Iowa is in Minnesota for the 120th meeting on the gridiron, with the Floyd of Rosedale on the line.
The No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes are ready to prove they are for real by knocking off the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, and they're currently slight favorites. Before Saturday's big game, here's your Hawkeye news roundup for the second-to-last week in October.
Kirk Ferentz was named to the Bear Bryant Award watch list
The Hawkeyes have started the season strong in Kirk Ferentz's 28th season at the helm. The program is 5-1 ahead of a crucial road game against Minnesota and has a more well-balanced attack than in previous seasons. The offense is putting up 403.2 yards and 31.0 points per game, while the defense is holding teams to 14.5 points and 293.3 yards per game. Ferentz is no stranger to success, and his trophy case could get even fuller after this season.
Before the Hawkeyes battle the Golden Gophers on the gridiron, Ferentz was named to the Bear Bryant Award watch list. The award is presented each January to the coach who makes contributions to football that make the sport better for athletes and fans. Ferentz is the all-time winningest coach in the Big Ten with 214 wins, 135 in the Big Ten.
Sporting News named Kade Pieper a Midseason All-American
If there is a Midseason All-American list, Kade Pieper is probably on it. Pieper burst onto the scene last season as a first-year starter and was rumored to be considering a jump to the NFL. Luckily for Iowa, Pieper never truly considered leaving, and has become an anchor of the right side of the offensive line. Pieper showcased his versatility in the offseason by taking snaps at center and was projected to earn the starting center job after uncertainty at the position. Cael Winter ultimately played well enough to win the job, sliding Pieper back to his more natural right guard spot.
Pieper has been solid for the Iowa offensive line this season, helping the offense average 194.0 rushing yards and 31.0 points per game. Despite a challenging quarterback situation, the offensive line has done its best to pave the way. At the midway point of the season, Pieper is racking up All-American selections, most recently coming from Sporting News. That is now three Midseason All-American selections from The Athletic, AP, and Sporting News. Pieper will look to continue his solid first half against Minnesota in the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale this weekend.
Iowa women's soccer pull off a massive upset against No. 10 UCLA
Iowa women's soccer earned a massive 1-0 win over No. 10 UCLA at the Iowa Soccer Complex, its first victory over a top-10 opponent since last August when it beat No. 6 Arkansas. UCLA came out firing, outshooting Iowa 11-2 with five corner kicks, but first-year goalie Braelynn Galt kept the Bruins off the scoreboard. Iowa's offense was more aggressive in the second half, getting eight shots on goal, including the game-winner in the 67th minute.
Sofia Bush sent an excellent ball to Allie Macke, who finished the chance to give Iowa the 1-0 lead and the win. UCLA led in shots (13-10) and corner kicks (7-3), but Iowa's strong defensive performance secured the win.
Next game: Sunday, October 24 vs. USC (1 p.m. Central Time)
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