The #17 Indiana at #18 Iowa game is the biggest showdown in this Big Ten match up history, as well.
Indiana will open 2021 with a chip on their shoulder. We have heard the bravado about how Gary Barta screwed IU. But, the Hoosiers could have very easily been the East winners last year, despite head to head loss with Ohio State.
Hoosier fans, like Iowa fans, likely don't know or respect one another quite as well, since the Hoosiers haven played in Kinnick Stadium, since before the 2015 season.
Iowa has won twice in Bloomington, as CJ Beathard and Nathan Stanley had memorable performances there in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
Iowa has a 3 game win streak in the series, and at Kinnick, you may have read. The 2009 "Treak or Treat Game" ended very favorable for Iowa.
The 1979 Big Ten opener to Kickoff the Hayden Fry era ended in a 30-26 loss for the Hawkeyes. Iowa owned a huge lead at the half, only to feel the sting of defeat that day, inside Kinnick Stadium. Iowa did pick up the win the next season in Bloomington, for that season opener on the road.
It wouldn't be until 1981 that Iowa would beat IU and enjoy their first bowl season, Big Ten title and Rose Bowl trip, since 1959.
What a Homecoming Game in 1981!
And, in 1991, the last time Iowa-IU were both ranked and meet, the Hawkeyes were victorious, as well, in Kinnick.
So, this IU team is ranked for the first time, since 1968, in the preseason. IU hasn't won the Big Ten, since 1967.
Talk of Indianapolis is on both programs minds for 2021 ....
despite Ohio State’s reign on the Big Ten, since 2017.
So, is this the only meeting in 2021?
Hasn't anyone seen at least one prediction saying such for 2021?
This morning, one Hawkeyes fan mentioned "statement game" is needed.
The winner exits Kinnick on Saturday, with that on their mind. Ultimately, it isn't a make or break game, since it is a cross-over game.
But, who makes the greater statement on Saturday.
QB - Michael Penix (10-2), Spencer Petras (6-2) as starting QBs, so clearly Hoosiers have edge there.
RB Stephen Carr (5* grad transfer out of USC) vs. Tyler Goodson .... both teams have RB rooms and neither team will likely only rely on RB. Carr had 8 touches for 30 yards in Iowa's 49-24 Holiday Bowl win!
OL - Iowa only returns 2 starters from 2020, and when they suggest Iowa starts slow, aren't we talking here?
Indiana's OL has a new C from Michigan (2 starts) and was one of the most underwhelming pass blocking lines in Big Ten last year, but return with experience
WRs - the top room is IU, if you listen or read preview magazines. Iowa lost Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith. Hoosiers edge here.
TE - IU has the higher rated starter. Sam LaPorta, like WR Tyrone Tracy for Iowa, didn't have breakout sophomore campaigns. Why is the IU game here a little preview of CyHawk Game?
Special teams - Iowa was #1, IU was #2 Coach Tom Allen reminded us yesterday during his press conference.
Plenty of Bull on Saturday from the Hoosiers. Bull in stand-up DE/LB hybrid in their 4-2-5 defensive set. No, it isn't a 3-3-5 like Iowa State or is it?
Spread, from center, where will the blitz be coming from on Saturday?
IU beat Wisconsin last year, as well, Michigan State and Penn State. Advantage IU. Seems to be fans stand.
First win at Wisconsin, since 2002. May also be in series in that span.
Look Iowa was 0-2 at Purdue and against Northwestern last year, so slow starts. Both games were also winnable, but Iowa is a slow team out of the gate.
The Hawkeyes "start eight players on defense that have a total of one or less starts in their college careers. Start five players on offense that have a total of one or less starts in their college careers." - TheHooisers (Rivals) proclaim
LB room - top LB is a Hoosier, but like that other team on the schedule, I doubt many Hawkeye fans are asking to trade rooms.
IU may have #1 secondary in Big Ten. Iowa is in the Top 3 discussions, as well, in the conference, most experienced room for Iowa.
This is a great opening game. No one is suggesting this is Iowa's best team ever.
IU, is it 1945, 1967 or now?
Of all the great teams, since 1981, played at Kinnick, Iowa seems to win far more than not against good IU teams.
Last Bowl Win for IU - 1991 (Iowa won)
Top two rushers on roster - 1991 and 2014 (Iowa wins at Kinnick)
First Iowa-IU game for KF as an assistant (1981 - won at Kinnick)
Now, Kirk Ferentz has been a part of 6 losses during his 32 years at Iowa, one as an assistant in Bloomington and 5 as a head coach.
Something has to give on Saturday. Iowa and IU can't both win the game. Is one of these teams on the road to being a Top 10 candidate in 2021?
