GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Iowa’s passing game, led by QB Nate Stanley’s stellar play, has really started to click the past few weeks, but Saturday could be more of a test when the Hawkeyes face Maryland. The strength of the Terrapins’ defense has been against the pass. They’re leading the Big Ten in interceptions with 12 and rank third in the conference in pass defense (190.2 yards per game) and third in total defense (316.5 yards per game). Maryland’s Darnell Savage leads the Big Ten with four interceptions and teammate Tre Watson has three. The Terrapins will be trying to prevent Stanley from getting the ball to his favorite targets — TEs Noah Fant and T.J. Hockensen, and WRs Nick Easley and Brandon Smith. With 15 touchdown passes, Stanley has thrown more scoring passes than any quarterback in the Big Ten except Ohio State’ Dwayne Haskins. Fant and Stanley have combined for 45 receptions, 692 yards and nine touchdowns.
DRAFT SLANT
–TE Noah Fant, ranked as one of the top tight ends in the country by NFLDraftScout.com, is posting impressive numbers that might be even better without the presence of fellow Iowa TE T.J. Hockensen. Fant’s 18 career touchdowns are the most by a tight end in Iowa history. His six touchdown catches this season are tied for the most among FBS tight ends with Jace Sternberger of Texas A&M. The junior’s 23 receptions also lead the team. He had four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown last week against Indiana.
ROSTER REPORT:
–LB Nick Niemann could return for Saturday’s game at home against Maryland. He suffered a leg injury in the Sept. 22 loss to Wisconsin and has missed the past two games. The sophomore had started all four games at outside linebacker before the injury.
–LB Jack Hockaday is doubtful to return to action this week at home against Maryland. The middle linebacker suffered a left knee injury in the road win at Minnesota on Oct. 6 and missed last week’s game against Indiana. “He is certainly getting closer,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said.
–FB Brady Ross sustained a left leg injury in the second half last week against Indiana that will keep him out of Saturday’s game against Maryland, coach Kirk Ferentz said. Fifth-year senior Austin Kelly is Ross’ replacement.
===
