5 days ago2 min read

Iowa, Washington Clash for the First Time in 29 Years

Iowa defense celebrates — © Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Washington Huskies (4-2, 2-1 Big Ren Conference) will travel halfway across the country to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 1-1) on Oct. 12 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa at noon EST. Washington is coming off an upset win, 27-17, against the No. 24-ranked Michigan Wolverines which sparked the traditional storming of the field for the students. As for Iowa, they’re trying to get back on track after a 35-7 loss against the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0).

Unfamiliar Territory

Of course, this is the first conference matchup between these two teams who will need to get more acquainted with each other being that they’ve only faced six times. Their last meeting came in December 1995 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, a game that Iowa won 38-18. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, at the time, was the offensive line coach with the Bill Belichick-led Cleveland Browns. The last time the two met in Iowa was in 1964, a game that Iowa won 28-18.

Will Rogers | QB Washington — © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Big Season for Rogers

Washington quarterback Will Rogers has been one of the most underrated QBs in FBS football. Rogers has completed 73 percent of his passes for 1,625 yards, 12 touchdowns and just 1 interception. Iowa is allowing opponents to throw for an average of 210 yards.

The game plan for Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch should be simple. It's this way: Move the ball through the air and not allow the Hawkeyes’ defensive line, which has 11 sacks so far this season, to get home and create pressure. Coincidentally, opponents have a total of 11 sacks against the Huskies this season.

Kaleb Johnson | RB Iowa — © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Iowa, Washington Big Day for Backs

For Iowa, it’s no secret that they want to run the ball. Kaleb Johnson has 771 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Johnson is second in the country in rushing yards to possible Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty of Boise State. Jeanty has rushed for 1,031 yards. It would take a lot for Johnson to catch Jeanty. It wouldn’t take that much for Huskies running back Jonah Coleman, who has 601 yards and is 12th in the country. It could be a fun day for running backs.