The Iowa Hawkeyes prepare for the start of Big Ten play next weekend when they visit Minnesota in the annual battle for Floyd of Rosedale tropy. The Hawkeyes got a rare blowout victory and were able to empy the benches in a 59-3 win over Western Michigan Saturday.
Special teams and defense helped blow the game open. Kevonte Martyin Manley returned two second quarter punts for touchdowns, the first for 83 yards and the second for 63. Corner B.J. Lowrey returned an interception 35 yards for a score, part of a 28 point second quarter for the Hawkeyes. The Iowa offense totaled 258 yards on the ground but it was a light day for Mark Weisman who only had ten carries.
The Hawkeyes open Big Ten play with a record of 3-1 and visit a Minnesota team that is off to a 4-0 start after a 43-24 win over San Jose State. The Hawks pummeled the Gophers a year ago in Iowa City but their last two trips to the twin cities have ended with losses.