Minnesota Gophers @ Iowa Hawkeyes | Week 11 Game Preview
When: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3:30pm E.T.
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
How: Big Ten Network
Spread: Iowa -4.5
Total: 37.5
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
The 6-3 Minnesota Gophers travel to Iowa to take on the 7-2 Iowa Hawkeyes in this big ten matchup.
Gophers Spotlight
After an embarrassing 14-6 loss to a weak Illinois team last Saturday, Minnesota has more questions than answers, and now faces the 20th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. The Gophers are banged up at the skilled positions. Their top-3 running backs are injured, including leading rusher Treyson Potts, and will have to rely on Freshman Ky Thomas. Top wideout Chris Autman-Bell is expected to play, but will not be 100 percent. The Gophers rely heavily on the run because Tanner Morgan has more interceptions than touchdown passes. Defensively, the Gophers can hold their own and are limiting opponents to 18.33 points per game ranking 15th.
Hawkeyes Spotlight
Iowa defeated Northwestern 17-12 last weekend in another lackluster performance. Iowa has only scored 31 points in three games and will have to play this game with backup QB Alex Padilla. Iowa lives and dies with it's defense allowing only 15.67 points per game, ranking 4th in the nation. Opposing teams are averaging less than 100 rushing yards per game, and there is no room to run against this defensive front. In the secondary, the Hawkeyes average 2.11 interceptions a game ranking number one.
Final Say
The 4th string freshmen RB for Minnesota will have tough times running the ball against this Iowa defense. The Gophers will stick with the run because when they pass the ball, it will get intercepted. The Hawkeyes defense will keep Iowa in the game, scoring a touchdown and keeping the gophers out of the endzone. This will be a low scoring field goal fest. The Under is 12-3-1 in Iowa’s past 16 at home and 4-0 in Minnesota’s past four on the road.
Pick: Iowa (-4.5)
Pick: Under 37.5
