GOPHERS OFFENSE VS.

Hawkeyes DEFENSE

Maryland rushed for 212 yards against Iowa, and Indiana's Tevin Coleman ran for 215 yards all by himself against the Hawkeyes. That should bode well for David Cobb, but the Gophers will need a far better performance from the offensive line than they got at Illinois. Advantage: Hawkeyes

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Hawkeyes scored on a blocked punt against Northwestern, but this is an area of strength for Minnesota, which should help in a field position battle. Advantage: Gophers

PLAYER TO WATCH

Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff is a projected top-five NFL draft pick. The 6-5, 320-pound senior's weightlifting sessions are YouTube sensations, but it's not just his size and strength. "He's got great technique," Jerry Kill said. "He doesn't make mistakes. He's got great feet."

THE OPPONENT

Iowa's 48-7 thrashing of Northwestern last week was its best performance this year — by far. But the Hawkeyes' 20-17 loss to Iowa State on Sept. 13 was just as baffling as the Gophers' four-point loss at Illinois. How good are these Hawkeyes? The answer lies somewhere in between.

GOPHERS DEFENSE VS.

HAwkeyes OFFENSE

Mark Weisman has great vision for a big back, and freshman Akrum Wadley broke out with 106 rushing yards last week. With junior quarterback Jake Rudock on a roll, Iowa leads the Big Ten in pass offense, with 260.8 yards per game in conference play. Advantage: Hawkeyes

INTANGIBLES

The Gophers are back at home and hungry after the Oct. 25 debacle at Illinois. And they had a bye week, giving them extra time to prepare. Advantage: Gophers

JOE'S PREDICTION

Gophers 23, Iowa 20

The Gophers defense delivers its best game. Ryan Santoso kicks three field goals, including a 51-yarder as time expires.