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With the three nonconference opponents previewed, we now turn our attention to Rutgers’ Big Ten opponents, starting with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa has given the Scarlet Knights fits in previous matchups, with the Hawks leading the all-time series 4-0.
The series began during the 2016 season, when the Hawkeyes visited Piscataway for the first time. After a shocking loss to FCS power North Dakota State, Iowa bounced back to win a defensive contest 14-7. The loss sent Rutgers to 2-2, and the Scarlet Knights proceeded to lose their next eight games to finish the year 2-10. In 2019, Rutgers made their first visit to Kinnick Stadium, but got shut out 30-0. The Scarlet Knights couldn’t get anything going on offense and once again stumbled to a 2-10 record and were winless in the Big Ten.
More recently, the teams met for the Big Ten opener in 2022, which was the first night game at SHI Stadium in several seasons. There was a lot of hype for the game, with an undefeated Rutgers squeaking by both Boston College and Temple on the road to once again go unblemished in the nonconference slate. However, despite Iowa’s offensive struggles being even more pronounced than Rutgers, the Hawks saw Cooper DeJean return an interception for a touchdown and Kaevon Merriweather return a fumble for a score. The two defensive scores were too much for the Knights, as Iowa won 27-10.
Most recently, Rutgers visited Iowa in 2023, with the Scarlet Knights coming into the game 6-3 and bowl eligible. Despite a competitive showing against the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes the week before, Iowa held the Knights scoreless for the second time in two meetings at Kinnick Stadium. The game was a defensive slugfest, with Iowa taking a 3-0 lead late in the first half and a 6-0 lead in the third quarter. However, the offense finally got going for the Hawks…
Source link : https://www.onthebanks.com/2025/7/27/24475037/rutgers-football-2025-opponent-preview-iowa-hawkeyes
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Publish date : 2025-07-27 22:20:00
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