The Iowa Hawkeyes try to stay unbeaten and in the thick of the national title chase when they host Indiana. The Hawkeyes are 8-0 for the first time and take on a Hoosier team that is 4-4 after a loss at Northwestern. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says a key matchup will be the Hawkeye offensive line against Indiana’s defensive front.
Ferentz says it’s a matchup of veterans versus veterans on both sides of the line. The Hoosier offense is led by quarterback Ben Chappell who is averaging 228 yards per game. Ferentz says they have some big play guys at runningback and receiver, and have an outstanding kick return team.
Ferentz says the Hawks have approached each game in a consistent manner and this week is no different. He says they’ve played well together and through tough situations like injuries. Ferentz says they seem to find themselves in the tough situations every now and then, including almost every Saturday.
The Iowa State Cyclones can become bowl eligible with a victory at Texas A@M. The Cyclones are 5-3 after a victory at Nebraska while the Aggies are 4-3 after a win over Texas Tech. A@M has been inconsistent this season but ISU coach Paul Rhoads says it is a talented team.
Rhoads says they have an outstanding offense and that shows by the number of points they put up. Rhoads says he is concerned about the Aggie’s speed. He says his team plays together well, but they don’t have great speed, so they will have to play well to try and slow down the Aggies.
Rhoads says the Aggies defense is aggressive, as he says they get after the quarterback in the pocket as good as any team and can cover receivers. The Cyclones will be without center Reggie Stephens who underwent an apendectomy on Wednesday. Stephens has started 36 consecutive games.