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

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 7: Running back Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs in a touchdown during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Kinnick Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

1. Does Iowa continue pounding the rock after last week’s success?

Iowa Football has always been known for being a ground and pound team during Kirk Ferentz’s tenure. The start of the 2020 season saw a shift in that philosophy, but all returned to normal last week against Michigan State.

In Iowa’s first two games, quarterback Spencer Petras threw the ball 89 times, including 50 times against Northwestern. Petras’ 50 pass attempts were the most in a game for the Hawkeyes since 2014. Against Michigan State on Saturday, the Hawks reverted back to a run-heavy approach. Iowa ran the ball 41 times, as Petras finished with just 29 pass attempts.

Running back Tyler Goodson finished with a career day against the Spartans, logging 14 rushing attempts for 113 yards and two touchdowns. It was Goodson’s second-career 100-yard rushing game, and the first time he recorded multiple touchdowns in a game.

The Hawkeyes should continue to pound the rock against Minnesota, especially if they get an early lead. Minnesota has the second-worst rush defense in the entire FBS, allowing 7.3 yards per carry. There’s no reason Iowa shouldn’t have at least 40 carries in this game.

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