By Garin Turner
Saturday’s Big Ten showdown between the No. 6 Oregon Ducks and No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes carries major postseason implications as both teams look to strengthen their College Football Playoff resumes. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Recent Performances
Oregon survived a sluggish performance in Madison last weekend, defeating Wisconsin 21-7 to move to 7-1 (4-1 Big Ten). The Ducks leaned heavily on their running game as Jordon Davison rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns, while Noah Whittington added 97 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Dante Moore was limited through the air, completing 9 of 15 passes for 86 yards.
Iowa, meanwhile, continued its resurgence with a dominant 41-3 win over Minnesota, improving to 6-2 (4-1 Big Ten). Quarterback Mark Gronowski threw for 135 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing score. Running back Kamari Moulton contributed 75 yards on 15 carries as the Hawkeyes controlled the game from start to finish.
What’s at Stake
Both teams remain in the thick of the Big Ten title and playoff conversations. Oregon, currently ranked sixth, would hold a strong playoff position with another win. Iowa, sitting at No. 20, could make a major leap in the rankings with an upset victory.
Each team’s lone conference loss came against No. 2 Indiana, meaning this matchup could have major tie-breaking implications within the league standings.
Key Matchup to Watch
The clash of styles will define this one: Oregon’s up-tempo offense against Iowa’s physical, grind-it-out defense. The Ducks will look to dictate pace with their deep backfield and explosive receivers, while the Hawkeyes will aim to slow the game down and control possession.
If Iowa can limit Oregon’s rushing attack and force Moore to win the game through the air, the Hawkeyes could pull off the upset.
Team Leaders
Oregon Ducks
• Passing: Dante Moore – 1,772 yards, 19 TD, 4 INT
• Rushing: Noah Whittington – 51 carries, 433 yards, 4 TD
• Receiving: Dakorien Moore – 28 receptions, 443 yards, 3 TD
Iowa Hawkeyes
• Passing: Mark Gronowski – 946 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT
• Rushing: Kamari Moulton – 82 carries, 435 yards, 2 TD
• Receiving: Sam Phillips – 12 receptions, 204 yards
Prediction
Travel and tempo could both factor into this matchup, with Oregon facing a physical Iowa defense and an early kickoff on the road. Expect a grind-it-out battle, but the Ducks’ offensive balance should be the difference.
Final Score: Oregon 24, Iowa 17.
