A lot is new heading into the contest between the Minnesota Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes. Minnesota has first year head coach PJ Fleck. Iowa has a first year quarterback and offensive coordinator.
But, the rivalry between the border enemies which started in 1891, and turned up to another gear in 1935 when the ‘pig’ prize, or ‘The Floyd of Rosedale’ began to be the spoil of the victors.
Overall, the Golden Gophers hold a firm grasp on the series lead 62-46-2, but since Kirk Ferentz took over Iowa in 1999, it has been a different story.
Ferentz has led the Hawkeyes to a 12-6 record over their top rival. After losing the first two matchups in 1999 and 2000 to Glen Mason, Ferentz won every meeting for the remainder of the decade (except 2006). He is 4-3 this decade, including winning the last two meetings.
Minnesota has had several coaches come through in the Ferentz era including Mason, Tim Brewster, Jerry Kill, Tracy Claeys and the current coach, the exuberant PJ Fleck.
Fleck who states that the Gopher program is in ‘Year 0’ this season is looking to make a statement. He was able to get his first Big Ten win last weekend over Illinois, after losing the first three in-conference games he had.
The Gophers have a senior native in quarterback Conor Rhoda. A native of Minnesota, Rhoda hasn’t flashed on the stat sheet. The running game is divided between two talented backs in Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks.
Smith is 9th all time currently in Gophers history in rushing, while approaching the top ten in touchdowns. Brooks is a junior who leads the team with five rushing touchdowns on the season.
The receiving game has run through sophomore Minneapolis native Tyler Johnson who has 27 catches and 7 touchdowns this season. Stopping Johnson will be a difficult task for Josh Jackson, who has been one of the Big Ten’s best throughout the season.
The defense which is currently ranked 25th nationally in opponents points per game has had its ‘ups and downs’. Before playing the lowly Fighting Illini, the Gophers had given up 30 or more points to all three Big Ten teams that they had played. Iowa will need to make that a fourth time, if they want to keep the ‘Floyd’ again.
For the Hawkeyes, they need to get it together, and quickly. After a disappointing overtime loss to Northwestern coming off a bye week, Iowa needs to get back running the ball effectively, and not give up the big plays on defense on third down. It won’t get easier for Iowa after this week with a trip to Madison next weekend, and national title contender Ohio State looming in two weeks. The Hawkeyes do not have the luxury of looking ahead though. They are at risk of losing a trophy Saturday, and falling to .500 on the season.
Josey Jewell and potentially James Butler could be returning after both not getting to play despite suiting up against Northwestern. Iowa needs some senior leadership, especially after the season wrecking injuries to senior lineman Boone Myers and Ike Boettger.
Predictions
Patrick Mooney (Dear Old Gold) 50-13
Devin Keller (Dear Old Gold) 50-13
Joe Favia (Dear Old Gold) 47-16
Bryan Dietzler (Dear Old Gold) 8-4
Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Michigan Wolverines
Everyone- Michigan
Wisconsin Badgers @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Everyone-Wisconsin
Michigan State Spartans @ Northwestern Wildcats
Patrick, Devin, Bryan- Michigan State
Joe- Northwestern
Indiana Hoosiers @ Maryland Terrapins
Joe, Patrick- Indiana
Devin, Bryan
Penn State Nittany Lions @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Everyone- Penn State
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Everyone- Iowa
Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Purdue Boilermakers