The Minnesota Gophers (5-2) play another statement game this week as they travel to Iowa City to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2) at Kinnick Stadium. With winnable games in three of their final four contests, a win at Iowa would pivot them towards a possible New Year’s Day Bowl Game.
To accomplish this, the Gophers must overcome a big, mobile Iowa quarterback, a large and imposing offensive line, and a typical stingy Kirk Ferentz-style defense. And Minnesota must continue its offensive and defensive line dominance that it exhibited so effectively last week against Nebraska.
Gophers Offense vs. Hawkeyes Defense
Unquestionably, quarterback Drake Lindsey is the leader of this Gophers’ offense. He has thrown for 1,437 passing yards this season and nine touchdowns, while only throwing three interceptions. Besides his on-field production, each week, he has taken on a larger leadership role, and his teammates have responded positively to it. Senior wide receiver Le’Meke Brockington continues to lead his team in most receiving categories, and he remains the main target for Lindsey when he is feeling pressure in the pocket.
Jalen Smith and Javon Tracy are the deep threats on this Gophers team. And as the season wears on, I believe you will see increased production from tight ends Jameson Geers and Drew Biber. In addition, running back Darius Taylor has re-emerged as a clutch receiving target.
Taylor’s offensive line finally created running lanes for him, resulting in his best outing of the year: 24 carries for 151 yards and one touchdown against Nebraska. Right guard Marcellus Marshall and right tackle Dylan Ray were two of Minnesota’s most improved players.
Iowa’s defense ranks eighth in college football, allowing only 249.4 yards per game (157 passing, 92.4 rushing). Defensive ends Max Llewellyn (five sacks) and Ethan Hurkett (three sacks) pressure passers, while tackle Aaron Graves clogs the middle. The Gophers’ guards must move him to generate running room.
There may be a changing of the guard at middle linebacker for the Hawkeyes, as Jayden Montgomery has filled in nicely for the injured Jaden Harrell. Outside linebacker Karson Sharar leads Iowa in tackles with 45. TJ Hall is a lockdown cornerback, and safety Koen Entringer is second on the team in tackles (41). Fellow safety Xavier Nwankpa was the star in the Hawkeyes’ win over Penn State last week. For his efforts, he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
Hawkeyes Offense vs. Gophers Defense
Iowa does not have a balanced offense, but they have a powerful presence in South Dakota State transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski. He has thrown three touchdown passes this season compared to four picks. However, he has been a force of nature on the ground, rushing for 339 yards and 10 touchdowns. In Kamari Moulton, the Hawkeyes have a shifty back who makes a specialty of breaking tackles. He’s carried the ball 67 times for a team-leading 370 yards and a touchdown.
With Iowa’s ground-heavy approach, receiver stats are modest. Kaden Wetjen leads with 13 catches, and Sam Phillips tops the team with 193 receiving yards. Expect a steady diet of Gronowski and Moulton running the ball tomorrow.
The strength of this Hawkeyes offense is their massive offensive line. There are few better than right tackle Gennings Dunker. He and center Logan Jones anchor a line that has opened up large running lanes for Moulton and Gronowski in 2025.
Concern lingered over the Gophers’ pass defense before Nebraska, but for now, all is well. Minnesota’s defense erupted for nine sacks against the Cornhuskers, and fans are eager for a repeat. Pro prospect Anthony Smith leads the Minnesota sack pack.
All-American safety Koi Perich leads the Gophers’ secondary. A Minnesota win almost certainly hinges on a big play from the Esko native. The linebackers, paced by Devon Williams (56 tackles) and Maverick Baranowski (48), form a solid unit.
Summary and Prediction
Gophers’ head coach P.J. Fleck has not had a great deal of success against Iowa (1-7), but his team did come away with a victory on their last visit to Kinnick Stadium. But when these two teams face off, with the winner going home with the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, expect a spirited and physical battle.
Minnesota has a real shot at winning this game, but I predict the Hawkeyes’ offensive line eventually wears down the Gophers’ front seven, and Iowa escapes with a 17-14 win.
