The Iowa Hawkeyes will look for their first road victory when they visit Purdue in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers were considered by many as the favorites in the conference race but have dropped two straight games, including a lopsided loss at home against Notre Dame.
Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz says Purdue has his team’s attention as they haven’t done too well against them recently. Iowa’s offense has struggled at times and a young defensive line is making progress but one constant has been special teams. Iowa blocked two field goals in a victory over Illinois and Ferentz says it’s important that they keep playing well on the special teams to have a chance to win.
Purdue has an experienced defense but that unit has struggled the past two weeks. He says that’s been a great constant for Purdue, their great defense, even though people often view them as an offensive team.
A healthy Albert Young has led an Iowa ground game that has made progress this season. Young has 428 yards to this point. Ferentz says they felt good about Young’s potential last year, but he was injured and was also injured the year before. Ferentz says he’s happy to see Young get to play after having that taken away by injury the last two years.