What’s At Stake

A loss could drop Iowa from the playoff picture, though it would still be in position to win the Big Ten West.  Maryland would need to finish 4-0 to become bowl eligible- with games against Wisconsin and Michigan State remaining – if it can’t pull off the upset.

Key Matchup

Iowa’s offensive line vs. Maryland’s defensive front seven: The Hawkeyes have become a prodigious running team (214.4 yards per game) behind a line that is mauling opponents.  The Terps have a veteran defensive line, and they’ll have to have a huge game to give Maryland a shot.

Players To Watch

Maryland: QB Perry Hills: He’s run for 294 yards in Maryland’s last two games, and Iowa has been susceptible to mobile quarterbacks in the past

Iowa: CB Desmond King: Hills has also thrown seven interceptions.  King has picked off six passes.  It’ll likely be a bad idea for the Terps to throw in King’s direction.

Facts & Figures

Maryland scored 24 straight points in beating the Hawkeyes 38-31 last season in College Park…Iowa QB C.J. Beathard is 8-0 as a starter…Maryland is third in the Big Ten with 187 yards rushing per game, but Iowa is first nationally with just one TD allowed on the ground…The Hawkeyes have scored 56 points off of turnovers, while Maryland’s turnover margin is a ghastly minus-13.