The Minnesota Golden Gophers play host to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday in a crucial showdown in the Big Ten West. The Hawkeyes come in playing their best football of the season and suddenly look like a true threat to win the division. For the Golden Gophers, a win at home keeps their hopes alive as well in the West. This is sure to be a low-scoring game between two of football’s best defenses, and one fans won’t want to miss out on.
While the season started slowly for Iowa and many had eliminated them from any thought of winning the Big Ten West, the Hawkeyes suddenly find themselves brewing together some success. With three wins in a row, Iowa finds itself tied atop the division standings, with a win in this one going a long way towards the season ending strong. Going on the road could be a challenge, where Iowa is 2-2 on the season, but with a 21-point win over Purdue the last time they hit the road, this team won't be daunted in the slightest for the opportunity at hand. With a game against Nebraska looming in the finale, the Hawkeyes know that keeping their momentum and winning streak going, are both top priorities for this group.
Injuries haven't been the kindest to Iowa this season and they expect to be without a pair of defensive players, as well as three wide receivers when they hit the field on Saturday. Arland Bruce IV (undisclo sed) figures to be the biggest potential absence. As the team's second-leading wide receiver, he finds himself questionable heading into the weekend.
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— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 16, 2022
The struggles of Iowa's offense have been a story nationally for much of the season so far, though talk of their defense has gone quiet. The Hawkeyes have put together one of the best defenses in the country and while they find themselves third nationally in total defense, there remain areas for improvement. Stopping the run will be of the utmost concern for this group but with the nation's seventh-ranked rushing defense, they'll like their chances to win in the trenches in this one. Jack Campbell (97 tackles) has been a force at linebacker this season and the more his name is called in this one, the better that should be for the Hawkeyes.