Dear Old Gold
Fansided

Iowa Football: Run game should thrive against woeful Minnesota run D

By Joe Kipp

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 31: Running back Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs up the field during the first half between defensive end Earnest Brown #99 and linebacker Blake Gallagher #51 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 31: Running back Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs up the field during the first half between defensive end Earnest Brown #99 and linebacker Blake Gallagher #51 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Iowa Football team should have no issues rushing the ball against a porous Minnesota Gophers’ run defense.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have usually thrived when running the ball during Kirk Ferentz’s tenure. Iowa Football is known for having a reliable ground attack year in and year out thanks to Ferentz’s pro-style offensive scheme. This season has been no different.

As a team, Iowa averages a healthy 5.0 yards per carry this season. Conversely, the Minnesota defense has been one of the worst units against the run this season. Minnesota is allowing an average of 7.3 yards per carry (second-worst in the entire FBS), along with 238.3 rushing yards per game (112th).

After abandoning the running game in Iowa’s first two contests, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz returned to his roots against Michigan State last week. Iowa had a combined 51 designed runs in their first two games. In the Hawkeyes’ blowout win versus the Spartans, Iowa ran the ball 38 times.

It’s hard to draw any firm conclusions from such a small sample size, but common sense tells us that Iowa’s offense is much better suited to run first, pass second – especially with a first-year starting quarterback.

The Hawkeyes have one of college football’s most talented running backs in Tyler Goodson. Against Michigan State, Goodson recorded his first multi-touchdown game of his career. He also eclipsed 100 yards for just the second time in his career.

It’s clear the Iowa offense needs to revolve around Goodson. He’s their most talented player on offense and needs the ball in his hands as much as humanly possible.

Goodson should see the ball a minimum of 20 times against Minnesota. Last year against the Gophers, he generated 94 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. We could legitimately see Goodson have the best game of his career on Friday night.

Next. Iowa Football vs. Minnesota preview. dark

All signs point to Iowa having an easy time running the ball. The key will be pounding the rock, creating takeaways and avoiding turnovers on offense. If the Hawkeyes have success on the ground, the path to victory will be clear.

Home/Iowa Football