Hawkeyes are in bounce-back mode as winless Troy comes to Kinnick Stadium
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates with teammates Reece Vander Zee (15) and Luke Lachey (85) after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa State won 20-19. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
Troy (0-2) at Iowa (1-1), Saturday, 4:05 p.m. ET (FS1)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Iowa by 22 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Iowa, which goes to Minnesota for its Big Ten opener next week, is looking for a reset after its crushing home loss to Iowa State. The Hawkeyes need to get more out of QB Cade McNamara, who completed just 3 of his last 13 passes against ISU and threw a momentum-turning interception in the third quarter. Troy has had major player turnover after winning two straight Sun Belt Conference championships. The Trojans had to play walk-ons at quarterback and center in last week’s loss to Memphis because of injuries to Goose Crowder and Eli Russ. Both are expected to play.
KEY MATCHUP
Iowa running game vs. Troy rushing defense. The Hawkeyes have run for 200 yards in consecutive games for the first time since 2020. Troy, one of the top rushing defenses in the country last year, brought back just one defensive starter and has allowed each of its first two opponents to run for more than 200 yards.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Troy: WR Devonte Ross has caught 10 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown through two games, including seven for 103 against Nevada two weeks ago.
Iowa: RB Kaleb Johnson has back-to-back 100-yard games, and his 153 yards per game rank fourth in the nation. Johnson has five runs of at least 25 yards, including two over 50.
FACTS & FIGURES
Iowa’s defense has allowed fewer than 400 yards in 30 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation. ... Troy is 1-8 against current members of the Big Ten, with the win coming against Nebraska in 2018. ... The Hawkeyes are 2-0 against Sun Belt members, having beaten Arkansas State in 2009 and Louisiana-Monroe in 2011. ... Five Iowa tight ends have a reception and the group has combined for 13 catches for 142 yards in two games. ... Troy has only 12 seniors, tied with Illinois for fewest in the nation. A total of 16 Troy players have made their first starts.
