’s not how Iowa has played recently.
Prediction: Iowa 38 Purdue 10