Minnesota-Iowa, Floyd of Rosedale score predictions from Gophers On SI team

The Gophers football team will host Iowa on Saturday night for the 118th meeting between the two teams. Minnesota is seeking its second consecutive win in the series for the first time since 2010-11 and just its sixth victory since 2001.

Both Iowa and Minnesota enter Saturday's game with a 2-1 record after losing at home to a key conference opponent – the Gophers to North Carolina and the Hawkeyes to Iowa State.

Last season's game ended abruptly, as a potentially game-winning punt return by Iowa was rejected due to an invalid fair catch signal. This year's game will prove to be a crucial test for both teams as they open Big Ten Conference play.

Tony Liebert: Iowa 13, Minnesota 10

After three weeks of football, Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson leads the country with 479 rushing yards. Minnesota has already played the fourth-leading rusher in college football, Omarion Hampton, and I think they could struggle again on Saturday. I'd be surprised if this game goes more than seven points either way, but I'm on the side of the head coach who has shown more discipline in crucial situations, and he'll be on the opposing side.

Joe Nelson: Minnesota 27, Iowa 13

I saw enough of Troy moving the ball at will with a backup quarterback against Iowa to be confident that Max Brosmer, Darius Taylor and the Gophers will be able to avoid a punt off against the Hawkeyes. At the same time, I firmly believe the Gophers have a top-notch defense that will make life difficult for Iowa. Most people think this will be a typical borderline, low-scoring game, but I'm of the opinion that Minnesota will win by double digits.

Nolan O'Hara: Iowa 16, Minnesota 13

The battle for Floyd of Rosedale was tight until the very end last season, with both teams showing little on offense. While both teams have shown offensive improvement this season, expect a similarly low-scoring game between two tough defenses. The U emerged victorious last year and has a chance to keep Floyd in Minneapolis two years in a row for the first time since 2010-11. But expect the Hawkeyes to be ready to avenge last year's setback.

Will Ragatz: Iowa 16, Minnesota 13

The Gophers face a big step up in contention this week after picking up two shutout wins against inferior opponents. Iowa struggled a little last weekend with Troy, but the Hawkeyes will be hot for this prime-time rivalry game. I expect running back Kaleb Johnson to give the Gophers problems and Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer to be a little shaky in his first Big Ten game. With two strong defenses, this should be a low-scoring affair, and I believe Iowa will pull out a close road win to get Floyd back.

Jonathan Harrison: Minnesota 14, Iowa 10

What's the opposite of a barn burner? It could be. Neither team plays exciting offensive football. Say what you will about their opponents, but getting two shutouts in a row is impressive. The Gophers' defense will step up again Saturday, while Max Brosmer will make at least one big throw through the air against a Hawkeyes defense that has shown some vulnerability to allowing big plays through the air this season.