Iowa football: 5 things I want to see from the Hawkeyes this weekend at Purdue

Iowa travels to Purdue Saturday in what is basically an elimination game in the Big Ten West. Both teams lost games last week that they could have — and should have — won, so now both have two Big Ten losses and can’t afford a third.

This is the fourth road game in five weeks for Iowa, so that’s a tough challenge. Purdue’s daunting offense is an even bigger challenge. The last time the Boilermakers played in West Lafayette, they hung 49 points on then No. 2-ranked Ohio State.

Here are five things I want to see from the Hawkeyes this weekend against Purdue:

1. Nate Stanley is healthy enough to have a big day

There is absolutely no doubt that quarterback Nate Stanley is the leader of this Iowa team. His teammates respect all he does, and they love his fight and his tenacity. He played through a sprained thumb in the loss at Penn State last week, and he’s been limited in practice this week, so we really have no idea what to except when Saturday rolls around. He’s a tough kid and he knows how much this game means, so expect him to show up and play well. Purdue’s secondary can be had, so Stanley might just go out and have himself a huge game. Don’t be surprised.

2. Defense keeps David Blough on the run

Iowa’s defense has been very good all year, and to win this game, it will have to carry the day again. Purdue’s offense, led by quarterback David Blough, has been very good all year. Watching film this week, though, it’s obvious that when a pass rush gets heavy, that he’s not as accurate. Michigan State had him on the run last week, and because of it, Purdue only scored 13 points. A similar game plan would work well for the Hawkeyes.

3. Running game provides good balance

It’s always important to have a balanced attack, but it matters even more when you’re going into a game with a quarterback who might not be 100 percent. So it’s up to Iowa’s three-headed backfield of Ivory Kelly-Martin, Toren Young and Mehki Stewart will have to have a 150-yard plus kind of day, at the minimum. Breaking a few big ones would be nice, too. Iowa has only had one rush over 23 yards all season.

4. Flipping the field on special teams

This is more than likely going to be close, tight game, so field position is going to matter. It would help if Iowa can flip that field now and then with better field position. And, at the very least, they need to win the special teams game, because Purdue can be dangerous in the return game, too.

5. Don’t let being on the road again become an issue

It’s really hard to play four road games in five years, especially without a bye week thrown in there somewhere. But that’s the card the Hawkeyes were dealt. They got wins at Minnesota and Indiana, and looked good doing, and despite losing at Penn State last week, they played well and could have won that game. They need one more good outing to keep their division hopes alive. Win this one, and then a huge all-or-nothing showdown with Northwestern awaits in another week.

Tom Brew

Tom Brew has been a recognized reporter in Big Ten sports for decades. Among other projects, he writes about Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.