Iowa doesn’t need this one to become complicated. The path against Minnesota is sitting there, and it starts with the Hawkeyes doing what they do best: choking out the run and forcing the Gophers into a passing game that could invite mistakes.
That assignment falls first on Jayden Montgomery and Cam Buffington, who will be tasked with handling Darius Taylor and TJ Thomas. Minnesota has not been productive on the ground this season, sitting 129th out of 138 teams in total rushing at 104.8 yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. Iowa, meanwhile, has been brutal against the run, ranking No. 7 nationally by allowing just 84.6 rushing yards per game and only 2.5 yards per carry.
The Hawkeyes have already shown what that kind of control can look like. In 2025, Minnesota managed just 24 rushing yards on 25 attempts against them. If Iowa can bottle up the ground game again, it can steer the game where it wants it.
That’s where Kamari Moulton enters the picture. After his career day against Washington, when he ran for more than 200 yards, he should have a fresh set of legs and a heavy workload ahead.
Minnesota’s answer up front is Maverick Baranowski, the Gophers’ leading tackler, and Iowa’s goal will be simple: get Moulton to the second level cleanly and make Baranowski tackle in space. If that doesn’t happen, the Hawkeyes can keep churning out chunk plays on the ground.
Minnesota’s best shot may be to lean on the passing game, because that’s where the Gophers have more proven production. Iowa’s secondary has been a little leaky at times this year, giving up nearly 60% completions, and that puts pressure on the Hawkeyes against Javon Tracy and Noah Jennings. The two have combined for 61 catches and almost 750 yards already.
If Iowa shuts down the run, the burden shifts squarely onto Drake Lindsey. He has completed nearly 65% of his passes, but the turnover numbers are sitting there too, with five interceptions against nine touchdowns.
Lindsey also hasn’t done anything on the ground, posting -13 rushing yards this season. That kind of profile can turn a game into a pass-rush opportunity, and Iowa’s front has the ability to capitalize.
The Hawkeyes are No. 10 in the country with 19 sacks, and if Minnesota is chasing the game through the air, Phil Parker should have plenty of ways to turn up the heat.
In Other News...
Iowa Just Entered A Tough Recruiting Battle For Phil Parker's Next DB
Iowa has jumped into the mix late for 2027 defensive back Daveon Belhomme, a versatile and instinctive prospect whose game has already drawn Power Four attention. The Hawkeyes are trying to make a move in a class that already leans heavily defensive, and Belhomme now has a growing list of major suitors behind him as his profile continues to rise.
The challenge is obvious. Belhomme is a three-star prospect by 247Sports, but his recent offer list includes Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame and Texas A&M, which puts Iowa in a crowded race for a player with plenty of options. For a program that has long valued secondary talent, the late push is another sign that the Hawkeyes are willing to fight for a future piece in Phil Parkers room, even if the competition is already fierce. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa-Wisconsin Just Got The Big Ten Stage This Rivalry Deserves
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The matchup also has some recent history behind it, with Iowa having won the last four meetings and putting up a 37-0 shutout in the most recent one. For a series that has long been built on hard edges and familiar stakes, this looks like another chance for the Hawkeyes to measure themselves against a Big Ten opponent that knows exactly what kind of game is coming. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Just Reopened A Quarterback Debate Fans Dreaded
Iowas Week 8 depth chart brought back the kind of quarterback uncertainty Hawkeye fans hoped the offense had put to bed, with an OR sitting between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. The move comes after Hecklinski impressed in relief of an injured Brown, throwing for 208 yards and three touchdowns in his debut and giving the staff a meaningful alternative under center.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester said both quarterbacks are healthy, but the coaching staff has not confirmed who will start. For a team still trying to find stability on offense, that leaves Iowa in a familiar waiting game, with the depth chart offering little clarity and the decision now looming over the next stretch of the season. [Read more 🡒]