The sixth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes will try to hang on to “Floyd of Rosedale” and clinch at least a share of the Big Ten title in the process with a visit to archival Minnesota. A big factor in Iowa’s success has been a dominant run defense but coach Kirk Ferentz says that will be tested against the Gophers, who lead the conference in running the football. Ferentz says the Gophers are vastly improved on defense.Even with a victory, Iowa’s bowl status is uncertain. Ferentz says the players can focus on the speculation once this game is over and the “season is in the barn.”The Iowa State Cyclones close out the Big-12 race at 17th-ranked Colorado. The Cyclones are coming off a lopsided loss at Kansas State but are motivated to bounce back. Iowa State coach Dan McCarney says the Buffaloes also have plenty on the line as they’re playing for the Big 12 North title and have a lot of seniors who’re playing their last game.This marks another in a string of difficult road games for the Cyclones and McCarney calls it a very tough challenge.McCarney says Colorado has been successful with a more straight-up physical ground style.
