Iowa Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Purdue in Week 6
By Brad Schultz
After losing starting quarterback Cade McNamara to a season-ending injury, Iowa football will have to rely on backup Deacon Hill to run one of the most anemic offenses in the country.
The Santa Barbara, Calif., native transferred to Iowa in the offseason after appearing in only one game at Wisconsin.
After doing just enough to lead the Hawkeyes to a win over Michigan State, he gets to make his first career start on Saturday afternoon against Purdue on homecoming.
It’s time to get bold for this matchup in Iowa City.
3. The Iowa defense forces two turnovers
Against Michigan State, Iowa forced four crucial turnovers, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Though he has been a solid replacement for Aidan O’Connell, Purdue quarterback Hudson Card has struggled with turnovers this season, throwing three interceptions in two of Purdue’s last three games.
Card is coming off his best outing of the season in a 44-19 beatdown of Illinois, completing 69 percent of his passes and throwing two touchdowns. However, Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is well aware of Card’s turnover problems and will force him to make a mistake at a critical juncture.
I see the defense picking off Card at least once, maybe even twice, or the defense is able to force a fumble. Regardless, I see the Iowa defense forcing two turnovers in this one.