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Iowa Football: Hawkeyes must avoid trap against Maryland

By Shane Lunnen

IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 31: Linebacker Brett Zanotto #38 of the Maryland Terrapins makes a tackle on running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half on October 31, 2015 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 31: Linebacker Brett Zanotto #38 of the Maryland Terrapins makes a tackle on running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half on October 31, 2015 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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Iowa football hosts Maryland in a pivotal Big Ten match-up for both teams. Will the Hawkeyes emerge victorious and avoid an upset by the Terps?

The Iowa Hawkeyes have quietly built a 5-1 record with their lone loss coming against Wisconsin. With their Big Ten West chances still intact, the Hawkeyes welcome the Maryland Terrapins to Kinnick Stadium Saturday afternoon.

This is a critical game for both teams. For the Hawkeyes, they need to keep pace in the West division. The top four teams in the division all have one loss so a win will keep them right in the thick of the race. For the Terps, they have gone through tough times in the program but interim head coach Matt Canada has the team sitting at a surprising 4-2. With tough games still to come against Big Ten East foes Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State, a win against Iowa will go a long way to helping Maryland’s fight for bowl eligibility.

The two teams have only met twice in their history, in 2014 and 2015. The series is split at a game apiece with each team winning at home.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20
Time: Noon ET
Location: Iowa City, IA
Venue: Kinnick Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: WatchESPN or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

Since when did Iowa become such a passing threat? At least in the last four weeks, that has been the Hawkeyes’ key to their success. Quarterback Nate Stanley has thrown for over 300 yards in three of the past four games. In the same stretch, he has thrown 14 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Iowa offenses of the past were focused on the rushing attack, but the passing game is working with Stanley so the Hawkeyes should not deviate.

For Maryland, their hopes for victory rely on their rush offense. The Terps average 245 yards per game, good for third in the Big Ten. Running backs Ty Johnson and Anthony McFarland provide the Maryland attack with a potent 1-2 punch. Establishing the run against a brick wall Iowa defense will be a challenge. If Maryland cannot run, their poor passing game will be forced to pick up the slack which could spell trouble.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of OddsShark

Point Spread: Iowa -9

Over/Under: 47

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Prediction

If Maryland can explode out of the gate early, they may have a shot in this one. Unfortunately for the Terps, it won’t happen. Iowa’s defense is playing too well right now and they will shut down the Maryland running back duo. Nate Stanley continues to shine, tossing another 300-yard game and adding three more scores. The Terps get in a few scores later in the game to make it respectable, but by then it will all be decided.

Final Score: Iowa 35, Maryland 21

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