The Daily Iowan’s Iowa-Minnesota Predictions

November 14, 2015

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley attempts to avoid a tackle by North Texas defensive back Kishawn McClain during the Iowa-North Texas game in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. The Hawkeyes defeated the Mean Green, 62-16. (The Daily Iowan/Valerie Burke)

DI football reporters Danny Payne and Jordan Hansen offer their predictions for No. 5 Iowa’s game with Minnesota.

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Danny Payne, Pregame Editor

Whenever someone has asked me what I think of this contest, I say the same thing — there isn’t a reason for Iowa to lose. The Hawks are a better team in every phase of the game, and I see them picking up their 10th win of the season this evening. The narratives just write themselves sometimes, guys. Prediction: Iowa 35, Minnesota 17

Pick to Click: LeShun Daniels Jr.: Daniels is going to be the guy tonight in the backfield. Jordan Canzeri probably won’t get too much in his first game back from injury, and Akrum Wadley is dealing with a sprained ankle. I’ve been on fire with these lately. Book it.

Jordan Hansen, football reporter

Every time I’ve looked and saw Iowa with a 9-0 record and a little No. 5 next to their name, the parallels between this season and 2009 are more and more apparent. In the 10th game of that season, Ricky Stanzi injured his ankle, and Iowa lost at home. Does history repeat itself? Why did I bring this up? Have I already been sitting in a press box for six hours today? Who knows. Minnesota can beat Iowa, but I don’t think the Gophers will. Prediction: 27-17 Iowa.

Pick to Click: Nate Meier: Iowa needs to set the edge of this game and not let Mitch Leidner make plays with his feet or on the run. Meier will be a big part of that.

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