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FACTS & STATS: Site: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805) -- Minneapolis, Minnesota. Television: BigTenNetwork. Home Record: Iowa 5-0, Minnesota 1-3. Away Record: Iowa 0-2, Minnesota 0-3. Neutral Record: Iowa 0-0, Minnesota 0-0. Conference Record: Iowa 2-1, Minnesota 0-3. Series Record: Minnesota leads, 60-42-2.

GAME NOTES: For the 105th time Iowa and Minnesota will clash on the gridiron when the Golden Gophers host the Hawkeyes this Saturday afternoon in a Big Ten matchup at TCF Bank Stadium.

These two programs are clearly no strangers to one another, with Minnesota leading, 60-42-2. The Gophers won last year, 27-24, but the Hawkeyes have won eight of the last 10 contests.

The Hawkeyes might be 5-2 on the season, but both losses came on the road, as they were defeated by Iowa State and Penn State. However, since the loss to the Nittany Lions, the Hawkeyes have won two straight games, defeating Northwestern and Indiana.

Since defeating Miami-Ohio (29-23) back in early September the Golden Gophers have been a doormat for each of their next four opponents. Minnesota has been clobbered during this four-game slide, losing each game by double figures, including 41-14 setback to Nebraska this past weekend.

The Hawkeyes scored 35 first half points against Indiana this past weekend and never looked back, as they went on to win in convincing fashion.

Leading the charge was Marcus Coker, who racked up two touchdowns and finished with 139 of the team's 203 rushing yards. The passing attack was even better and quarterback James Vandenberg only threw 16 passes in the game. The signal caller finished with 253 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to Marvin McNutt, who finished with 184 yards on six catches.

This type of performance has become commonplace for the Hawkeyes, which is why they are averaging 34.3 ppg. Vandenberg has been sensational under center and comes into this weekend with 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Eight of his touchdowns have gone to McNutt, who is leading the team with 757 yards and 18.5 yards per receptions. As for Coker, he has given this ground game an identity and is currently pacing the squad with 717 yards on 4.8 yards per tote.

The one snag keeping Iowa from contending for a Big Ten title is the play of the defense, which has been hit or miss at times. Iowa is allowing 23.3 ppg, which isn't terrible, but definitely leaves room for improvement.

Stopping the run has been the main concern for the coaching staff and the team's problems in that area were evident against Indiana. The Hoosiers have just one win on the year, but they still managed to rack up 217 yards and two touchdowns. As the year progresses it would appear Iowa is showing more cracks against the run and at the moment this unit is being gashed for 161.6 ypg.

Christian Kirksey has been one of the best players not just on Iowa, but in the conference at his position and he is currently pacing the Hawkeyes with 70 tackles on the year after racking up 12 in the win over Indiana.

The Golden Gophers were simply no match for Nebraska this past weekend, as the offense totaled just 254 yards. MarQueis Gray and Duane Bennett scored the two touchdowns for Minnesota and finished with 67 and 55 yards, respectively, on the ground. However, the team as a whole averaged a weak 3.4 yards per carry.

Unfortunately for Minnesota fans the ground game was better than the passing attack, as Gray finished with just 122 yards on 9-of-18 passing. Gray is clearly more dangerous with his legs, and comes into this weekend with a team- best 438 rushing yards. However, his ability to pass is a completely different story, as the signal caller has just three touchdowns against four interceptions and has completed less than 50.0 percent of his throws.

Even if the offense is performing at a high level, the defense has been a problem. Minnesota has surrendered 14 rushing touchdowns and another 14 scores through the air, so it is evident opponents can have their way with Minnesota with the run or pass.

Against Nebraska this past weekend the Gophers had no answers for the Cornhuskers rushing attack, as they were pulverized for 346 yards and three touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry.

It was a complete disaster for Minnesota, which did not record a sack or collect a turnover in the 27-point setback. Both areas have been a major problem for the Gophers, as they come into this weekend with just five sacks and four takeaways.

The Gophers might be home, but that won't matter if the defense continues to struggle. Iowa should have no trouble coming into Minnesota and running away with a victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Iowa 38, Minnesota 20