Washington is riding momentum entering its first visit to Iowa since 1964
Washington quarterback Will Rogers looks to pass against Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Seattle. Credit: AP/Lindsey Wasson
Washington (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (3-2, 1-1), Saturday, 12:10 p.m. ET (Fox)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Iowa by 2 1/2.
Series record: Tied 3-3.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Washington hopes to carry over its performance from last week's win over nationally ranked Michigan in a rematch of the College Football Playoff championship game. The Huskies make their first appearance at Kinnick Stadium since 1964. Iowa, which lost 35-7 at Ohio State last week, hasn't dropped back-to-back regular-season games since October 2022. The Hawkeyes will need to get their offense going after totaling just 226 yards against the Buckeyes.
KEY MATCHUP
Washington QB Will Rogers vs. Iowa pass defense. Rogers is completing 74% of his passes for 271 yards per game with 12 touchdowns against one interception, and he's among the national leaders in big plays. The Hawkeyes let Ohio State QB Will Howard complete his first 10 passes and last eight passes in an efficient 21-for-25 performance. They can't let that happen against Rogers, who's No. 2 among active quarterbacks in career passing yards and touchdowns.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, right, fumbles the ball as Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins tackles him during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: AP/Jay LaPrete
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Washington: S Kamren Fabiculanan, one of the few holdovers from the team that played Michigan in the national championship game last season, intercepted a pass to set up a late field goal that sealed a 27-17 win over the Wolverines in Seattle last week.
Iowa: LB Jay Higgins is coming off one of the best games in his sensational career — 14 tackles, a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery at Ohio State. He leads the Hawkeyes and is second in the Big Ten with 48 tackles.
FACTS & FIGURES
The most recent meeting was 29 years ago at the Sun Bowl, where the Hawkeyes won 38-18. ... Washington leads the nation in pass efficiency defense and is third in passing yards allowed, eighth in total defense and red-zone defense and 10th in scoring defense. ... Huskies have just three turnovers through six games. Only one FBS team with six games has fewer. ... Iowa has played seven one-score games since the start of the 2023 season and is 5-2 in those games. ... Hawkeyes lead the nation in fewest penalties (12), fewest penalties per game (2.4), fewest penalty yards (100) and fewest penalty yards per game (20.0).
