Week 12 brings a matchup that’s had fans buzzing for days. The No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) head to Los Angeles to take on the No. 17 USC Trojans (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten).
There’s a lot on the line here. Iowa wants that seventh win, and USC is fighting to stay in the Big Ten title hunt and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Los Angeles Coliseum. You’ll catch it on the Big Ten Network. And, just to make things more interesting, the forecast calls for a rainy afternoon—so expect some chaos.
USC’s Versatile Offense
USC isn’t a one-trick pony. Their offense can hurt you in more ways than one, and that’s a headache for any defense.
Their passing game? It’s up there with the best in the country. But if the rain or Iowa’s defense shuts that down, USC can lean on their run game, which has looked just as dangerous at times.
Last week, Iowa’s run defense struggled against Oregon. USC will probably try to poke at that sore spot.
Key Factors for USC’s Success
- Passing Attack: USC can sling it with the best of them.
- Ground Game: If they need to, they’ve got the backs to pound it out.
- Home Advantage: They’ve won all five home games this year, each by at least two touchdowns.
USC’s run game at home has been wild—over seven yards per carry on average. Against Michigan, they piled up more than 200 rushing yards, which is no small feat.
Iowa’s run defense is usually tough, but after giving up 261 rushing yards to Oregon, you have to wonder if they’re slipping at the wrong time.
Iowa’s Resilience and Game Plan
Iowa’s reputation is built on grit. They just don’t go away, no matter the score or the situation.
This year, they’ve leaned into that identity even more. Even after a tough loss to Oregon, their discipline—especially when it comes to avoiding penalties—keeps them in games.
They’re actually the best in the nation for fewest penalties. That discipline means they rarely give opponents freebies.
Strategies for Iowa
- Limit Mistakes: Staying clean on penalties is huge for them.
- Run Game Efficiency: When they get over 3.5 yards per carry, they’re undefeated.
- Defensive Sturdiness: Their defense isn’t flashy, but it gets stops when needed.
If the weather turns the game into a muddy slugfest, Iowa might actually enjoy it. That’s their style—make it ugly, make it physical, and grind it out.
Their offensive line can take over games, and while the defense isn’t racking up sacks, they get off the field when it matters.
The Importance of Mark Gronowski
Mark Gronowski, Iowa’s quarterback, has shown he can handle the heat. That 12-play, 93-yard drive against Oregon? Impressive stuff.
If this game comes down to the wire, Iowa trusts Gronowski to keep his cool and make plays.
Gronowski’s Key Attributes
- Composure Under Pressure: He’s already proven he won’t flinch.
- Leadership: The team rallies behind him when it counts.
- Versatility: He can throw or tuck it and run—whatever’s needed.
If USC’s offense starts piling up points, Gronowski will have to answer. There’s pressure, no question, but he’s handled it before.
Iowa tends to bounce back after a setback, and this feels like a moment where they could turn things around. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Final Thoughts and Predictions
This matchup isn’t just another game. It’s a defining moment for both teams.
USC needs this win to stay alive in the Big Ten race and keep their College Football Playoff hopes intact. Iowa, on the other hand, has a shot to prove they’re resilient and can bounce back from tough spots.
Pete Fiutak from College Football News predicts USC will take it 27-20. Still, Iowa’s style—they’re disciplined, they hang around in games—makes them a tough out.
For more detailed insights and predictions, you can read the full article on Hawkeyes Wire.
This one means a lot to Iowa, especially for the players and head coach Kirk Ferentz. You can bet he’ll have his team ready to go.
No way the Hawkeyes come out flat when they kick off Saturday. Honestly, this could be a wild one—both teams are going to leave it all out there.
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