Iowa State (1-4) vs. Toledo (4-2)
When: Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CDT
You have to hand it to Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard. The guy wore his emotions on his sleeve last week following a 37-20 loss to Oklahoma State, ripping Big 12 officials a new one for what he deemed as unfair treatment toward the Cyclones. The press conference video went viral, and suddenly the Cyclones have become a strange version of a media darling — with a 1-4 record. Usually the underdog stories are reserved for “giant killers” who have shown surprising promise on the field. Iowa State — eh, no so much. But in comes Toledo this week, a team with a decent 4-2 mark, including an overtime win over Western Michigan in its last outing. Fans may have stayed away in droves for a game against a MAC opponent (and still may) had Pollard stayed quiet. Now? Well, how can you not show some love to Pollard for what he did? He deserves a packed house and a win — finally. And it’ll happen.
Iowa (4-1) vs. Indiana (3-2)
When: Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City
Kickoff: 11 a.m. CDT
Sure, Iowa may have the best worst team in the nation, but at 4-1, who cares? A win over Indiana on Saturday and the Hawkeyes will be one step from securing yet another bowl bid. Winning ugly has become the mantra in Iowa City. Quarterback controversy? Check. An MIA running game? Sure. An athletic director who cries about the officiating? Yes. Oh, wait. That’s the other Iowa team. Regardless, the Hawkeyes and Head Coach Kirk Ferentz have found a way to win four out of five times. Indiana comes to town riding the arm of quarterback Nate Sudfeld, who was 23-of-29 for 230 yard and three touchdowns against an over-manned North Texas club. Iowa fans may be in for a shock early, but if they can keep their collective heads into the second half, they’ll be rewarded.
Northern Iowa (2-3) vs. South Dakota (2-3)
When: Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: DakotaDome, Vermillion, South Dakota
Kickoff: 3 p.m. CDT
Northern Iowa fought back from an early 14-0 deficit against Indiana State last week to score 19 straight points and take the lead. But Chris O’Leary’s 38-yard TD strike with 2:12 left gave Indiana State a 20-19 win. With the loss, UNI moves to 2-3 on the season. Panther running back David Johnson continued his hot streak, rushing for 127 yards in defeat. This week, UNI travels to Vermillion to take on the South Dakota Coyotes. Both teams enter the MVC conference game with identical 2-3 marks. However, only one will leave at .500. Johnson will be the difference maker. Take the Panthers.
Drake (2-3) vs. Davidson (1-5)
When: Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Drake Stadium, Des Moines
Kickoff: 1 p.m. CDT
Who can score 41 points in the second half and still lose the game? Davidson, that’s who. Who has given up an average of nearly 50 points per game during five straight losses after opening the season with a win? Davidson. Up next for Drake? Davidson. The Bulldogs host the Wildcats this Saturday in what is shaping up as a “the cure to what ails you” contest. Drake is struggling offensively, averaging a little more than 15 points per game this season, including a 29-14 loss to Jacksonville last week. But last-place Davidson sports one of the worst defenses in the nation, which, ironically, puts Drake in a lose-lose situation. Light up the scoreboard in victory? They were supposed to. Lose and the Bulldogs’ season takes a horrible turn for the worst. It won’t. CV
