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Iowa Football vs. Minnesota preview: 3 Things to watch and a prediction

By Joe Kipp

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 28: Defensive back Miles Taylor #19 and long snapper Tyler Kluver #97 of the Iowa Hawkeyes carry the Floyd of Rosedale trophy off the field after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 28, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 28: Defensive back Miles Taylor #19 and long snapper Tyler Kluver #97 of the Iowa Hawkeyes carry the Floyd of Rosedale trophy off the field after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 28, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 30: Mohamed Ibrahim #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers runs with the ball during a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 30, 2020 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 30: Mohamed Ibrahim #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers runs with the ball during a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 30, 2020 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. Minnesota’s rushing attack vs. Iowa’s run defense

Minnesota has an experienced quarterback in Tanner Morgan, but they’ve utilized a run-heavy approach on offense to start the season. The Gophers average 46 rushing attempts per game (19th in FBS), 238.7 rushing yards per game (14th), and 5.2 yards per attempt (28th).

Conversely, the Iowa defense gives up an average of just 102 rushing yards per game (13th) and just 2.6 yards per carry (sixth). Something has to give. This is a dream matchup for those of us who love to watch the battle in the trenches.

The Gophers have a dynamic running back in Mohamed Ibrahim, who showed what he’s capable of last week against Illinois. Ibrahim scored four touchdowns in the first half against the Illini, and probably could’ve scored four more had the Gophers not taken their foot off the gas.

The Hawkeyes will have their hands full, but should be able to keep Ibrahim in check. Iowa football is always known for having a stout defensive line, and this year is no different.

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