As much as the loss to Wisconsin hurt two weeks ago, especially with the way it happened in the fourth quarter, there is still a whole lot for the Iowa Hawkeyes to play for.

A whole lot. And it starts this Saturday in Minneapolis when the 3-1 Hawkeyes take on the 3-1 Gophers in a game that sets the tone for the rest of this season.

“I think we have a real window of opportunity here over the next eight weeks, “if we do things right and practice well.” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said,

He’s so right. Wisconsin certainly has an edge now in the Big Ten West after its 28-17 win on Sept. 22, but there’s still a lot of football to be played. The Hawkeyes, thanks to its dominant defense, have the potential to win a lot of games. And the offense has to come along for the ride, too. We’ve seen glimmers of hope with this group, which struggled early but now seems to be getting on a roll.

We’re curious now about how much the bye week has helped in continuing that progress. With winnable games — albeit on the road — ahead, it’s time for Iowa’s offense to strike. They have a veteran quarterback in Nate Stanley and an offensive line that coming together nicely during the first month.

And what that group always does well is get physical. That’s something that will have to continue, and it starts Saturday against the Gophers.

“Just impose our will on them and move them off the ball,” Iowa offensive lineman Cole Banwart said.  “Be more physical, tougher and show dominance over them.”

Iowa’s offensive line knows it has to do its part. They know how good that Iowa defense is, because they butt heads every day in practice. And they know the offense has to be good right from the start, because they’ve struggled early in games so far this season and that needs to change.

“Our defense is going to be good in games. If we do what we do — and we know what we’re capable of — then we’re going to be all right.” Iowa senior center Keegan Render said. “Getting off to a fast start is big, especially on the road. Getting out there and getting some rhythm and getting going is the biggest thing for us. After that, you know, we’re confident that we’re going to move the ball.”

“Even if we don’t score, just get a couple first downs. Just get something going,” Render said. “Because the more we get going, the more that they have to show us what they’re going to do (defensively) the whole game instead of just going three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out.”

Dating back to last year, Iowa’s offense has been wildly inconsistent. There have been many highs — Ohio State and Nebraska come to mind last year, and even the 404 yards two weeks ago against Wisconsin looked good — but there have been grinding snoozers so far, too.

“Our offense has all the ability to put up as many points as we can,” Iowa running back Ivory Kelly-Martin said, “no matter what defense is out there.”

Minnesota always plays the Hawkeyes tough, which isn’t surprising considering its a rivalry game. Iowa has won three games in a row, but they’ve all been by a touchdown or less. More of the same could be expected Saturday, but maybe not. Maybe it’s time for the offense to crank it up a notch and start blowing people out.

It’s all about getting a good start, and then continuing that dominance for 60 minutes. And that starts Saturday.

“If you can get a good blend going on first and second down — a little run, little pass — and you’re being efficient throwing the ball and completing those balls and completing them a little further down the field, then that’s a positive,” Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz said. “That’s where you see those yards per play jump a little bit.

“If we can keep that going, well, that would be helpful.”