Nov. 7, 2013
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — After consecutive home games, the University of Iowa football team heads back on the road, this time to face Purdue (1-7, 0-4) at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday at 11 a.m. (CT).
Iowa has had success on the road this season, notching wins at Iowa State and Minnesota and playing well in a 10-point loss at No. 4 Ohio State. The team has posted balanced offensive numbers in their three games away from Kinnick Stadium, rushing for an average of 198 yards while throwing for an average of 207 yards. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis says success on the road begins with the head coach.
“Kirk lays out exactly what`s to be expected on the road,” said Davis. “We’re going to leave tomorrow and it’s treated like a business trip. It’s just about focus and our guys have done a really good job on the road so far.”
The Hawkeyes will be gunning for their sixth victory of the season and also the program’s 300th career conference win on Saturday. Looking at the Boilermakers on film, Davis said they are a tough and talented unit with a number of experienced players who shut down the nationally-ranked Spartans two games ago.
“They do a lot of different things on defense, so our guys will need to be sharp,” Davis said. “They’ll mix up their coverages. They played Michigan State close only allowing one offensive touchdown. They’re a team that is growing defensively.”
One statistic that hasn’t been talked about much this season is how well the Hawkeyes have possessed the ball. Through five league games, Iowa has not lost a fumble.
“Chris White has done an outstanding job with the running backs, and Bobby Kennedy and DJ Hernandez with the receivers and tight ends with ball security and the importance of the ball,” said Davis. “It’s an area that we take a lot of pride in and you have to be ball secure in everything you do to be successful.”
Sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock, who left last week’s game with an injury in the third period, has been practicing all week and Davis said he’s been fine.
“He’s working with a brace on his left leg, which a lot of quarterbacks do,” said Davis.
Watch the Hawkeyes Saturday as they look to become bowl eligible on BTN (BTN2GO) with Kevin Kugler, Glen Mason and Jon Jansen on the call.