Black Heart Gold Pants - Iowa Hawkeyes at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Game CenterSwelling with Iowa Hawkeye pride since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47511/bhgp-fave.png2023-11-10T06:01:00-06:00http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/rss/stream/231244602023-11-10T06:01:00-06:002023-11-10T06:01:00-06:00Iowa Football: Previewing the Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Iowa at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Re09PancTBi-NHFUNZPN6Ds2XvQ=/0x0:5478x3652/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72850702/usa_today_19110870.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cooper DeJean posted a pick-six against Rutgers last season. Forcing more turnovers could give Iowa the edge in this year’s game, as well. </p> <p id="SKGvbS">Remember when <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> used to be bad at football?</p>
<p id="wuEnvK">Since arriving in the Big Ten in 2014, Rutgers has been the conference’s doormat in every season other than their first one. The Scarlet Knights won only 25 games between 2015-2022, with their only bowl appearance coming in 2021 despite them failing to post a winning record. In Rutgers’ three games against Iowa during this stretch, they have yet to secure a win and have been outscored 71-17. If you were a Big Ten team that needed an easy win at any point in their schedule, Rutgers was always a safe bet to provide you with just that.</p>
<p id="m0Jqi1">The 2023 Rutgers team is not the same squad that has been the conference’s cannon fodder over the past decade. Head coach Greg Schiano has rebuilt Rutgers into a quality football team in his second stint in Piscataway and has the Scarlet Knights sitting at 6-3 and bowl eligible for the first time since 2014. While the prospect of Rutgers coming into Kinnick Stadium and escaping with a win may seem preposterous, this team is more than capable of beating the Hawkeyes, particularly if Iowa’s offense continues its long streak of dismal play. A Hawkeye win this weekend would go a long way towards helping Iowa secure its lead in the Big Ten West and would be an encouraging sign of the team’s ability to beat a quality opponent in what promises to be a hard-fought, physical game.</p>
<p id="dLudAE">Here are a few key factors to watch for in Saturday’s game:</p>
<p id="LFK22u"><strong>1. Can Iowa contain the formidable Rutgers run game?</strong></p>
<p id="JwV51n">Rutgers has one of the few passing offenses in the country that can rival Iowa’s in futility. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is completing only 49% of his passes on the season, and his 1263 passing yards are the <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2023/leader/827/player/split01/category02/sort01.html">fewest of any Big Ten quarterback</a> that has started all his team’s games. However, Rutgers has compensated for this weakness with one of the conference’s best rushing attacks. The Scarlet Knights <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2023/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category01/sort06.html">rank</a> second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per carry (4.59) and per game (184.67) and have the third-most rushing touchdowns in the conference with 19. The engine of the Rutgers rushing game is junior tailback Kyle Monangai, a powerful but deceptively fast runner who leads the conference with 903 rushing yards. Monangai is an extremely patient back, but once he hits the open field, defenders are not likely to catch him before he reaches the end zone.</p>
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<p id="021FqY">However, Monangai is not the only weapon in the Scarlet Knights’ rushing arsenal. Wimsatt may not be an efficient passer, but he is an extremely dangerous runner on both designed rushing plays and when escaping the pocket. Wimsatt has 411 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground this year, and his ability to beat defenses with his legs will prevent Iowa from keying in exclusively on the running back. </p>
<p id="QEHQve">Three dynamics could determine whether Iowa can stop the Scarlet Knights rushing attack. The first is whether Iowa’s defense can limit big plays on the ground. While Rutgers has <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2023/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category31/sort01.html">more rushing plays of 10+ yards</a> this season than all but one Big Ten team, Iowa has allowed <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2023/leader/827/team/defense/split01/category31/sort02.html">only a single rushing play</a> of 20+ yards the entire year. If Iowa’s linebackers and safeties can prevent the Rutgers ballcarriers from reaching the third level of the defense, they can force the Scarlet Knights to grind for four quarters against a physical Hawkeye defense in order to move the ball. The second consideration is whether Iowa’s defensive line can win at the point of attack. Rutgers’ offensive line have been the unsung heroes of their team this year and have paved the way for several big runs against excellent defenses. If the Hawkeye front four can get a consistent push up front, it could make Monangai and Wimsatt have to work harder than they are used to in order to gain positive yards. Finally, Iowa’s decision about whether to play more 4-3 or 4-2-5 will have a major impact on the game. Sebastian Castro has been solid enough against the run for Iowa to spend most of the season in their 4-2-5 set, but Iowa may consider giving Kyler Fisher more snaps and shifting Castro back to strong safety if they are concerned with stopping the Rutgers run game. If Iowa does decide to stick with the 4-2-5, they may need to consider playing Castro in the box and leaving Quinn Schulte and Xavier Nwankpa as the sole centerfielder in the Hawkeye defense.</p>
<p id="ZiL0M7"><strong>2. Can Iowa’s defense create turnovers?</strong></p>
<p id="7gloU9">Few teams can consistently win games when they lose the turnover battle, but Rutgers’ success is particularly tied to their ability to maintain possession of the football. While Rutgers has impressively surrendered <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2023/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category12/sort04.html">only eight turnovers</a> this season, they are also approaching Ricky Stanzi territory when it comes to throwing pick sixes. Three of Gavin Wimsatt’s five interceptions have been returned for touchdowns this season, including this pinball pick-six last week that gave <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> a lead they never surrendered. </p>
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<p id="gDBf35">However, Rutgers has been a very tough out whenever they manage to hang onto the ball. The Scarlet Knights are <a href="https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/football/2023/11/09/iowa-football-rutgers-prediction-kirk-ferentz-greg-schiano-big-ten-west/71477152007/">12-1 since 2020</a> in games in which they commit no turnovers, which emphasizes the importance of the Hawkeyes creating takeaways in this matchup. Despite having one of the best defenses in the country, Iowa has generated surprisingly few turnovers this year, coming down with only eight interceptions and recovering only three fumbles through nine games. However, Iowa has proven ballhawks in the secondary in corners Cooper DeJean and Jermari Harris, and players like Sebastian Castro, Jay Higgins, and Nick Jackson can all deliver serious hits capable of jarring the ball loose. If the Hawkeyes can recapture some of their turnover magic from last year’s win over Rutgers (one fumble recovery and two interceptions, including a Cooper DeJean pick-six), they should have a good chance to win this game. </p>
