Know Thy Opponent 2020: The Iowa Hawkeyes

Since coming to West Lafayette, Jeff Brohm is 2-1 against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Last year was the the first time we lost to Iowa under Jeff Brohm and it was a 6 point loss, with a plethora of injuries.

In 2017, it was the Anthony Mahoungou show with a hurt Elijah Sindelar. in 2018, Purdue gave up a 4th quarter lead, but kicker Spencer Evans hit a game winning field goal to beat the ranked Hawkeyes.

While Iowa always wins 7 to 10 games per season, Purdue is like the Anti-Iowa. The polar opposite in play style and we are always within a score since Jeff Brohm has arrived.

But, here is a bit on those Hawkeyes.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2019 Record: 10-3 Record

Bowl Result: Holiday Bowl, Defeated USC 49, 24

SB Nation Blog: Black Heart Gold Pants

All Time Series: Purdue Leads 48-39-3

Last Purdue Win: 2018, 38 to 36

Last Iowa Win: 2019, 20-26

Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz, 162-104 All Time Recrd

Iowa Offense: Iowa is really easy to preview offensively. They will run the ball to the tight end side of the field, more often than not. They rely on a strong running game to set up their play action pass that is vital to their success.

Nate Stanley is finally gone and they will be breaking in 3rd year sophomore, Spencer Petras as the starting quarterback. He will be backed up by Alex Padilla.

They do return sophomore starting running back, Tyler Goodson, who rushed for over 600 yards as a freshman, while scoring 5 touchdowns. They will lean on him in game 1 as a starter for Spencer Petras.

Iowa Defense: Last season, Iowa was 5th in the nation in defense. Only allowing 14 Points Per Game. While they lose a lot on defense this fall, they will always have a solid defense, especially in stopping the run game.

While Purdue is a pass first offense, it would be nice to establish a run game against Iowa, to set up the pass game, but, I think Iowa will keep us one dimensional. Good News, we have 8 really good wide receivers.

Game Outlook: Look for Iowa to play slow as usual, run the ball and eat up the clock. Purdue will try to push the pace and tire the young Iowa Defense out.

Way too early prediction:

Purdue 27 Iowa 24