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Friday Night Big Ten Lights: Iowa vs. Rutgers Preview and Prediction
Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Friday Night Big Ten Lights: Iowa vs. Rutgers Preview and Prediction

Originally posted on EasySportz  |  By Jackson Fryburger  |  Last updated Sep 17, 2025 2:21 AM ET

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Friday night lights in Piscataway, where the Iowa Hawkeyes (2–1) will face the undefeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3–0) at SHI Stadium. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, and if you’re tuning in, prepare for a spectacle of defense, special teams, and a quarterback duel that might just redefine the term “game manager.”

It’s the Hawkeyes and Scarlet Knights to open Big Ten play for each squad.

Safe to say, you’re a true Big Ten loving sicko if you tune into this one.

It’s not often we lift the “sicko” designation to the Power 4 level, especially for a pair of teams over .500 to start the season.

However, the Iowa offense vs. the Rutgers defense is a testament to the football guy fan club.

A very stoppable force meets a fairly easy to move object.

Iowa ranks 84th in the nation in offense. Rutgers ranks 84th in the nation on defense.

Ah yes, mid-pack Big Ten football at its finest.

This game resembles a science experiment more than it does a high stakes football game.

Let’s jump in.

Kirk Ferentz: Milestone Man

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz earned his 206th career Iowa win against UMass, surpassing a significant coaching milestone held by Woody Hayes. Known for his methodical approach, Ferentz has built a program centered on stout defense and efficient special teams.

This season, his Hawkeyes have continued that tradition, with a defense ranked 17th in points against per game. Quarterback Mark Gronowski, a dual-threat signal-caller, has added a dynamic element to the offense, contributing both through the air and on the ground.

Well, for Iowa standards that is. 34 points on Albany and 47 on UMass will do that for you. However, the 16-13 loss for the Hawkeyes in Ames looked about as Iowa as it gets.

Rutgers: The Scarlet Surge

Rutgers enters the game with a perfect 3–0 record. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has been impressive, throwing for 820 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite missing top receiver Ian Strong in their recent 60–10 victory over Norfolk State, the Scarlet Knights’ offense remained potent. Running backs Antwan Raymond and Ja’Shon Benjamin combined for 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the team’s depth. However, defensive vulnerabilities, such as overpursuing and poor tackling in space, were evident and will need to be addressed as Big Ten play begins.

Rutgahhhhs, baby. Could this be the year the Scarlet Knights turn the corner?

The Big Ten Clash

This matchup carries significant weight in the Big Ten standings, with both teams entering conference play undefeated. For Iowa, a loss could severely impact their College Football Playoff aspirations, especially with challenging games against Penn State, Oregon, and USC remaining. Rutgers, while facing a backloaded schedule featuring the Ducks, Ohio State, and Penn State, aims to continue their strong start and make a statement in the conference play.

Keys to the Game for Iowa and Rutgers

  • Iowa’s Defense: The Hawkeyes’ defense will look to contain Kaliakmanis and disrupt the Scarlet Knights’ offensive rhythm, currently averaging 46.3 points per game against Ohio, Miami (OH) and a cupcake tune up with Michael Vick’s Norfolk State.
  • Rutgers’ Offense: Kaliakmanis must continue his strong performance, and the running game will need to exploit Iowa’s defensive front, even more than Iowa State did in Ames.
  • Special Teams: Both teams have shown proficiency in special teams, which could play a pivotal role in this closely contested game. It is the Big Ten’s mid-pack, after all.

This may not be the blueblood clash you’ll find in Miami Gardens on Saturday night, but it will suffice for now.

Prediction

Expect a hard-fought battle between two teams with contrasting styles. Iowa’s disciplined defense and special teams prowess will be tested against Rutgers’ explosive offense. While the Scarlet Knights have the home-field advantage, the Hawkeyes’ experience in high-pressure situations may give them the edge. This game is poised to be a defining moment for both programs as they embark on their Big Ten journeys.

Not all sportsbooks can carry Rutgers odds, due to New Jersey gambling laws, but FanDuel lists the Hawkeyes (-3.5) as the favorite at time of writing on Tuesday night.

This game is a tough one to predict, due to the clash in offensive identity (or lack thereof), but we will try our best.

Give us the Scarlet Knights in a minor upset at home. Crazy things happen under Friday lights and we like the Scarlet Knights.

Iowa is the more tested team, with a defensive gameplan and road game experience. Surely, they’ll find a way, right?

Not so fast, my friend!

Rutgers in a close one over Iowa, as the legendary Lee Corso would say.

Friday Knight Lights, baby.

Prediction:

Rutgers 24, Iowa 20

UNDER 45.5

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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