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<p id="9gJBR6"><strong>3. Can Iowa get ANY real production from its passing game?</strong></p>
<p id="FALS9o">Iowa’s passing game has been a disaster in nearly every game this season, but quarterback Deacon Hill deserves credit for making a big play in a critical moment in last week’s victory over Northwestern. With the game tied at 7-7 late in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter, Hill connected with fellow transfer Kaleb Brown for a 23-yard completion that set the stage for a game winning field goal from Drew Stevens. Hill accounted for only 65 passing yards and threw an ill-advised interception on a deep shot to Nico Ragaini in the endzone, but he also completed 66.7% of his passes against the Wildcats in what was easily his most efficient outing since taking over as a starter.</p>
<p id="NWHXEs">However, Hill has a tough task ahead of him to produce in the passing game against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have one of the best cornerback duos in the conference in Robert Longerbeam and Max Melton, and safety Desmond Igbinosun provides a physical presence on the back end of the defense. Rutgers is allowing only 159.9 passing yards per game this year and trails only Iowa and Ohio State with the fewest yards surrendered per pass (5.4). Between Hill’s inconsistent passing and Iowa’s struggles to get receivers open in a timely manner, it could be tough sledding in the passing game.</p>
<p id="aIZaUo">The smart money says that Rutgers will stack the box to prevent Iowa from running the ball; the ground game is basically the only way Iowa can sustain drives, and virtually every team has done this against Iowa since former starting QB Cade McNamara went down with an injury. If Rutgers commits that heavily to stopping the run, Iowa will need to make some plays through the air if they hope to score. If Deacon Hill cannot find a way to make more throws like his pivotal completion to Kaleb Brown last week, it could be tough sledding for the Iowa offense. </p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2023/11/10/23955002/iowa-hawkeye-football-vs-rutgers-game-preview-cooper-dejean-gavin-wimsatt-kyle-monangai-bhgpMattReisener2022-09-26T06:45:39-05:002022-09-26T06:45:39-05:00Iowa Football Position Grades: Rutgers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Iowa at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wBhbRmWofvxHZjE5g0hPZ1_vXjw=/0x0:5478x3652/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71415867/usa_today_19110870.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This secondary is incredible. | Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Hawks see red against Rutgers, roll in New Jersey</p> <p id="v5FueI">Under <strong>Coach Kirk Ferentz</strong> the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> have always been a developmental program. Despite losing a few players early every year, the Hawkeyes are known for being fundamentally sound, tough football players who improve their craft each week. Throughout the course of a season, more often than not, the Hawkeyes are a better product in January than in September. Even though this seems obvious, many college teams fail to improve from fall camp to bowl prep. Coach Ferentz, despite a conservative offensive approach, excels at skill development. The Hawkeyes once again put points on the board on defense and now head back to Iowa City with a huge challenge/opportunity ahead of them. More than likely, Michigan will smoke us, but I also think back to the B1G Championship game when the Wolverines, up big, ran a trick play to run the score up. That play may be on a loop at the Iowa football complex this week. Anyway, let’s take a look at the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> game.</p>
<h2 id="sdsPYV"><strong>Offense:</strong></h2>
<h3 id="ea3e28"><strong>QB: B-</strong></h3>
<p id="GxYOK0"><strong>Spencer Petras</strong> has looked like a serviceable signal caller the past two weeks for the black and gold. His grades have been tricky this year. I admittedly have been too lenient on him; I think he’s a good dude and teammate. I also have always given a quarterback “bonus points” for a win, even though this doesn’t make sense. I’m a basketball guy and I’ve always felt the same way about point guards. Anyway, the <a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com">Iowa State</a> game was a tipping point for me when I gave Big Spence a big, fat “F” burger. Petras made some throws against Nevada and took his game up another level against a legitimate Rutgers defense. On the day Petras was 11 for 17 for 148 yards with no interceptions (or TD’s). These are very pedestrian numbers, but from where we were to this, I will take it. On the day Petras’ QBR (total quarterback rating) was 58.3. This was a far cry from the 1.0 score that Petras graded out as against South Dakota State. Petras jumped all the way to number 125 in the nation (he is now ahead of <strong>Joey Yellen</strong> of Hawaii). Petras’ QBR is 11.6 vs Yellen’s 8.5. As a comparison the FBS leader is <strong>Jalon Daniels</strong> of Kansas with a QBR of 98.0. If Petras keeps improving and winning I will be a happy Hawk.</p>
<h3 id="A52NQa"><strong>RB: B</strong></h3>
<p id="AujG9O"><strong>Leshon Williams</strong> played the best game of his life a week after he lost his father. Whether you are a Hawkeye or a Scarlet Knight, that’s everything that’s right about the world. Williams ran the ball eleven times for 64 yards (5.8) and a score. <strong>Kaleb Johnson</strong> toted the rock 15 times for 58 yards (3.9). He’s a home run waiting to happen. <strong>Gavin Williams</strong> ran the ball seven times for a 2.4 yard average. The Williams duo also caught two passes each out of the backfield. </p>
<h3 id="lu0cvW"><strong>WR: F</strong></h3>
<p id="lrjTwZ">Offensively we can’t have nice things. If our wide receivers put up decent/good numbers, our tight ends are invisible and vice versa. This was again the case against Rutgers. Of <strong>Arland Bruce IV</strong>, <strong>Brody Brecht</strong>, and <strong>Nico Ragaini</strong> (the “new” pronunciation is now even cooler - it should be as it’s 28 syllables) hauled in a total of one pass. That remind me of the Bob Uecker (Harry Doyle) scene in Major League. “That’s all we got? One &*%$$ *&@#% hit?!” </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m57LcdUp4Ae58l6QG3l0Vz5O1QA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053492/Fayv3_1554453545_embed_SUNA_MAJOR_LEAGUE_FILM__WDJT6DFS_00_00_51_06.jpeg">
<figcaption>That’s all our WR had? One catch?!?!</figcaption>
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<h3 id="kmPMnj"><strong>TE: A-</strong></h3>
<p id="GUPJZB"><strong>Sam LaPorta</strong> and <strong>Luke Lachey</strong> combined to make six catches for 114 yards. </p>
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<p id="gdJMrc">That’s Iowa football! Now, let’s get everyone involved!</p>
