Gophers hope to add Floyd of Rosedale to their trophy case

The glass case housing the Quick Lane Bowl trophy in the Gophers' complex now displays the Governor's Victory Bell from beating Penn State. Across from it, is Paul Bunyan's Axe, taken from Wisconsin last season. The Gophers will hope to make room for Floyd of Rosedale after Saturday.

Prediction: Gophers 33, Iowa 20.

Make way for Martin

While the Gophers defense stopped Penn State in the red zone, it still gave up some big plays from missed tackles. Tackles linebacker Kamal Martin would have made. He has missed the past two games after being injured at Rutgers on Oct. 19. But he should return now after a full week of practice.

Title on the line

At three games out, Iowa has nothing to lose if it wants to make something of this season. Meanwhile, with a Wisconsin loss at Nebraska, the Gophers could know before stepping on the field that a victory guarantees them a trip to the Big Ten championship game.

Quarterback test

Gophers LT Sam Schlueter vs. Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa

Schlueter and the offensive line neutralized Penn State's strong defensive line, including dangerous defensive ends such as Yetur Gross-Matos. But Epenesa is even tougher than that, with his team-high 4.5 sacks and eight quarterback pressures. Schlueter's versatility to play different positions along the Gophers' sometimes six-man O-line should give his team a boost.

Iowa FS Jack Koerner vs. the Gophers' passing game

Koerner leads Iowa's stellar defense with 50 tackles and ranks second on the team with four pass breakups. But Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan and talented receivers such as Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman are coming off one of their best games. Morgan completed 18 of 20 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns vs. Penn State.

12 Touchdowns the Hawkeyes have given up in their nine games, the third-fewest in the country. Overall, their defense ranks in the top-20 in the country in scoring, rushing, passing and total defense. They allow opponents an average of only 11.7 points and 288.9 yards per game. They have shut out Big Ten opponents four times in the past 12 games.