When: 12:00pm, Saturday, September 24,2016
Iowa will be traveling to New Jersey to take on Rutgers in the Hawkeyes first away game of the season. This game may be a tough one for the Hawkeyes, Rutgers have had a few challenges in their last two games after falling behind in multiple times back home and came from behind for the victory all but once.
The Hawkeyes have a 2-1 record and the 1 loss stemming from a tough 23-21 home loss last week against North Dakota State a FCS Conference team who have beaten 6 FBS teams since 2010. Northd Dakota State is no regular FCS team though, having defeated the last 6 FBS schools they’ve faced and win the last 5 FCS National Championship’s. Despite those facts, the loss to NDSU took the Hawkeyes from 13th in the AP Poll to unranked
As the Hawkeyes look for redemption to get back on track, let’s answer some of the questions that had fans wondering.
What can be taken away from last week’s game
This team was held to only 34 yards on the ground averaging 1.4 yards per carry against a FCS team which looks good on paper but NDSU is the top of the FCS in rush defense.
The defense gave up 239 yards on the ground and but had the passing game in control only giving up 124 yards.
The good thing for the Hawkeyes is that Rutgers have given up a lot of rushing yards this season. Which can really help the Hawkeyes in gaining some confidence heading into conference play.
How is the team heading into the week after the loss? How are the coaches in preparations?
The team is dealing with some injuries to key players like Derrick Jewell who did well this week in rehabbing but could possibly be a game-time decision. Two key components of the offensive line are heading back into the lineup. The team had a good film session understanding that they have to capitalize on the makeable plays.
Coach Ferentz wants to clean up the missed plays from last week, their play calling was very predictable, but coach says the same thing could be said about last season the key is execution.
What can we expect against Rutgers?
On paper it looks likes it should be a runaway game for the Hawkeyes. However, both teams share a 2-1 record, so the outcome could be up in the air. From what the stats show it looks like the game will be in Iowa’s favor.
If Rutgers can get some big plays in the passing game and have their star returner Janarion Grant putting them in good field position they have a chance. However, Iowa is out looking for revenge after taking a home loss last weekend. Iowa could have trouble running the ball, but that may be the only problem they will face.
Prediction Time
This is a first-time matchup between these two schools in the history of their programs and on paper it seems like it could be a great game. But from the stats, Iowa will get their revenge and hope to have some momentum getting their first conference win in the Big 10.