<h3 id="mUVh6s"><strong>OL: D+</strong></h3>
<p id="EmfkND">In football you go as your lines go. Iowa has been batting .500 in that department then. Our offensive line has not been hitting on all (many) cylinders so far this year. There are glimpses of progress, but the progress can be gauged on a sundial. The Hawks averaged a respectable 3.4 yards on the ground. The negatives were pretty ugly. Spencer Petras was sacked three times and the Scarlet Knights’ defense accumulated another five TFL’s. That’s gotta get cleaned up before Michigan or it will be a blowout. </p>
<h2 id="rEqDmw"><strong>Defense: </strong></h2>
<h3 id="sU0j1Q"><strong>DL: B</strong></h3>
<p id="K8bq5c">Iowa’s defensive line gathered 2.5 sacks. The usual suspects <strong>Lukas Van Ness</strong> and <strong>Aaron Graves</strong> collected these. The Scarlet Knights averaged 2.5 yards on the ground. <strong>Joe Evans </strong>blew up a play that deserves a couple looks. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Evans - wow! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iowa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iowa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/UY4yrfPONE">https://t.co/UY4yrfPONE</a></p>— goHawks (@TameGyles) <a href="https://twitter.com/TameGyles/status/1573843272539275264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a>
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<p id="xSNcdG">This is flat-out bullying. Kinda a jerk move by Evans if you ask the parents/guardians of that poor Rutgers kid. </p>
<h3 id="RcgM8W"><strong>LB: B</strong></h3>
<p id="Lw6nQR">Iowa’s linebackers were 1, 2 in tackles as expected. <strong>Seth Benson</strong> led the Hawks with 9 and <strong>Jack Campbell</strong> added 8. <strong>Jay Higgins</strong> has done a fine job filling in for <strong>Jestin Jacobs</strong>. Higgins had five tackles. Jacobs returned to action. Hopefully the Hawks have a healthy stable of ‘backers for the Michigan game. </p>
<h3 id="fkvnsh"><strong>DB/Cash: A</strong></h3>
<p id="82Fk1u">I haven’t given a plus in my three years of doing these grades. I’m tempted. The Ball Hawks were all over the field on Saturday. <strong>Kaevon Merriweather</strong> was a boss. He had three tackles, a pass breakup, an interception, and a scoop and score. </p>
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<p id="Q4p4gq">You can’t do much better than that. After the Nevada game I had written the following regarding <strong>Cooper DeJean</strong>, “My guess is that he will find the end zone in the next couple of weeks.” (dang, I just quoted myself.) </p>
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<p id="kymnCO">DeJean is our best football player. I love that he was back returning punts, by the way. DeJean housed his interception on a play where he ran about 70 yards. The Hawkeyes were without <strong>Terry Roberts</strong>; this allowed the Hawks to get <strong>Sebastian Castro</strong> on the field a bit more. Castro is a fierce hitter. His forced fumble allowed Merriweather to get the Hawks another defensive touchdown on the season. It was fun seeing former Hawk and current New York Giant <strong>Dane Belton</strong> celebrating with his fellow D-backs after their scores. </p>
<h2 id="c2UYi4"><strong>Special Teams: A</strong></h2>
<p id="qMzvQU">This doesn’t come as a surprise, but Iowa’s special teams get more A’s than Oprah could hand out in two lifetimes. Iowa has found a pretty dang good kicker in true frosh <strong>Drew Stevens</strong>. He was 3-for-3 on his extra points and he banged field goals from 25 and 51. In the return game the Hawks have passed the torch to <strong>Cooper DeJean</strong> (punt return) and <strong>Kaleb Johnson</strong> (kick return). Both are excellent examples of <strong>LeVar Woods</strong> continuing to raise the bar/target for his special teams. Pssst, Kirk and Brian, CDJ as wildcat QB 3x/game, please. In the battle of the punters, <strong>Tory Taylor</strong> had a slight edge over <strong>Adam Korsak</strong>. Taylor punted five times for an average of 42.6 yards. He also had four balls downed inside the twenty. </p>
<h2 id="kYPcy8"><strong>Up Next: Michigan</strong></h2>
<p id="7KSKE1">No one is going to give our boys a chance this upcoming weekend. We all know that “Chip-on-its-shoulder Iowa” is the best Iowa. The Hawks will have to play near-flawless football to have a chance, buy you know the Kinnick crowd, the Wave, the Pink Locker Room, and Iowa’s defense and special teams will have something to say about it. As always, Go Hawks!</p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/26/23371694/iowa-hawkey-football-position-grades-rutgers-scarlet-knights-bhgpBartt Pierce2022-09-24T17:46:00-05:002022-09-24T17:46:00-05:00Hawkeye Football: Iowa at Rutgers Game Thread
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<p>The Hawkeyes are on the road for the first time in 2022.</p> <p id="hvfpGy">It’s nearly game time for the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> once again! For the first time this season, the Hawkeyes have hit the road and are set to open up Big Ten conference play with a trip to Piscataway, New Jersey to face off with the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a>.</p>
<p id="RHKCe5">Will the Iowa offense build on the momentum created during week three’s weather-delayed win over Nevada? Can the defense continue to be suffocating against a Rutgers offense that is averaging three touchdowns per game more than the Hawkeyes? Or will it be the Knights who get the offense rolling and find themselves in the win column against Iowa for the first time in program history? And perhaps most importantly, will it be Tory Taylor or Rutgers’ Adam Korsak who emerges as the best punter in the nation tonight?</p>
<p id="9hF17k">We’ll have all our questions answered soon enough as the Iowa Hawkeyes face off with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights from SHI Stadium in Jersey.</p>
<p id="tWWqu0">Here’s one last reminder on the details for tonight’s contest:</p>
<p id="gh2apJ"><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, September 24th<br><strong>Time:</strong> 6:00 pm CT<br><strong>Matchup:</strong> <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> (2-1, 0-0) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0, 0-0)<br><strong>Location:</strong> SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ<br><strong>TV: </strong>FS1<br><strong>Updated Weather Forecast:</strong> temps in the low-60s, 1% chance of rain<br><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/87637?wpcid=163239&wpcn=howtowatchcontent&wpscn=CFB&wpsrc=Vox"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook Line:</strong></a><strong> </strong>Iowa -8, O/U 34</p>
<p id="UwqltI"><em>Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See </em><a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook"><em><strong>draftkings.com/sportsbook</strong></em></a><em> for details.</em></p>
<p id="KojCnm">Don’t forget to tune in to <a href="http://twitter.com/BHGP">@BHGP</a> on Twitter after the game as we break down all of the day’s events, including what went right, what went wrong and what we’re drinking, live and uncut on Twitter Spaces.</p>
<p id="ijL4C1">The usual rules apply. Play nice in the comments. That means no personal attacks, keep the politics to your yard signs and please don’t feed the trolls. Report any spambots and enjoy the game!</p>
