Oregon travels to Iowa Saturday in a matchup of College Football Playoff contenders.
Oregon 7-1 (AP No. 6, CFP No. 9) at Iowa 6-2 (AP unranked, CFP No. 20) 12:30 p.m. PT on CBS.
Announcers: Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, Jenny Dell
Odds: at FanDuel, Oregon -6.5, Over/Under 41.5 Moneyline Oregon -245, Iowa +198
Weather: High of 50 degrees, 76 percent chance of rain, winds 10-15 mph, shifting E to NNW.
Key Storylines: Can Oregon's speed and explosiveness overcome a tough, physical Iowa team that features stingy defense and big plays in special teams? Will the Ducks get off to a faster start? Has the team made better use of the bye week and the two-week layoff?
In another of the Big Ten's storied road environments, will Dante Moore and the Oregon offensive line handle the Iowa blitz and stout run defense? The Wave and the crowd at Kinnick Stadium are potential distractions.
Noteworthy stats: Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski has not thrown for 200 yards in a game this season, but he's a potent weapon in the running game with 11 touchdowns, particularly effective on third and short when his power at 6-2, 235 makes him an effective Wildcat quarterback, tough to stop on designed runs.
Oregon has the nation's best pass defense, limiting opponents to 125 yards per game and a passer rating of 89. Iowa is tied-7th in run defense, holding foes to 2.64 yards per carry on the ground, 84 yards per game.
The Ducks have rushed for 6.26 yards per carry and 237 yards per game. The Hawkeyes average 4,84 yards per rush, 39th in the FBS in rushing offense at 185 yards per game.
Turnovers, Dante Moore's consistency against a good defense, and containing superb Iowa punt returner Kaden Wetjen are three of the X factors in a loud, wet Kinnick Stadium.
Both teams need a win to boost their College Football Playoff hopes, and the loser risks elimination.
Injuries: Dan Lanning faced the media Wednesday and said Dante Moore is practicing and good-to-go after suffering a hit to the face and a bloody nose against Wisconsin. "He's doing great," Lanning said.
Evan Stewart, at last update, is still out but working towards a return in November. Running back Jayden Limar is out with a foot injury and not expected to return until November 14.
For Iowa, tight end Addison Ostrenga is out for the season while wide receiver Reece Vander Zee is working towards a return.