Week 4 of the college football season brings a high-stakes Big Ten clash as the Iowa Hawkeyes visit the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Friday night at SHI Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET under the lights in Piscataway.
Iowa comes into the matchup with a 2-1 record, showcasing one of the strongest defenses in the nation. The Hawkeyes have already proven their ability to control games with relentless pressure and disciplined coverage, though their offense has at times struggled to keep pace.
Rutgers, on the other hand, is undefeated at 3-0 and looking to keep their momentum rolling. Their offense has been sharp, spreading the ball efficiently, while the defense has shown vulnerability against the run—something Iowa will aim to exploit.
Oddsmakers give Iowa a slight edge, with the Hawkeyes favored by a narrow margin of about 2 points. The projected total hovers around 46 points, with many analysts leaning toward the under, given Iowa’s defensive strength and Rutgers’ untested offense against a top-tier unit.
Key players to watch include Iowa’s running back Jaziun Patterson, who is expected to make an impact on the ground, and quarterback Mark Gronowski, whose dual-threat ability could stretch the Rutgers defense. For the Scarlet Knights, the pressure will be on their quarterback to find success against Iowa’s tough secondary.
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Prediction: Expect a low-scoring battle dominated by defense. Iowa is projected to edge Rutgers in a tight contest, cover the spread, and keep the total under the line.
