Iowa vs. Rutgers: Keys to Victory for Hawkeyes, Scarlet Knights

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Keys to Friday Night: Iowa vs. Rutgers

Friday night football in the Big Ten rarely commands national attention. Unless, of course, you’re Iowa traveling to Rutgers, and the scoreboard promises either a defensive slugfest or a runaway Scarlet Knights touchdown parade. At 8 p.m. ET on FOX, the Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1) face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) in a rare primetime spotlight for both programs.

The stakes? Big Ten standings, bragging rights, and a little slice of mid-September glory before the schedule turns merciless with Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and the rest of the conference gauntlet.

If our game preview had a theme, it was “Iowa can survive on defense, Rutgers can survive on offensive hope.” Now, it’s time to break down exactly what each team needs to do to win this Friday night battle in Piscataway.

Iowa Keys to Victory: Defense, Discipline, and Don’t Fumble the Football

1. Shut down Kaliakmanis and the passing game
Athan Kaliakmanis has torched defenses for 820 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Iowa’s 178-yard per game defense will get its biggest test yet. Containing the Scarlet Knights’ vertical passing attack and limiting explosive plays is non-negotiable if the Hawkeyes want to survive in a game where their offense isn’t expected to produce fireworks.

2. Control the clock with ball security and methodical drives
Iowa’s offense under Mark Gronowski is not going to dazzle anyone. Three touchdowns and 306 passing yards on the season isn’t going to scare a Big Ten crowd. That’s why ball security, quick reads, and avoiding turnovers are essential. Even a modest 60-yard drive that eats five minutes off the clock is a win for Iowa here.

3. Special teams magic
Kaden Wetjen’s punt return heroics aren’t just for highlight reels—they’re a weapon. With Iowa relying on defense to win the game, special teams can tilt field position, keep the Scarlet Knights’ offense honest, and maybe even add a touchdown or two in a low-scoring slugfest.