First Look: Iowa
Here's an early look at Purdue's next opponent, the Iowa Hawkeyes:
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. local
Location: Kinnick Stadium
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 70,585 (Tickets available)
Records: Iowa (6-4 overall, 3-4 Big Ten); Purdue (4-6 overall, 2-5 Big Ten)
Series notes: Purdue leads the series 46-38-3 thanks in large part to a 20-year unbeaten string from 1961-80. It still ranks as one of the longest winning streaks between conference schools in Big Ten history. Since 1981, Iowa has dominated the series with a 22-7-1 record including winning the last four contests. Purdue's last victory was in 2012 when freshman kicker Paul Griggs nailed a 46-yard FG as time expired to give the visiting Boilermakers a 27-24 win. That dramatic victory is one of just two Purdue has enjoyed in Kinnick Stadium in the last 25 years. The Boilermakers are 2-7 during that stretch.
TV: BTN
Early line: Iowa -8.5
The big question, who will be more motivated?
Purdue is hanging by a thread with its postseason plans having no margin for error. Purdue can qualify for a bowl with a 6-6 record, but it has to win its last two games to get that done. Iowa, who found itself ranked in the top-25 last week with hopes of finishing the season strong, was drubbed at Wisconsin. Now, the Hawkeyes will be left to battle for bowl position. It is Senior Day at Kinnick Stadium, so there will be emotion for the Hawkeyes.
The Hawkeyes have been pretty salty at home
One look at Iowa's 31-point destruction of top-10 foe Ohio State on Nov. 4 tells you that. It's hard to imagine the following stat: Iowa scored 55 points against the Buckeyes and the following week it managed just 66 yards in total offense in a 38-14 defeat at Wisconsin. Iowa's lone loss at home was a two-point heartbreaker to then No. 4 Penn State, so there is comfort in Kinnick for the Hawkeyes.
Quarterback Nathan Stanley's numbers get your attention
Despite last week's Kirk Ferentz Era-low offensive output, first-year starting quarterback Nathan Stanley has been pretty efficient. His 22 touchdown to just five picks ratio is impressive, though the receivers at times have had trouble catching the football. And the running backs, led by Akrum Wadley's 784 yards is formidable.
Iowa ranks 45th nationally in total defense, less than a yard behind 44th ranked Purdue.
Jeff Brohm on Iowa
" I'm sure they'll respond. Without question, they're good at home, on their home field. That's where they make a living and they win a lot of big football games. It's tough to go in there and win. Against Ohio State, they were opportunistic. They got turnovers, and they made plays on offense.
"Against Wisconsin, Wisconsin's defense shut them down. They had no points on offense and hardly any yards.
"I think they're built around toughness. They're built around solid defense. They're built around running the football, and that's what they like to hang their hat on, and it'll be a challenge for us. It's important against teams like this to figure out a way to get a lead, maybe make them do some things they're not used to doing, and that'll be a challenge is can we find a way to do that. I think if we play their type of ballgame, it may be a long day."
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