Game Day Primer: No. 17 Indiana at No. 18 Iowa

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

What: #17 Indiana Hoosiers (+3.5) at #18 Iowa Hawkeyes

When: Saturday, September 4 at 3:30 PM

Where: Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.

Series History: The clubs have played 77 times with the first meeting coming in 1912. IU won four straight in the 1970s under Lee Corso but have not had much luck against Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes lead the overall series 45 to 28 (with four ties mixed in) and Iowa has won three in a row including seven of eight. IU last beat Iowa in 2012 and last won in Iowa City in 2007.

What’s at Stake: The Indiana Hoosiers and Iowa Hawkeyes both enter the season with legitimate and justifiably lofty expectations. The Hoosiers are ranked #17 coming into the season, rarified air for the IU football program. Iowa is ranked #18 and the Hawkeyes have their sights firmly set on a Big Ten West championship. In an opening loaded with big-time matchups, IU and Iowa is being slightly more overlooked than it otherwise would be but this is still one of the games that will be paid attention to in the college football universe. The winner will likely be in the top 15 and both teams have games coming up against top ten opposition so getting off to a good start is critical.

A Few Things to Look For

-Can the Hoosiers Control the Hawkeyes Running Game?

Iowa’s offense is going to feature one of the best running backs in the country as Tyler Goodson will get the ball early and often. Offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum is expected to be a first-round draft pick when he heads to the NFL and he’s probably the best center in the country. A preseason All-American, Linderbaum anchors the offensive line and the Hawkeyes will be looking to pound the Hoosiers on the ground in hopes of opening space for quarterback Spencer Petras to operate. Goodson is a terrific all-around back that can hurt IU as a running back or a pass catcher. The Hawkeyes ran for 4.62 yards per carry and held opponents to 2.84 yards per carry in 2020. Indiana will need to keep the ground battle closer than that. Iowa’s defensive line is potentially the weak spot of this defense as they lost a lot of star power from last year.

-Michael Penix is Back

After another strong season was cut short by another season-ending injury, Michael Penix is back. The quarterback from Florida with a cannon for an arm worked incredibly hard all offseason and has put himself into position to start week one of the season in Iowa City. His return to action will feature a tough test against a defense that has intercepted more passes than anyone over the past four seasons. The Hawkeyes bring back a really good secondary, highlighted by junior cornerback Dane Belton. The linebacker unit could be one of the best in the Big Ten, led by breakout candidate Jack Campbell. This Iowa defense is going to test the Indiana offense. That extends beyond Michael Penix but he’s the clear highlight everyone will be watching for. Stephen Carr and Tim Baldwin will need to improve on IU’s run game from last season. The offensive line will need to be much better than they were a season ago and the pass catchers are going to need to win contested balls against a very good ball hawking secondary. Michael Penix has worked extremely hard to get himself ready for what he hopes is a full and healthy season, it’s time to start reaping the rewards.

-A Full Kinnick Stadium

It has been a while since college football teams have dealt with hostile road environments. That will change for the Indiana Hoosiers when Tom Allen’s crew takes on Iowa in Kinnick Stadium. 69,250 people will be packed into the place formerly known as Iowa Stadium. They will be full of pent up excitement and ready to unleash their passion for three-plus hours to help cheer on their Hawkeyes. Kinnick Stadium is a difficult place to play under normal circumstances. Add in the lengthy time away from the stadium and the fact that this is a season opener and things get even tougher. Indiana will need to keep their nerve and be prepared for a very difficult atmosphere if they want to spoil the Hawkeyes return to Kinnick and start out 1-0.

Names to Know and Injury Notes

The Indiana Hoosiers are mostly healthy into the season. Kick returner and running back David Ellis has been banged up and missed a large portion of practice during the past month. He is unlikely to play a large role early in the season as a result.

The newcomers of note to keep an eye on for the Hoosiers are as follows:

-D.J. Matthews (WR), Camron Buckley (WR), Stephen Carr (RB), Zach Carpenter (OL) on offense…all four should see significant time on Saturday with Matthews, Carpenter and Buckley expected to start.

-Jaren Handy (DL), Ryder Anderson (DL), Weston Kramer (DL), Jonathan Haynes (DB), Deland McCullough II (DB) are the transfers on defense.

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Friday, September 3rd

Michigan State (+3) at Northwestern 9pm ET

Saturday September 4th

Temple (+14.5) at Rutgers Noon

Penn State (+5.5) at Wisconsin Noon

Western Michigan (+17) at Michigan Noon

West Virginia (-3) at Maryland 3:30pm

Indiana (+4) at Iowa 3:30pm

Tailgating at Iowa

Hoosier Huddle and Assembly Call are teaming up to kick the season off right with a joint tailgate in Iowa City prior to kickoff. Here is what you need to know for the tailgate.

• Location: West Lot 43 (Look for the Hoosier Huddle Flag)

• Time: 9am-2pm Central

• What to Bring (if you want): Ice, snack food, and beverages

• Activities: We will have a 50/50 raffle (must be present to win, accepting cash and Venmo) that benefits both Hoosier Huddle and Assembly Call. There will also be a live podcast (technology willing).

So keep your eyes on social media for updates and keep an eye in the sky for the new Hoosier Huddle flag!