<p id="tlETCk">Go Hawks!</p>
<p id="0VChEi"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/24/23368919/hawkeye-football-iowa-at-rutgers-game-threadJPinIC2022-09-24T06:31:00-05:002022-09-24T06:31:00-05:00Iowa Hawkeyes at Rutgers Scarlet Knights: How to Watch, Listen + Updated Betting Line
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rutgers at Temple" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UymPQtPz3Q01QXLhSiMnxdHcL_w=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71409369/usa_today_19080541.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will the Knights give Iowa fans something to cheer about? | Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Hawkeyes hit the road to take on Rutgers in their Big Ten opener.</p> <p id="oXf6tM">It’s game day once again and for the first time in the 2022 season, the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> are waking up this Saturday morning in a different state. The Hawkeyes are set to square off with the <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a> in their first road game of this young season as they open up Big Ten conference play in week four. </p>
<p id="1it14z">Iowa is coming off their first comfortable victory of the season, a 27-0 win over the Nevada Wolfpack in a game that spanned more than seven hours and into the wee morning hours of last Sunday. Hawkeye fans were treated to fireworks, both of the literal and figurative sense. The Iowa offense finally got going in some sense with a pair of long TD runs by Kaleb Johnson and the three longest plays of the season.</p>
<p id="SqIGqj">Now the Hawkeyes look to build on that performance as they move into Big Ten play against a Rutgers program they’ve only faced twice before. The Knights come into conference play with a perfect 3-0 record and averaging nearly 35 points per game, thanks in large part to a 66-point outburst against Wagner.</p>
<p id="m8SU21">As we prepare for kickoff, here’s a reminder of the details for today’s matchup:</p>
<p id="gh2apJ"><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, September 24th<br><strong>Time:</strong> 6:00 pm CT<br><strong>Matchup:</strong> <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> (2-1, 0-0) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0, 0-0)<br><strong>Location:</strong> SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ<br><strong>TV: </strong>FS1<br><strong>Updated Weather Forecast:</strong> temps in the low-60s, 1% chance of rain<br><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/87637?wpcid=163239&wpcn=howtowatchcontent&wpscn=CFB&wpsrc=Vox"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook Line:</strong></a><strong> </strong>Iowa -8, O/U 34</p>
<p id="UwqltI"><em>Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See </em><a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook"><em><strong>draftkings.com/sportsbook</strong></em></a><em> for details.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="o5V2DK">
<h2 id="cdXOML">Game Prep</h2>
<p id="4vjcRE">If you’re looking for a refresher on the details of today’s game, be sure to check out our coverage from throughout the week, starting with the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/20/23360419/iowa-hawkeyes-at-rutgers-scarlet-knights-game-center-how-to-watch-tv-channel-opening-line-bhgp">Game Center</a>.</p>
<p id="X1WMG1"><strong>Matchup to Watch:</strong> <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/22/23367046/iowa-hawkeyes-football-matchup-to-watch-tory-taylor-vs-rutgers-scarlet-knights-adam-korsak-bhgp"><strong>Tory Taylor vs. Adam Korsak</strong></a><br><strong>Stat to Watch: </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/22/23366503/iowa-hawkeyes-football-week-4-stat-watch-rutgers-scarlet-knights-rush-defense-kaleb-johnson-bhgp"><strong>Rutgers Rush Defense</strong></a><br><strong>Game Preview: </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/23/23367926/iowa-hawkeye-football-vs-rutgers-scarlet-knights-preview-bhgp"><strong>Iowa Football vs. Rutgers Preview</strong></a><br><strong>Staff Predictions: </strong><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/23/23367432/pants-predicts-iowa-hawkeyes-at-rutgers-scarlet-knights-draftkings-betting-line-spread-bhgp"><strong>That Pants Predicts Iowa at Rutgers</strong></a></p>
<p id="ND5f9m">If you’re on the go and would rather listen to Hawkeye talk, be sure to check out the BHGP podcast feed. There are three new episodes up this week already with more to come today. You can find those wherever you get your podcasts, or by clicking below.</p>
<p id="4GP5FD"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1276773014"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vVk1QMjgyODk1OTg3Nw%3D%3D"><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></a><br><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7r9nzBc93ubuwXIkl1fI32"><strong>Spotify</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast//vox/black-heart-gold-pants-for-iowa-hawkeyes-fans"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a><br><a href="http://feeds.megaphone.fm/VMP2828959877"><strong>RSS Feed</strong></a></p>
<div id="Ygnp3u"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?p=VMP2828959877" width="100%" height="482"></iframe></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="vyMxLd">
<p id="OTZHPf">**NEW this year: we’ll also be hosting Twitter Spaces before and after the game. Be sure to tune in to <a href="http://twitter.com/BHGP">@BHGP</a> to get live, up to date news and analysis on things like injuries, warmup reports and more starting at 8am CT. We’ll hop back on live after the final gun to do the victory polka or wallow in our sorrows with you all.**</p>
<p id="CEZx7d"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/24/23367577/iowa-hawkeyes-at-rutgers-scarlet-knights-how-to-watch-listen-updated-betting-lineJPinIC2022-09-23T15:58:39-05:002022-09-23T15:58:39-05:00Rutgers vs. Iowa: Updated Vegas Line + Weather Update
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<img alt="News: Tropical Storm Isaias" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Erg1Dd0nSLWCFKTUCfGaFg3onV4=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71407738/usa_today_14685279.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Star News/USA TODAY NETWORK via</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Will there be more lightning in Piscataway?</p> <p id="62LpAy"><strong>WEATHER UPDATE</strong></p>
<p id="9LaQpw">Finally, a Saturday with a good forecast. After two wonky weekends that ended with rain late in the <a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com">Iowa State</a> game then lightning everywhere against Nevada, we get a beautiful night for football. At least for now, anyway. Who knows with this stuff? The forecast the last two weeks shifted dramatically day-of, especially last week when it looked like it would hit during the game, then after the game, then maybe before, then sure enough, right during the game. This week though? The Weather Gods shine favorably on northern New Jersey and the weather’s going to be gorgeous. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8g2ZtDmQBcqlig7ch-SD3pkTVsk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24048846/Piscataway.gif">
<figcaption>Let’s gooooooo</figcaption>
