Episode 338: Iowa Preview

·1 hr 11 min·5 clips

Why did Ryan Burns bet against Iowa's win total after hearing playoff aspirations in Iowa City?

The episode begins with ads for sponsors like Home Field Apparel and Team Dinkytown Real Estate. Hosts Luke Buehr and Ryan Burns introduce the 'hate week' episode focused on the Minnesota-Iowa rivalry. They note Iowa's recent home loss to Iowa State and Minnesota's season-opening loss to North Carolina, framing the game as pivotal for both teams. Ryan shares insights from Iowa City about playoff bubble aspirations and a bet on Iowa's under win total. Injuries are discussed: Minnesota's Justin Walley may be out with a knee injury, while Iowa's Leshon Williams is confirmed out. The analysis shifts to Iowa's offense under new coordinator Tim Lester, emphasizing running back Caleb Johnson's dominance and Minnesota's defensive challenges after missing 22 tackles against North Carolina. Advanced stats show Iowa ranks 106th in EPA per dropback but 52nd in EPA per rush. For Minnesota's offense, the hosts argue running won't beat Iowa, citing past losses by teams that failed to run effectively. They highlight Iowa's defensive strengths, including cornerback Jermari Harris and nickel Sebastian Castro, and a weakness in cornerback TJ Hall. Special teams are deemed crucial, with Iowa's kicker Drew Stevens perfect and Minnesota's Dragan Kesich having missed four field goals. Weather may factor in with rain possible. The hosts make predictions: Ryan picks Iowa 16-15 due to kicking concerns, while Luke chooses Iowa 17-16. They briefly preview other Big Ten games, including USC-Michigan and Illinois-Nebraska.

As heard by us

A focused Iowa preview about Minnesota's protection, passing lanes, and path to sustaining drives.

Gopher Gridiron Radio's Iowa preview works best when it stays on the matchup's pressure points. The episode frames Minnesota's passing plan around Jermari Harris, the possibility of using a receiver to move him out of the picture, and the chance to test TJ Hall on the other…

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Why you'd press play

Want to know whether Minnesota can give Max Brosmer enough time before Iowa's biggest, bulkiest test starts leaning on the pocket?

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