The Out-Of-Towner: Minnesota Prediction
Here we go Hawkeye fans! Strap on your Black and Gold, hang that Hawkeye flag, put on your lucky underwear, (I did) and get ready for game time. One more regular season game to go. A 100 pound bronze pig and the Outback Bowl on the line. This is why I love Iowa football!
Today, 6 p.m. on the Big Ten Network (I love that channel), our beloved Hawkeyes (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) square up against a tough Minnesota Golphers (7-4, 3-4 Big Ten) team who is playing their last game in the Metrodome. By the way, this fact drove the prices of tickets through the roof.
The Hawkeyes are trying to bring home their third trophy of the year, the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, to place beside the Heartland Trophy from our victory over WI and my personal favorite, the Cy-Hawk trophy. From just one trophy last year to a full case will be a very nice thing indeed. Also, a win today all but guarantees us a trip to the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day, our first in 3 years.
The Goophers (not a typo) are coming off a tough loss to Wisconsin last week, blowing a 3 score lead at half to lose 32-35. This, however, is not very indicative of how the team has played most of the year. Our biggest challenge is going to be shutting down sophmore QB Weber and his favorite target Decker who have hooked up over 70 times this season. Luckily, our boys are ranked 2nd in the country in interceptions. Minnesota also boasts 30 takeaways this year, leading the nation. This could be a major concern as our Hawkeyes are still having trouble holding on to the pigskin.
Hopefully holding on to the ball a lot today will be the country's leading rusher, Shonn Greene. With 1,585 rushing yards, Greene needs only 107 more yds to break Iowa's single season rushing mark set by Tavian Banks in '97. Seeing as the 100 yd mark has been reached in all previous 11 games this year, things are looking favorable. On the other side of the ball there really isn't much to say. Let our Defense do what they have been doing all year... dominating.
Today's prediction is an easy one. Iowa wins. It's always easy for me because that's my prediction every week, every opponent. I bleed Black and Gold bitches. But I haven't been wrong yet! Tonights game should be a close one though. Two tough teams both vying for a good bowl game. 17-13 Hawkeyes.
A few more tidbits to mention. My hat off Mitch King once again. This time for his off the field leadership and commitment to team play. Kirk Ferentz mentioned in a press conference Tuesday that King asked to play from the bench this week so fellow senior Anton Narinskiy could start his final game as a Hawkeye. Beautiful sentiment, but how about we get King back in on the second play of the game, okay?
Game of interest today will be Illinois vs Northwestern. Hawkeye fans keep your fingers crossed for Illinois. This, coupled with an Iowa win tonight, would be very favorable in our Bowl bids and assure at least a 4th place finish in the Big Ten.
Tune in tonight for a live Twitter feed from Brice on IowaHawkeyes.net
or watch on the Big Ten Network. Just don't miss this game Hawk fans!
And remember, your heart and soul are never too far away to be at the
game. Go Hawkeyes!!!
Jackson Pixley
pixley@iowahawkeyes.net
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