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<p id="q7UO2s">Clear skies, high of 63 at kick, very light breeze from the west? Hell yes. If you plan on attending the game, you might need a light jacket late on (which, “late on” might be 9:00 local time. This game could fly by with all of the 3-and-outs, punts, both teams maybe going the man ball route...clock is going to be running a lot Saturday night). Whatever the case, Saturday will be a great night for an early fall football game.</p>
<p id="BVHEps"><strong>LINE MOVEMENT</strong></p>
<p id="DXFMfB">Courtesy of a screen grab from JP, <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/87637?wpcid=163240&wpcn=Inarticle&wpscn=CFB&wpsrc=Vox">our besties at DraftKings Sportsbook</a> opened with Iowa -7.5 and an over/under of 35.5. The line has since <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/iowa-%40-rutgers/27499753">moved</a> to Iowa -8 with an O/U of 34. With these two offenses, which can only be labeled as “disaster class,” I would hit the under with all I own. </p>
<p id="4ZmHBN">If you’re in New Jersey, the always astute Benjamin Ross mentioned that The Garden State may not allow gambling on these things. Sure enough - New Jersey <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-business-college-sports-new-jersey-sports-betting-fc2953f250d858aea4cbc9a0ef1bb8a2">failed to pass a ballot measure</a> that would’ve expanded gambling to college sports last November. What the what? Grow up, New Jersey...</p>
<p id="a8GvEh"><strong>Spread:</strong> Iowa -8 (-115/-105)<br><strong>Over/Under:</strong> 34 (-105/-115)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KGhNHS">
<p id="kRAQI1"><em>Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See </em><a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook"><em><strong>draftkings.com/sportsbook</strong></em></a><em> for details.</em></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/23/23366790/rutgers-scarlet-knights-vs-iowa-hawkeyes-updated-vegas-line-weather-draftkings-bhgpSirNicholas332022-09-23T11:01:00-05:002022-09-23T11:01:00-05:00The Pants Predicts: Iowa at Rutgers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rutgers at Temple" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fn_FWFhAkfrMFBbUU6krWgP0G8U=/193x0:5055x3241/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71406201/usa_today_19080604.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can the fightin’ Schiano’s get another W? | Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hawks by (a lot less than) a million baby!</p> <p id="n90K4E">Game day is fast approaching once again and for the second straight week, a game Hawkeye fans thought would be a gimme in the preseason is all of a sudden a question mark. Just over 99% of Iowa fans polled expected Iowa to beat <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> before the season began. Every staff member had the Hawkeyes getting a W this weekend. Then the offense pooped their big boy pants for two straight weeks and we all got cold feet.</p>
<p id="AKPKEt">Despite the trepidations about the Iowa offense, The Pants stand firm with the Hawkeyes. We’re all still taking Iowa to win this one and we think it could be a barn burner. As in, we might go light a barn on fire and watch that instead. On average, the BHGP staff is predicting a final score of 15-9, which is a totally normal football score when you’re talking Hawkeyes and field goals. </p>
<p id="ViZC9c">That would put us more than a full point inside the 7.5 point line from our friends at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/87637?wpcid=163240&wpcn=Inarticle&wpscn=CFB&wpsrc=Vox">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>. Our 24 total points is WELL below the already laughably low over/under total points of 34. So yeah, we’re here for the defense and the punting, which should be TREMENDOUS.</p>
<p id="rhnyUh">Here’s a look at our individual predictions for this week.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="TjLj97">
<h4 id="TjOchi"><strong>JPinIC</strong></h4>
<p id="gU0uRM">I think we saw some glimmers of hope in week three. No, all is not well, but we saw Iowa at least <em>willing </em>to take some shots downfield and that opened things up in the running game. That was the gist of my thesis for Iowa being a quality team this year. It was Nevada and we can caveat this to death, but at minimum Brian Ferentz used a playbook that is in line with what I expected to see out of this offense all season long. </p>
<p id="7E92LG">Do I think it works as well against a defense with a pulse in Piscataway? No, no I do not. but I think it does just enough to get a win with one of the best defenses in the country. </p>
<p id="ManT0V"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 10, Rutgers 6</strong><br><strong>Tory Taylor 45.3 ypp, Adam Korsak 43.2 ypp</strong></p>
<h4 id="kkKYLR"><strong>tnels20</strong></h4>
<p id="QeiEig">This week we get a primetime game featuring two offenses who don’t do much and whose main purpose is to give the opponent a long field. Iowa wasn’t able to put me to sleep with a game going well past 1:00 AM, but it doesn’t mean they won’t give it another shot this week.</p>
<p id="RH5ZqY">I think the game could turn on a missed tackle or two by one team or the other. It is looking like another week with Keagan Johnson out of the lineup. I think we see Petras finally connect on a sideline pass with Brody Brecht this week as Rutgers will likely have 8-9 in the box throughout the game.</p>
<p id="viWzMx"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 16, Rutgers 10</strong></p>
<h4 id="0nzUf2"><strong>Bartt Pierce</strong></h4>
<p id="fzCt8A">If you throw out the two all-world punters, this game sounds borderline unwatchable. Kirk Ferentz wouldn’t want it any other way. Iowa’s offense showed a heartbeat last week, but it was against a terrible defense. I’m terrified to see our offense go against a solid defense AND a terrific punting team. I don’t see us sustaining a touchdown drive against anyone with a pulse. I will be content (happy?) getting a road win. </p>
<p id="v9UZ0F"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 13, Rutgers 6</strong></p>
<h4 id="LIJrzE"><strong>MattReisener</strong></h4>
<p id="ailEZL">Iowa’s first and only trip to Piscataway, NJ was a defensive slugfest that ended in a 14-7 score. Don’t be shocked if history repeats itself this Saturday. Both teams boast excellent defenses and truly elite special teams units, and are content to play the field position game. Meanwhile, there are still far more questions than answers surrounding Iowa’s offense, while Rutgers has enough problems at quarterback and along the offensive line to raise questions about their ability to score many points against Iowa. Iowa’s biggest edge lies in its experience playing slugfests like this; Rutgers merely adopted trying to win games in the mud and the muck, while Iowa was born in it. </p>
<p id="WV4kG8"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 17, Rutgers 10</strong></p>
<h4 id="iM05bF"><strong>BoilerHawk</strong></h4>
<p id="EHR3U4">These are two teams who worship at the altar of field position. I think both teams have what-would-be-otherwise-backbreaking turnovers deep in their own territory. Iowa turns theirs into a TD or two while Rutgers just settles for field goals.</p>
<p id="HRdsUc"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 17, Rutgers 6</strong></p>
<h4 id="BhP1if"><strong>BizarroMax</strong></h4>
