Welch to play against Minnesota
The Hawkeyes will their senior linebacker on the field against the Gophers on Saturday.
Iowa linebacker Kristian Welch makes a tackle during a football game between Iowa and Rutgers at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The Hawkeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights, 30-0.
November 16, 2019
Iowa will get a key senior back into its lineup against Minnesota on Saturday.
Middle linebacker Kristian Welch is set to return against the Gophers, according to Iowa Radio, giving the Hawkeyes a boost on the defensive end.
Welch hasn’t played since Iowa’s loss to Penn State on Oct. 12. He missed matchups against Purdue, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.
Dillon Doyle and Jack Campbell split reps in Welch’s absence. In his seven games this season, Welch has recorded 47 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup.
Although Welch will return to the lineup, the Hawkeyes will miss senior cornerback Michael Ojemudia. Ojemudia has picked off two passes and broken up six others.
Wide receiver Brandon Smith also went through pre-game warm-ups, but Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said on Tuesday that he didn’t expect the wideout to play.