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No. 19 Iowa seeks 3rd straight win vs. Maryland
Maryland (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) at No. 19 Iowa (5-1, 2-1), noon ET (ESPN2).
Line: Iowa by 9
Series record: Tied 1-1.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
This will be Iowa's only home date in a five-game stretch, and the Hawkeyes can't afford to lose it if it hopes to sneak past Wisconsin and win the West. For Maryland, adding a win over Iowa to that opening-day victory over Texas would only increase the Terps' chances of reaching a decent bowl game.
KEY MATCHUP
Iowa QB Nate Stanley vs. Maryland safety Darnell Savage Jr. Stanley has been on fire, tossing 14 touchdown passes in his last four games. But he's also thrown an interception meant to be a throw away in each of the last two weeks, and Savage has been known to make opponents pay for mistakes. Savage has four picks, tied for the most in the country.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Maryland: RB Ty Johnson. He's been really good this season, racking up 435 yards on just 54 carries. But the Terrapins have struggled to convert third downs, and Iowa's rush defense is one of the best in the country. Johnson might have to break off a few big runs in tough spots if Maryland hopes to spring the upset.
Iowa: DE Parker Hesse. Maryland's run-first offense will be a new challenge for the Hawkeyes. Hesse is the heart and soul of a really good defense, and his leadership will be key in helping his teammates be where they're supposed to be.
FACTS & FIGURES
Stanley was the Walter Camp national player of the week on offense after throwing six TDs in last week's 42-16 win over Indiana. ...Maryland is first in the Big Ten with a turnover margin of plus-1.5 per game. ...Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette leads the nation with an average kickoff return of 37.4 yards. ...Maryland has won eight straight games when leading at halftime. ...Iowa is 11-0 since the start of last season when scoring at least 20 points.