<p id="FhPbXb">I’m expecting Iowa’s playcalling to retreat back into its shell and wait for Rutgers to lose rather than trying to win. The downfield passing and more creative run design we saw last week? Shelved. Facing long fields and a Big 10 defense, I think Iowa’s risk tolerance for frequent downfield passing dries up and the the chariot turns back into a pumpkin. Or in this case, more like the rickshaw turns back into a beet. This game will fittingly go down in history as the Kicker’s Duel, as the long fields generated by the historic punting coupled with two marginal offenses playing competent defenses leads to a fast of field goals.</p>
<p id="3PQOXV"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 12, Rutgers 9</strong></p>
<h4 id="zDpFHB"><strong>Kicker32</strong></h4>
<p id="ZVLkdr">It’s been a strange week folks. JPinIC found out that his wife and I are second cousins. I guess that makes us technically related as well? Idk how any of that works but welcome to the family and I’ll see you at Christmas.</p>
<p id="peYz6Z">This game is the perfect capper to this past weeks antics and frankly, as a former punter, the most anticipated game on my calendar. Which ever punter makes the opposing teams inept offense have to drive farther for points will win this game. I expect the Hawkeyes to win that battle and force a few turnovers to boot so give me the Hawkeyes in this game.</p>
<p id="76enkl"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 20, Rutgers 10</strong></p>
<h4 id="fPdaR2"><strong>mattcabel</strong></h4>
<p id="UnKwzA">folks, let’s not beat around the bush here. It’s Iowa/Rutgers football. You’ll get what you get and like it. We’ll have a bad time together. Again. </p>
<p id="EL9sZg"><strong>Prediction</strong>: <strong>Iowa 14, Rutgers 10</strong></p>
<h4 id="JD9Dpp"><strong>SirNicholas33</strong></h4>
<p id="kttTlu">I really don’t have a reason to pick the Hawks - road game at night with a crowd that might have some pops in them, bad offense, Rutgers <em>might</em> be on the up again under Greg Schiano - but there’s that one little sticking point: I think Iowa’s personnel is better overall. Rutgers isn’t terrible, but I think Iowa has better talent and it will somehow get them over the line. It’ll be a lot of flailing around offensively, on both sides, a ton of Punting is Winning, on both sides, but I think Iowa does just enough to get it done. The defense gives Iowa a couple of short fields and they capitalize.</p>
<p id="AzoRmt"><strong>Prediction: Iowa 17, Rutgers 7</strong></p>
<h4 id="AdH5zE"><strong>GingerHawk</strong></h4>
<p id="RUkAkI">Do I feel better about Iowa’s offense after last week? Yes. Do I think everything is fixed and the Hawks are going to put up 35 against Rutgers? Yeah, no. Don’t get me wrong, what we saw last Saturday was encouraging but there is still a long road ahead to get to something approaching a good offense. Nevada was a baby step in the right direction, but this weekend we’ll need more of a grown up jump.</p>
<p id="C92csv">This game has been promoted as a punting extravaganza, and it will absolutely be necessary for Taylor to have himself a game. Iowa and Rutgers rank 3rd and 5th in the conference, respectively, for yards allowed per game. Conversely, Rutgers and Iowa are also 13th and 14th, respectively, in offensive yards per game. So this one may get ugly folks. So whichever punter can most consistently win the field position battle will give their team a leg up (see what I did there?...leg...get it?....okay then) in the overall war. </p>
<p id="tLA8lb">This is the first night game with fans for the Scarlet Knights since 2017, and with a sellout crowd that may spell trouble for a young offensive line and shaky QB. I’m going with the Hawks here, trusting that Phil’s D will be opportunistic enough to grab some takeaways and scoring on one of them.</p>
<p id="56F7Jh"><strong>Prediction: Iowa 17, Rutgers 13</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ZSWbeD">
<p id="QarDtO">So that’s how we see things playing out. We’re all probably wrong so please don’t bet based on us. We’d love to hear your predictions in the comments below!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zZi4uk">
<p id="9v9Ne9"><em>Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See </em><a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook"><em><strong>draftkings.com/sportsbook</strong></em></a><em> for details.</em></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/23/23367432/pants-predicts-iowa-hawkeyes-at-rutgers-scarlet-knights-draftkings-betting-line-spread-bhgpJPinICMattReisenermattcabelSirNicholas33BoilerHawkBizarroMaxtnels20Bartt PierceGingerHawkKicker322022-09-23T06:01:00-05:002022-09-23T06:01:00-05:00Iowa Football vs. Rutgers Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: HawkCentral" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JrMItdzBojK4I8IKHkZyF9XndFc=/0x0:3508x2339/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71404939/usa_today_19078071.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Iowa will need to build on the growth it showed in the running game last week to earn its first win of the Big Ten season. </p> <p id="lLOtay">Three games into the 2022 season, Iowa’s standing in the Big Ten West hierarchy is even more muddled than before the year began. While the Hawkeyes appear to have assembled yet another championship-caliber defense, the offense remains very much work in progress even after showing its first signs of life in last week’s 27-0 victory over Nevada. Still, a team’s fortunes are determined as much by the quality of their competition as their own skill level. Wisconsin was the preseason betting favorite to win the division but looked underwhelming in its week 2 loss to <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com">Washington State</a> and is not on the level of many of the Badger teams that have gotten the best of the Hawkeyes in recent years. Minnesota is the division’s only 3-0 team but has yet to play an opponent capable of putting up a fight. Purdue, a sleeper to win the division, is 1-2, as is Northwestern, who won its first conference game in week 0 before proceeding to lose to Duke and Southern Illinois. Nebraska is in full meltdown mode and Illinois is…well…Illinois. Iowa’s offensive growth may be significantly behind schedule, but all the Hawkeyes’ Big Ten ambitions remain very much in play.</p>
<p id="pMAO3B">Iowa needs to start its conference play on a strong note with this week’s road trip to <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a>. The Scarlet Knights are far from world beaters but are 3-0 this year and are no longer the doormat they used to be thanks to the return of coach Greg Schiano. With difficult conference games against Michigan and <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> on the horizon, Iowa cannot afford to leave New Jersey with a loss if it hopes to contend for the Big Ten West crown this season.</p>
<p id="YF2O2p">Here are three key factors to watch for in Saturday’s game:</p>
<p id="2BN3dX"><strong>1. Can Iowa establish the run?</strong></p>
