Iowa has a lot of confidence coming into this game, having climbed into the top 10 of the AP poll after a 7-0 start and a lead in the Big Ten West. The Hawkeyes had a bye this week, but they played perhaps their three toughest games of the Big Ten season before that, winning at 6-2 Wisconsin and vs. 5-3 Illinois, before blowing out 6-2 Northwestern. And suddenly, Iowa is facing the home stretch of the season — and arguably its easiest stretch — with an undefeated record.
How to watch Maryland vs. Iowa on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Can Iowa get to 8-0?
The Hawkeyes’ defense has been its strong point this year, but the offense has been explosive and has playmakers that it has rarely had under coach Kirk Ferentz. Incredibly, Iowa went undefeated while dealing with a number of injuries. Now healthy, the Hawkeyes look dangerous.
Maryland also has some confidence heading into this game. Even though the Terps have had a dreadful season up to this point and fired coach Randy Edsall, they nearly knocked off Penn State last week in interim coach Mike Locksley’s first game. The defense showed an ability to get to quarterback Christian Hackenberg, and the offense showed lots of life against a solid Penn State defense.
Can the Terrapins keep that going? They face a very good defense again this week, and a much better offense, but this would be a huge win for Locksley and his team.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC | ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Iowa is favored by 17 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Black Heart Gold Pants for Iowa fans and Testudo Times for Maryland fans.
Three big things to know
1. What will Iowa’s injury situation look like after the bye? Will quarterback C.J. Beathard, wide receiver Tevaun Smith, running back LeShun Daniels and tight end Jake Duzey all be back to full strength? What about starting tackles Ike Boettger and Boone Myers?
2. Is Maryland turning a bit of a corner? We’ll find out this week, but the Penn State game was certainly encouraging.
3. We haven’t seen Iowa since its blowout win over Northwestern. Are the Hawkeyes College Football Playoff contenders? If so, a big win would bolster their case.
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