MINNEAPOLIS – Following a victory over Troy, the Iowa football team opens up Big Ten play with a road test against the rival Minnesota Golden Gophers, who enter the contest with a 2-1 record. The Gophers defeated Nevada, 27-0 last weekend, marking their second consecutive shutout win.
Minnesota leads the all-time series between the two teams 63-52-2, but the Hawkeyes have won eight out of the last nine matchups between the two schools. The Gophers look to claim the rivalry game for a second straight season after winning 12-10 last year in Iowa City. Minnesota hasn’t won two consecutive games in this matchup since 2010 and 2011, both of which came at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Iowa starting quarterback Cade McNamara looks to build off his strong performance against Troy, where he completed 19 of his 23 passes for 176 yards and zero turnovers. On the flip side, Minnesota will hope New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer can step up against a strong Iowa defense that has given up only 13.7 points per game this season.
Iowa will again be without wide receiver Seth Anderson for the fourth straight game with an undisclosed injury, while running back Leshon Williams will also be sidelined due to an undisclosed injury suffered last weekend against Troy. Minnesota will be without the services of starting cornerback Justin Walley due to a knee injury. Additionally, Safety Aidan Gousby will not play due to a shoulder injury.
COIN TOSS:Â Iowa wins the toss and elects to defer to the second half. Minnesota will have the ball first.
1Q 11:55 – Minnesota picks up a first down, but the Iowa defense holds them down after that. The Hawkeyes will have the ball at their own 26 yard line.
1Q 10:37Â – Despite a six yard gain on first down, the Iowa offense is forced to punt. The Golden Gophers will regain possession at their own 15.
1Q 10:08 – Minnesota picks up a 20 yard gain on first down, but Iowa linebacker picks off quarterback Max Brosmer on the next play. Hawkeyes have it at the Gopher 38.
1Q 8:16 –Â Three plays later, Kaleb Johnson scampers down the sideline for a touchdown, but was ruled to have stepped out at the one after an official review. 1st and goal coming up for the Hawkeyes.
1Q 8:03 Iowa 7, Minnesota 0 – The ruling turns out to be academic, as Johnson powers it into the end zone for the one-yard score. Drew Stevens adds the extra point to give the Hawkeyes an early 7-0 lead.
1Q 8:25 Iowa 7, Minnesota 0 – Iowa’s defense quickly forces a three-and-out. The Hawkeyes will get the ball back at their own 36 after a timeout.
1Q 5:06 Iowa 7, Minnesota 0 –Â Iowa manages only two yards on its next drive. Minnesota takes over at its own 16.
1Q 1:04 Iowa 7, Minnesota 0 – The Gophers drive near midfield, but the Iowa defense holds down the fort. Punter Mark Crawford boots a spectacular 54 yard punt down to the two-yard line, leaving the Hawkeye offense in dismal field position.
2Q 11:55 Iowa 7, Minnesota 0 – Iowa picks up a couple of first downs, but stalls out after that. Gophers will have it at their own 15 after a 55 yard punt from Rhys Dakin.
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