<p id="AF6R9w">There is reason for slight optimism surrounding the Iowa running game. Freshman running back Kaleb Johnson put together the Hawkeyes’ best individual offensive performance last week, rushing for 103 yard and two touchdowns against the Wolfpack. Meanwhile, Iowa will have its full stable of backs healthy and available for the first time all season this week, with Gavin Williams finally at full speed and Leshon Williams back in the fold after missing the Nevada game. Yet there is also reason for caution. Watching Johnson’s long touchdown runs (0:38 and 4:40 in the clip below), it’s noticeable just how much better the blocking is on these plays than basically any others Iowa has run this season. Iowa’s offensive line struggles are very apparent when studying the team’s running plays, and the Hawkeyes averaged only <a href="https://hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com/lists/report-card-grading-the-iowa-hawkeyes-27-0-win-over-the-nevada-wolf-pack/">2.03 yards per carry</a> against Nevada outside Johnson’s two big plays.</p>
<div id="WwJ5ib"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bg6HOEgr6Es?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="kagNW8">Iowa’s ground game will face its toughest test of the season so far this week, as Rutgers statistically has the <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2022/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category01/sort01.html">2<sup>nd</sup> best rushing defense</a> in the country. The Scarlet Knights have allowed only 97 rushing yards through three games and are surrendering a mere 1.09 yards per carry. Unlike some teams whose rush defense statistics are inflated by sacks, Rutgers has been a middle-of-the-pack pass rushing team so far, bringing the quarterback down only <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2022/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category20/sort01.html">six</a> times. Rutgers’ ranking as an elite run defense has been earned the hard way: by grinding opposing running games to a halt. Linebacker Deion Jennings has led the way as a run stopper and has really grown into his own as a senior, and defensive linemen Aaron Lewis and Ifeanyi Maijeh have been disruptive as well. Rutgers will likely look to overload Iowa’s offensive line with creative blitz packages and a healthy dose of safety Avery Young crashing the box. Whether Iowa’s running backs can make plays against a disciplined run defense, or whether Iowa’s line can create running lanes for them in the first place, remains to be seen.</p>
<p id="iS29m8">If Iowa can run the ball effectively, it will make life significantly easier for quarterback Spencer Petras as he works to develop chemistry with Iowa’s healthy(ish) receiving corps. Defensive end Wesley Bailey has emerged as an effective pass rusher who will pose a challenge for Iowa’s tackles, and the Rutgers secondary led by Robert Longerbeam has proven adept at picking off passes, snagging <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2022/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category16/sort01.html">five interceptions through three games</a>. If Iowa’s running game stalls out, the Hawkeyes could become reliant on Petras to win the game with his arm, a prospect that has generated less than desirable results so far this year. </p>
<p id="tmULez"><strong>2. Can Iowa’s front seven dominate the game?</strong></p>
<p id="npm2yD">Fortunately for Iowa fans, their team won’t be the only squad taking the field in Piscataway with lingering questions along the offensive line. The Scarlet Knights’ front five looked overwhelmed against Temple, surrendering eight tackles for loss and allowing consistent pressure on the quarterback. The offensive line was a major question for Rutgers entering the season, and Schiano’s patchwork unit built in part through the transfer portal could struggle to contain a Hawkeye defensive line that has wreaked havoc on opponents through three games. </p>
<p id="9XShra">Iowa’s linebackers will similarly play a big role in containing the Scarlet Knight attack. Rutgers is averaging the third most rushing yards in the conference with <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2022/leader/827/team/offense/split01/category01/sort01.html">227.33</a> per game thanks to a solid group of running backs and the creative deployment of jack-of-all-trades player Johnny Langan. No matter who starts at quarterback on Saturday (Nebraska transfer Noah Vedral, freshman Gavin Wimsatt, and Evan Simon are all in the mix due to several injuries at the position), the Scarlet Knights will have signal caller who can run the football. Still, Iowa’s linebacking corps, which should be boosted by the return of Jestin Jacobs, should have plenty of opportunities to disrupt Rutgers’ offense, particularly if the front four does their job. </p>
<p id="I5uqr5"><strong>3. Which team can win the game at the margins?</strong></p>
<p id="i3nRUJ">Special teams, field position, and penalties play important roles in every football game, but could be especially critical to this matchup given the similar styles of play of both teams. Iowa’s last matchup against Rutgers produced what we at BHGP christened as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDL0Z4rgc1k">“The Greatest Punting Battle in History.”</a> Rutgers’ star punter Adam Korsak is still with the team and still excelling at pinning opponents deep, having not allowed a touchback in <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.desmoinesregister.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Fiowa%2Ffootball%2F2022%2F09%2F22%2Fiowa-football-hawkeyes-special-teams-coordinator-levar-woods-adam-korsak-tory-taylor-kicking%2F10423183002%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackheartgoldpants.com%2F2022%2F9%2F23%2F23367926%2Fiowa-hawkeye-football-vs-rutgers-scarlet-knights-preview-bhgp" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">“roughly 136 attempts,”</a> while Iowa’s Tory Taylor his had an impressive 13 of his 23 punts <a href="https://www.si.com/college/iowa/football/preview-prediction-iowa-rutgers-football">downed inside the 20</a> this year. Both teams’ punters and gunners should be able to create long fields for the opposing offense, meaning the team that can control field position by forcing turnovers and sustaining drives that escape the shadow of their own endzone will have the advantage. Both teams have thrived on creating turnovers in recent years, and while Iowa has struggled to put together long scoring drives, Rutgers has not proven they can go the length of the field against a defense of Iowa’s caliber.</p>
<p id="PPz316">The intangible that most favors Iowa in this game is arguably the <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2022/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category14/sort01.html">disparity in penalties committed</a> by each team. Iowa has been one of the cleanest teams in football, sacrificing only 21.7 yards to penalties per game, the second fewest in the nation. Rutgers, meanwhile, is giving up over 3x as much yardage per game at 73.3, the 107<sup>th</sup> best in the sport. In a game where field position could be a deciding factor, Iowa’s clear advantage in the penalty department could ultimately give it the edge. </p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/23/23367926/iowa-hawkeye-football-vs-rutgers-scarlet-knights-preview-bhgpMattReisener2022-09-22T17:01:00-05:002022-09-22T17:01:00-05:00The Butcher’s Word: Rutgers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Rutgers at Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vDVk4ZFmmAC6C7ebeUx8Tvt6Q04=/0x0:4821x3214/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71403392/usa_today_18978906.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will the Iowa defense keep up their ways against a talented Rutgers offense? | Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We go behind the scenes on the Rutgers Knights with our friends at On The Banks.</p> <p id="IIrpdu">There are some Big Ten teams Hawkeye fans feel like they know inside and out. <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> is not one of them. The Hawkeyes and Scarlet Knights have only faced off three times in the history of the two schools and thus familiarity is perhaps as low as with any other team in the conference. </p>
