Iowa has a place in Max Brosmer’s origin story. The transfer quarterback has firmly staked himself onto the Gophers’ side of the Floyd of Rosedale rivalry, but he was born in Davenport, Iowa — only 55 miles east to the Hawkeyes’ campus in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes had won eight straight in this historic series before a controversial finish last season in Iowa City. To keep Floyd of Rosedale, the Gophers will need to overcome Iowa’s stifling run defense.

Both Iowa and Minnesota enter Saturday's matchup with 2-1 records with a loss at home against a major conference opponent — North Carolina for the Gophers and Iowa State for the

Through three weeks, the Gophers defense has proven itself as the team’s biggest strength. The unit is coming off of back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1962. Only one other team in the country — Missouri — has posted two shutouts this season already.

Last week, the extended forecast in Minneapolis looked pretty dour. Rain all day. Temps steadily dropping. Big Ten weather on September 21. Good thing that forecast was an extended forecast. It was WRONG.