Iowa Faces Indiana Without Key Players in Key Matchup

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The No. 11 Iowa Hawkeyes will potentially be without some key players as they host the Indiana Hoosiers this afternoon. The matchup marks Indiana’s first road game of the season, and kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on the Peacock streaming service.

Junior cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, who has started all four games for the Hoosiers this season, is listed as questionable according to Indiana’s availability report. Ponds has recorded 11 tackles, one interception, one pass breakup, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. If he cannot play, Indiana may rely on redshirt juniors to step up in his absence.

In addition to Ponds, the Hoosiers will also be without freshman safety and junior running back, both of whom are sidelined for the season due to injuries. Meanwhile, Iowa has five players out, including running backs Jaziun Patterson and Xavier Williams, as well as wide receivers Reece Vander Zee and another key receiver.

Patterson is Iowa’s leading rusher this season, with 198 yards and a touchdown across 34 carries. He will miss today’s game due to a more severe ankle injury, while Williams and Vander Zee were also expected to contribute significantly to the offense.

The Hawkeyes faced their own injury challenges throughout the season, leading to a ‘next man up’ mentality for quarterback Mark Gronowski. Starting wide receiver Seth Anderson is set to return after suffering a minor ankle injury last week against Rutgers, while running back Brevin Doll is also poised to return but will be limited after recovering from multiple injuries.

Coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledged the impact of injuries: “We have not had a full arsenal of players, but our team is ready to adapt.” With Patterson out, Iowa will turn to Kamari Moulton, Terrell Washington Jr., and Nathan McNeil against a strong Hoosiers defense.