It’s no secret that Iowa’s running game has been inconsistent this season.
In the first three games, the Hawkeye offense averaged a stellar 180 yards on the ground. In the four games since, however, it has run for slightly more than 95 yards a game, with three of the four being under 100 yards.
Running the ball has been a pillar of Iowa football’s identity, so it’s no surprise the rest of the team has struggled with a sputtering ground attack.
The Hawkeyes are also coming off a game in which its offense completely shut down in the second half against Northwestern.
However, things could be turning soon; running back Akrum Wadley said the team had one of its best practices of the year on Tuesday.
Minnesota is a middle of the pack team in the Big Ten in terms of rushing defense, allowing 133.9 yards a game.
With an opportunity in front of them, the Hawkeyes know what they have to do to improve their offensive production.
“We know that if we’re not able to run the ball, it doesn’t matter what our defense does or what our passing game does,” center James Daniels said. “Iowa football, our pride, is to be able to run the ball, and if we can’t do that, we won’t be very successful.”
Return of the rough-cut Jewell
Iowa missed its star linebacker, Josey Jewell, in the 17-10 overtime loss to Northwestern, especially in the second half and extra period.
However, Ben Niemann, who shifted to middle linebacker in Jewell’s absence, said he only practiced at his usual outside linebacker spot this week, meaning Jewell’s return is likely coming this weekend.
Even after not playing the past two weeks, Jewell still leads the Big Ten with 70 tackles. His run-stopping presence was missed against Justin Jackson, one of the best backs in the conference thus far.
Jewell is the anchor of Iowa’s defense, so his return will mean a lot to a unit that needs to bounce back after a tough loss.
“Josey’s a great player,” Niemann said. “Having him in the lineup definitely is a benefit. [He’s] just a physical player that’s a leader for a defense.
“Having him on the field is definitely a plus for us. He makes a big impact in almost every game he’s in. Having him definitely is a good thing and we want him in the lineup for sure.”
Keeping Floyd
History is on the Hawkeyes’ side when it comes to keeping Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City.
The trophy for the annual Iowa-Minnesota battle has been in Iowa City for 12 of the past 16 years.
Iowa, which is 1-0 in trophy games this season, has a good opportunity to make it 2-0 with a night game in Kinnick Stadium.
The Gophers are a similar team to the Hawkeyes record-wise, with a 4-3 overall record and a 1-3 record in the conference.
Before beating Illinois this past weekend, Minnesota had suffered losses to Maryland, Purdue, and Michigan State in consecutive weeks.
Iowa, on the other hand, has lost three of its last four, setting up what should be a close battle on Saturday.