The Minnesota Golden Gophers defense looked impressive during their 4-0 start, but the Iowa Hawkeyes have found a way to move the football against the Minnesota defense.
The Hawkeyes have relied on running back Mark Weisman for their offense this afternoon, and he has responded in a big way. After ten carries, Weisman already has 103 yards on the ground, including back-to-back carries of 27 and 44 yards on the current Iowa drive. The Hawkeyes took possession at their own 16-yard line, but are now looking at a third-and-four at the Minnesota 11-yard line as we move on to the second quarter of play.
Max Shortell has been spotty for the Gophers thus far, completing just three of seven pass attempts for 28 yards and an interception. James Vandenberg has completed four of eight for Iowa for 55 yards, but 45 of those yards came on the first pass he threw on Iowa's opening drive.
If Minnesota doesn't step up against Weisman and the running game of the Hawkeyes, it's likely that they're going to be leaving Floyd at Kinnick Stadium. After the start they got off to, that would be disappointing, to say the least.
We're starting the second quarter of play in Iowa City, and the Iowa Hawkeyes lead the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 3-0.