After a bye week for both teams, Minnesota (4-2) and Iowa (5-1) will resume their bitter rivalry with their 120th all-time meeting on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. Can P.J. Fleck flip the script and overcome a 1-8 all-time record against the Hawkeyes?
Here are our staff writers’ predictions.
Tony Liebert: Iowa 24, Minnesota 14
There are nine years of evidence that tells me Fleck hasn’t figured out how to consistently beat Iowa. If it wasn’t for an incredibly controversial call in 2023, he would be 0-9 all-time against the Hawkeyes. I expect Fleck to realize how important this game is for his long-term outlook at Minnesota, but I don’t think it’s enough. Iowa is operating as a far more consistent team right now, and Fleck hasn’t figured out how to solve the Kirk Ferentz puzzle.
Joe Nelson: Iowa 38, Minnesota 12
Listen, the homer in me is attempting to predict a Minnesota win, but I can’t allow it to warp reality when Iowa runs for nearly 200 yards a game. The Gophers just got mauled by Purdue, and the Boilermakers rank 15th in the Big Ten in rushing. The Hawkeyes are going to run for 300 yards and leave Minnesota with a blowout victory. Drake Lindsey will mentally enter the transfer portal, and P.J. Fleck will say the Gophers are a very good team that had a bad day. So predictable. It always is.
Will Ragatz: Iowa 27, Minnesota 16
The Gophers have lost 10 of their last 11 against Iowa. They haven’t won the Floyd of Rosedale at home since 2014. Kirk Ferentz has completely had P.J. Fleck’s number, and it’s hard to see that changing this week. Hawkeyes RB Kamari Moulton will be licking his chops after seeing the film of what Fame Ijeboi did to the Gophers a couple of weeks back. Iowa also has a solid defense and some quality pass-catchers for Jeremy Hecklinski. The Gophers are going to need to play an incredible game to win this one. For me, it’s too much to ask.
Jonathan Harrison: Iowa 30, Minnesota 12
Kirk Ferentz has owned the Gophers since PJ Fleck took over. Minnesota head into the weekend with the knowledge that they’re 1-8 against Iowa under Fleck, as well as having to live with the domination by Purdue for the past two weeks. The vibes are rough going into Saturday’s game for Minnesota. The Gophers’ run game is likely going to be ineffective again this weekend, as they take on the 7th-best run defense in the nation. So, it’ll have to be up to Drake Lindsey and the passing game. Minnesota follows up the Purdue game by getting smacked at home, and Fleck moves to 1-9 against Iowa.
Here are our picks from last game. Season records for our pickers:
- Will: 4-2
- Joe: 3-3
- Jonathan: 3-3
- Tony: 3-3
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.