How The Gophers Can Win Back The Pig

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's not very often that the Gopher football program stares at what could be a season defining game.

That's the case Saturday at home against Iowa, as a 4-0 non-conference record sets the table.

In the same situation a year ago, Iowa ran over the Gophers as Mark Weisman dominated. He's back to run the football for Iowa this season.

So how do you play defense against the Hawkeyes?

"You got play with a low pad level," coach Jerry Kill said. "Stay in your gap and you gotta be ready to tackle."

Assuming Mitch Leidner is the starting QB, expect Iowa to make him throw the football.

Leidner has had the light feet so far, tucking it away and making opponents pay. So what happens if he becomes a drop back pocket passer?

"Part of me hopes they like to do that," Leidner said. "At times I'd like to air the ball, hit those receivers and make those plays."

The last time Iowa came to Minnesota, it may have been Kill's biggest win. This series is all about a pig who now gets his mail in Iowa.

"For me it's a big game," wide receiver KJ Maye said. "We got the state behind us and we're going to get the pig for the state."