The past three weeks, we’ve said the games were pivotal and very important. None will be as important as this upcoming game against the Golden Gophers.
In what will be perhaps one of the most important remaining games of the season for the Hawkeyes, they need to come out strong and with grit. The match up with the Wildcats of Northwestern last weekend was terrible, rather very disappointing. The Hawkeyes will look to revive itself as they go up under the lights in Kinnick Stadium to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the annual Floyd of Rosedale.
Iowa needs to come out with a red-hot offense through the air.
The running game has been off recently with Iowa, and it is getting extremely frustrating. Although passing isn’t always the best with this new offense of receivers, and a new QB, it is our strongest spot. Stanley needs to come into this game red-hot with fire, not only connecting his deep passes, but rather the receivers actually receiving. The biggest problem against the Wildcats was dropped passes, especially on fourth down in overtime, which lost us the game. A blank, wide open, 5 yard pass couldn’t be completed as the Wildcats went away with a 17-10 victory.
Defensively, Iowa is looking very sluggish. With the absence of Josey Jewell and Brandon Snyder against Northwestern, it was quite obvious they were the reason our defense was great. With them back against Minnesota, I see no problem with our defense. However, the Golden Gophers can definitely move the ball, which will be very interesting. The Hawkeye defense needs to contain the passing game the most. The biggest threat against Northwestern was the passing game. This will hopefully be practiced all week and put to effect on Saturday night.
Iowa has a fair advantage over Minnesota to get their feet back on the pedals and their heads up.
Overall, Iowa definitely can win this ball game. The match up will be one of those games where we either score a lot of points and blow them out, or win by three. Like, 10-7. Hopefully this game will not be a repeat of last year’s ugly 14-7 win in Minnesota. Although, the forecast calls for a chilly, and possibly, a snowy night. So with that said, I think the category of “a lot of points” is out of the question, sadly. But, I believe this game will be a fair and square Hawkeye victory by at least two scores. The final score will be 24-13 with Wadley accounting for a rushing TD, Easley a reception TD, and Fant with a reception TD.