Iowa Hawkeyes Gear Up for Crucial Match Against UCLA Bruins in Week 11 of College Football

The Iowa Hawkeyes, with a 6-3 record and 4-2 in the Big Ten, are set to face off against the UCLA Bruins, who are 3-5 and 2-4 in the Big Ten, in a pivotal Week 11 college football matchup. The game is scheduled to take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Friday, November 8, with a kickoff time of 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX.

Iowa has seen a significant turnaround in their offense this season, particularly after hiring former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester. The Hawkeyes have averaged 30.8 points per game, a marked improvement from last season’s 216 points in 14 games. This change has been further enhanced by the recent switch to quarterback Brendan Sullivan, a Northwestern transfer, who has added a dynamic element to the team’s backfield alongside star running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, the Big Ten’s leading rusher, averages 142.1 yards per game and has scored in every game this season.

Despite Iowa’s strong offense, their defense has taken a slight step backward, especially against the run. However, they remain solid in preventing big plays and tightening up in scoring range. UCLA, on the other hand, boasts a stout run defense, allowing only 100.4 yards per game, which could pose a challenge to Iowa’s run-heavy offense. UCLA’s passing game has been strong, but their run game is the worst in the country, which may limit their offensive options.

College Football News predicts that Iowa will win the game 27-17, highlighting that while Iowa’s running game may not dominate as it has in previous games, it will do enough to control the clock and the game. The key to Iowa’s success lies in their ability to stop UCLA’s non-existent run game and rely on their secondary to hold up against UCLA’s passing attack.

The game is expected to be a physical battle, with the outcome hinging on which team can control the run game and field position. Iowa’s special teams, which have been a consistent strength, could also play a crucial role in the game’s outcome.