Iowa football set up for high-stakes matchup in Week 11 against No. 6 Oregon

IOWA CITY — The final bye week has come and gone. Four- straight weeks of Big Ten football is on the horizon for Iowa (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten).

This first one on the month-long docket is arguably one of the important home games the Hawkeyes have had in a few years. The No. 6 Oregon Ducks are making the trek to the Midwest for the first game against Iowa in more than 30 years.

Outside this week’s marquee matchup, the college football world had a handful of shakeups that put an even bigger spotlight on Saturday’s now-sold-out game. The task is simple: win the game, and you’re in the conversation beyond a December bowl game.

Here’s what to know about the bye week’s impact on the Hawkeyes.

How the bye week impacted the Big Ten

With a few upsets around the country, the AP Top 25 poll had a shakeup that put six Big Ten teams in the top 25. Iowa, however, wasn’t one of them. Iowa did jump to the de facto No. 26 spot, though.

The Hawkeyes received votes from 26 voters, reaching as high as No. 18, and had nine voters placed them at No. 24. Iowa did make it into the USA Today ULM Coaches Poll, checking in at No. 24.

Additionally, the first College Football Playoff rankings are revealed Tuesday night on ESPN at 7 p.m. (CT). It’s the first of five reveals leading into Selection Sunday, and will help show what the committee is thinking with Iowa’s next two weeks being its most impactful of the season.

Notes on Iowa

The Hawkeyes’ bye week was focused on resting and rehabbing before the final four games of the regular season — though there weren’t many injuries to worry too much about. Iowa went 3-0 over its last three games, with wins over Wisconsin, Penn State and Minnesota. Two of those teams, Wisconsin and Penn State, were also programs the Ducks have faced this season.

Linebacker Jayden Montomgery was listed as the starting middle linebacker this week over veteran Jaden Harrell. Harrell was questionable with an injury during the three-week stretch, but only missed the game against Wisconsin.

Wide receiver Dayton Howard was listed on the depth chart behind Jacob Gill, after the sophomore missed the Minnesota game.

The Hawkeyes’ matchup against No. 20 USC was announced to be a 2:30 p.m. CT kick in Los Angeles (12:30 p.m. PT) on Nov. 15.

Notes on Oregon

Heading to Iowa City after a bye week, the Ducks are facing Iowa on the road for just the third time, and first since 1989. Oregon leads the all-time series against Iowa, 2-1, with the last matchup taking place in Eugene 31 years ago.

The Ducks have stayed at No. 6 in the AP Poll for several weeks, reaching as high as No. 2 in Week 6.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is top 10 in the Big Ten for passing touchdowns, recording 19 with four interceptions. The Ducks and Hawkeyes are tied for third in the conference, with both teams’ only loss against No. 2 Indiana.

Saturday’s game will break a multi-week tie that’s locked the two programs together throughout this season. Though Michigan slid into sole possession of third in the Big Ten with its win over Purdue, Oregon and Iowa are right behind the Wolverines.

Game of the week

With Big Noon Kickoff heading to Iowa City on Saturday, details regarding set location, pre-show tailgates and if there’s any special guests will be announced by the program and Iowa Athletics leading up to Saturday morning.

Anyone following Big Ten football this weekend will be watching the Hawkeyes and Ducks at Kinnick Stadium. The importance of Saturday’s game has ripple effects that’ll linger with both teams, win or lose, for the rest of the season.

Outside of that matchup, Iowa travels to the West Coast next week to face No. 20 USC. The Trojans host Northwestern Friday night. No. 2 Indiana is visiting Penn State, and Nebraska visits UCLA.

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