<p id="J1DAtZ">In the words of the wise and sage like Big Tom Callahan, you can get a good look at a t-bone by sticking your head up a bull’s rear end, but wouldn’t you rather take the butcher’s word for it?</p>
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<p id="ZOH023">So just like every other week, we’re taking the butcher’s word for it and getting the inside details on Rutgers from our friends over at On The Banks. We were joined this week by Greg Patuto to talk about this weekend’s matchup.</p>
<p id="zYRcGh">Here’s a look at our conversation.</p>
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<p id="z2t3Wr"><strong>BHGP: This </strong><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com"><strong>Rutgers</strong></a><strong> offense is averaging nearly 35 points per game through the first three weeks of the season, how have they been so successful and what should Hawkeye fans expect to see from the Scarlet Knights stylistically on Saturday evening?</strong></p>
<p id="r4Ufdj">OTB: Rutgers took care of Wagner the way it was supposed to, putting up 66 points. The offense is coming off a poor performance against Temple with just 16 points and the lone touchdown coming defensively. What Rutgers did well was run the football. It totaled 142 yards against the Owls and this has been the bright spot thus far. It has taken some pressure off the quarterbacks (which we will get into below).</p>
<p id="yyBQaB">The Scarlet Knights have depth in the backfield, which was a question mark coming into the year. Kyle Monangai has been a rock-solid option, more of a polished back while Al-Shadee Salaam brings speed and explosiveness. Samuel Brown V is also beginning to get involved in the offense.</p>
<p id="l2u6rm">This is how Rutgers will have to be successful against that elite Iowa defense as well. It is important to maintain drives and take care of the football.</p>
<p id="LEfqQu"><strong>BHGP: Greg Schiano has utilized two different QBs in each game this season with Evan Simon seemingly more of a pocket passer and Gavin Wimsatt being more mobile. How do you expect that split to look this week and just how dangerous is Wimsatt with his legs?</strong></p>
<p id="Y9UbKb">OTB: Gavin Wimsatt remains a game-time decision to this point after suffering an injury against Temple. Noah Vedral, who has been the starter at Rutgers for two years, is also a game-time decision. If neither can go, Evan Simon will be the primary starter in this game.</p>
<p id="ALgeXP">If Wimsatt can go, he will be involved in the offense, primarily using his legs. He has struggled to throw the football but Rutgers has been hesitant to name one starting quarterback. The offense believes it can be successful with both options. Can it? That’s yet to be seen in conference play but ultimately, we have to wait to see who is available for the game.</p>
<p id="LEqHS3"><strong>BHGP: On the other side of the ball, Iowa has struggled mightily on offense this season. That’s a point of frustration for Hawkeye fans and a point of major concern knowing Rutgers is giving up just 14 points per game in 2022. What should we expect to see from this Knights defense in terms of fronts and coverages, and in line with that, how do you expect them to attempt to pressure a QB in Spencer Petras who has really crumbled when forced off script?</strong></p>
<p id="LeV1Gi">OTB: Rutgers has just six sacks in three games so overall, do not expect Spencer Petras to be under a ton of pressure. With that being said, Rutgers is being successful in different ways. The defensive line is deep. Wesley Bailey and Kyonte Hamilton have been strong against the run. Mayan Ahanotu has also been tough.</p>
<p id="otiXu2"> At the same time, the secondary has been a bright spot returning a lot of experience. Max Melton and Christian Izien lead the way. Now I’ve heard that Petras performs better on the road. It will be interesting to see what gives here. If Petras is on and can score some points, it will be difficult for Rutgers to keep up. If this is a defensive battle, Rutgers can hang around.</p>
<p id="bAcaDh"><strong>BHGP: Ok, it’s Iowa so we’re always going to ask about special teams, it’s especially critical this week with two of not only the best punters in the Big Ten, but the country. What’s your over/under for average punt yardage from Adam Korsak on Saturday and are there any other names Hawkeye fans should know on special teams?</strong></p>
<p id="yxze6n">OTB: It’s always exciting to talk some punting. Adam Korsak and Tory Taylor are two of the best around. With struggling offenses, special teams and the punters can be huge in this game in terms of field position. Korsak has been one of the best in the nation over the course of his career.</p>
<p id="5HsNkm">If I had to put an over/under on yardage, I’d say 40.5 yards per punt. Total yardage around 240.5 yards. That means he would have to punt six times, which has been his average in two games. Rutgers did not punt against Wagner, which was expected. The punters will be on display in this one on both sides.</p>
<p id="gF9cTr"><strong>BHGP: Alright, prediction time. Our friends at </strong><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a><strong> have Iowa favored by 7.5 with one of the lower over/unders nationally at 35.5 total points. How do you see this one playing out and what’s your final score prediction?</strong></p>
<p id="qNlj1c">OTB: The total in this game is insane. A college football game in the low 30’s is so uncommon that you have to take the under. The odds always know more than we do. Rutgers is going to struggle to score points. That is why I mentioned the defense and taking care of the football is so important.</p>
<p id="5U7tPo">In the end, Iowa wins the game. Just too much defensive firepower and the offense makes one more play. The spread is deceiving here. That hook is going to get some people but I still trust Iowa a bit more to this point. Give me a close battle early and Iowa getting a late score to ice the game – Iowa 23, Rutgers 10.</p>
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<p id="PwNXjn">So there you have - the Hawkeyes find some offense somewhere, somehow. Here’s hoping Greg knows what he’s talking about and Iowa can carry some momentum into a showdown with Michigan.</p>
<p id="B1n01r">Thanks again to Greg at <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/">On The Banks</a>. Be sure to stop by before kickoff as OTB has some great coverage of this week’s matchup. You can also follow Greg on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/GregPatuto">@GregPatuto</a>. OTB is <a href="http://twitter.com/OTB_SBNation">@OTB_SBNation</a>.</p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2022/9/22/23367077/the-butchers-word-rutgers-scarlet-knights-iowa-hawkeyes-spencer-petras-noah-vedral-evan-simon-bhgpJPinIC