The first meeting between Iowa and Minnesota on the gridiron was in 1891, and most of them have been close games.
The Golden Gophers dominated the early part of the series, winning the first 12 games, a streak that remains the longest in the rivalry. Iowa has dominated recent history, winning nine of the last 10 games, and has a good chance to extend that streak to 10 of 11. Rivalry games are never easy, especially with a 70-pound brass pig trophy on the line, but Iowa must do a few things to get the job done and bring Floyd home.
Iowa must establish the run early against a weak Minnesota defensive front
This might sound like an obvious key, but Iowa has failed to do so in three games this season. Iowa's offense is at its best when it establishes the run game early, and it has a prime chance to do that against a banged-up defensive line. Minnesota's rushing defense has been one of the worst in the Big Ten, and the program just announced that one of its best run-stoppers was downgraded to out for today's game.
Defensive lineman Riley Surnam isn't available for the game, forcing the Golden Gophers to play without one of their best run-stoppers. Even with Surnam in the lineup, Minnesota's run defense has been poor, and Iowa can take advantage. Kamari Moulton is on pace for a career year if he stays healthy, and he proved that against Washington. Moulton rushed for a career-high 208 rushing yards and could easily do that again.
Iowa's offensive line looked good against Washington, and their confidence is growing. If the offense can hit a few big runs and keep Jeremy Hecklinski upright, we could have a blowout on our hands. Look for Iowa to get Moulton going early and often and put the game out of reach.
Pressure Drake Lindsey and make him uncomfortable
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey hasn't been afraid to let it fly this season, racking up 1,335 passing yards through six games. Unfortunately for the Golden Gophers' offense, he's forced the ball at times, leading to five interceptions. If Lindsey is comfortable in the pocket, he can pick defenses apart, and Iowa can't let him get comfortable. Iowa has been better against the run this season, but they'll need to be ready for Lindsey to take matters into his own hands.
The defense has racked up 10 sacks in six games, but only 2.5 have come from starting defensive linemen. That must change against Minnesota, and the line needs to pressure Lindsey to force him into mistakes. Iowa's 4-5-2 defense relies on pressure up front and everyone staying in their lanes on the back end, but the pressure simply hasn't been there. If the line can't generate pressure, Lindsey isn't afraid to rip it downfield.
It wouldn't be surprising if Phil Parker sends pressure from the linebacker spot, similar to the Washington game. Minnesota knows Iowa is stout against the run and will likely try to air it out early, so pressure up front is paramount.
Force Minnesota's offense to be one-dimensional
Although Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey is comfortable putting the ball in the air over 40 times, the offense hasn't succeeded when he's been forced to do it. In Minnesota's two losses this season against Mississippi State and Purdue, Lindsey attempted 47 and 39 passes, respectively. He threw for over 200 yards in both contests, but managed only one touchdown and one interception. Minnesota wants to run the ball first, but has been comfortable throwing it when the running game hasn't worked. If Iowa can shut down the rushing attack, the defensive line can pin their ears back and rush the quarterback.
If Minnesota abandons the run early, Iowa can shift its game plan, not worry about the run, and focus solely on pressuring Lindsey. Lindsey has been turnover-prone, and if they can't relieve pressure with the run game, he might get flashbacks to last season. In both Minnesota's losses this season, they have rushed for 40 total yards, something Iowa must strive to do. Iowa holds teams to under 90 rushing yards per game, and they must do it again.
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