Minnesota's clearest path to win this game might be running the football, which is something it hasn't done all season. The Cornhuskers' run defense has allowed 151.3 yards per game this season, which ranks 81st in college football. Their pass defense ranks No. 1 in the entire country with only 118 yards allowed per game.

Problem areas popped up throughout the first half of the Gophers football season. Inconsistent offensive line play. Anemic running game. Poor tackling. Inexperience and injuries in the secondary. Notice what isn’t on that list?

The stage is set for another chapter in one of the Big Ten's oldest rivalries as Minnesota (5-2) travels to Kinnick Stadium to face Iowa (5-2) in B1G action on CBS on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. This marks the 119th meeting between the two programs, a series steeped in history and tradition, including the famed "Floyd of Rosedale" trophy.

Fleck then mentioned one Gopher who has received a lot more attention from NFL personnel when they visit the U this year: Devon Williams. The fifth-year linebacker from Dublin, Ohio, leads the team with 56 total tackles and is third with 4 1/2 tackles for lost yards.

Brockington is the third Gopher in the past two years to make Feldman's list, following Aireontae Ersery and Cody Lindenberg in 2024. Both Ersery and Lindenberg were taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Feldman has been putting together his freaks list for decades now, he noted that Brockington may be the first to reach out after earning recognition.

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History: Minnesota has lost two straight to the Boilermakers, including a 49-30 road defeat in 2023. That loss stung more than usual because Purdue was 2-7 at the time and amassed 604 total yards. The U leads the overall series 41-35-3.

Records: The Gophers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) delivered a comeback to beat Purdue 27-20 on homecoming Saturday. After a home loss to then-No. 21 Michigan, Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) has won two straight with comebacks against Michigan State on Oct. 4 and Maryland last weekend.

Minnesota's penultimate home game lands on Nov. 1 against Michigan State. The Spartans have started 0-3 in Big Ten play, but it could be a prime lookahead spot for the Gophers before their final bye week of the season, and then a road trip to Oregon.