Game To Watch: #17 Indiana at #18 Iowa: September 4, 2021

Indiana and Iowa open their 2021 season in Iowa City on Saturday at 3:30 EST. Indiana started strong and had a good 2020 season that they will look to build on in 2021. Meanwhile, Iowa got off to an 0 – 2 start but finished with six straight wins building momentum for this season. The two Big Ten contenders will look to start their season with a big conference win on Saturday.

Recent History

Iowa has a 45 – 28 edge all time against the Hoosiers. That trend has continued recently with the Hawkeyes winning 7 of the last 8 match-ups, included the last three in a row. Indiana’s last win against Iowa came at home in 2012. Iowa has dominated this match-up historically and recently, but Indiana has been changing the narrative the last few seasons and will look to continue that in this game.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Can Iowa contain Michael Penix and the Passing Game?

Michael Penix is an exciting quarterback who makes explosive plays in the passing game. He is not afraid to take a chance and is comfortable throwing into one on one coverage so his receiver can make the play. With Ty Fryfogle and company downfield, that confidence is often rewarded with big plays. Penix is difficult to contain, because regardless of the situation he will keep fighting and challenging the defense. Iowa’s defense was excellent in 2020, they never allowed more than 24 points and held three of their eight opponents to single digits. Iowa returns plenty of talent in the back seven, including all of their starting defensive backs and will have be strong at the second level of the defense. Their ability to be consistent throughout the game and limit big plays will be the key to containing Penix, Fryfogle and the rest of the Indiana passing game.

Will Indiana’s Defense Create Enough Disruptive Plays?

Iowa has a strong offensive line leading the way for a strong running game. This keeps the offense on schedule and sets up play-action passes and keeps the defense off balance. Spencer Petras struggled some at quarterback in 2020 but should be improved this year. The best way for Indiana to attack the Iowa offense is by creating disruptive plays that force Iowa off schedule. If Iowa is behind on down and distance it will be tougher to establish the running game and force Spencer Petras to carry the offense. Indiana’s defense has thrived making those big plays the past two seasons and features several play-makers who can make that impact. Micah McFadden and Tiawan Mullen will lead the way for the Indiana’s defense on Saturday as they try to convert big plays and keep Iowa off balance. If Indiana is successful, Iowa will have a tough time building momentum on offense in this game.

Can Indiana Run The Ball?

Indiana struggled to run the ball effectively in 2020, but still averaged 28.9 points per game. The Hoosiers averaged a meager 3.1 yards per carry a year ago, but moved the ball in spite of their weak running game. Against a good defense like Iowa though, the Hoosiers will need to maintain some balance on the offensive side to keep the defense guessing. Iowa’s defense is returning plenty of talent in the back seven, but did lose key players on the defensive line. With three starters gone from the 2020 defensive line, Iowa will be looking for new players to establish themselves. Normally, Iowa is not the team to find your running game against, but with the turnover up front Indiana would be smart to test those new starters. If Iowa stops the run and makes the Hoosiers one dimensional it will be tough for the Hoosiers to move the ball consistently on Saturday.

Prediction

Indiana and Iowa were two of the better teams in the conference a year ago and will look to set themselves up in 2021 with a strong first win. Iowa is a physical team that will test Indiana’s depth up front and choose their spots to hit big plays. Indiana follows their quarterback and will not be fazed if the game does not start the way they expect and will hit a few big plays over the top. The problem for the Hoosiers is Iowa’s disciplined defense will stop the run and keep Indiana from hitting enough big plays to pull out the win on the road. Iowa 24 Indiana 20.

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