The game: Iowa (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten) at Rutgers (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) in SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
How to watch: Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. Friday on FOX.
The line: Iowa is a 2.5-point favorite (per BetMGM).
What’s at stake
A 1-0 start in Big Ten play, an undefeated start to the 2025 season for the Scarlet Knights and the Hawkeyes’ unblemished record against Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights opened the 2025 season with wins over Ohio, Miami (Ohio) and Norfolk State. With 139 points in the first three weeks, Rutgers ranks 13th nationally with 46.3 points per game. The Scarlet Knights’ 461 yards per game ranks 36th nationally while their 296.3 passing yards per game ranks 24th in the country.
Series history
Iowa has been perfect in its four prior meetings with Rutgers. The Hawkeyes won 22-0 in the last meeting in 2023, 27-10 in 2022, 30-0 in 2019 and 14-7 in 2016.
Against the Scarlet Knights, Iowa averages 355.5 yards of total offense and 23.3 points per game. With all eyes on the passing attack, the Hawkeyes averaged 194.3 passing yards in those four matchups, with two games of more than 200 passing yards. They averaged 173.5 yards on the ground.
A Blackout at SHI Stadium
Rutgers planned a blackout crowd theme for Friday night’s game against the Hawkeyes. The team will sport black alternate uniforms, and the crowd was asked to wear black for the matchup. The first 12,000 students will receive a free blackout t-shirt upon entry.
The last time the Scarlet Knights hosted Iowa, they managed to sell out SHI Stadium.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said he expects a raucous environment.
“We have a big challenge with a short week, playing a good team, and walking into a tough environment,” Ferentz said. “It’s going to be a Blackout there, and (I) expect the place to be pretty electric that way. A big challenge for our football team. It will be a test of our maturity and ability to focus, and hopefully we’ll be at our best Friday night, but it’s going to be a tough challenge.”
Scarlet Knights to know
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis
In his third season as a starter and second at Rutgers, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis brings a wealth of Big Ten experience to the offense.
Through the first three weeks of the season, the Antioch, Illinois native graded out as the No. 3 quarterback in the country per Pro Football Focus (PFF). He’s completed 72.9% of his passes for 820 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions through the first three weeks.
“He’s really done a good job,” Ferentz said. “He was a good player last year for them, but he’s playing at a higher level right now if you look at his stats. It’s significantly better right now, so he’s playing his best football.”
Center Gus Zilinskas
Gus Zilinskas is PFF’s fifth-highest graded center in the nation and third-highest in the Big Ten (behind Michigan State’s Matt Gulbin and Iowa’s Logan Jones). In 205 snaps this season, he’s only allowed one pressure.
The Englewood, Colorado native has started 32 games in five seasons with the program.
Cornerback Bo Mascoe
Cornerback Bo Mascoe leads Rutgers with two pass breakups and is tied for the team lead with one interception. He’s also recorded one tackle for loss.
Per PFF, he’s only been targeted eight times, allowing just three receptions for 32 yards.
While Kaden Wetjen dominated in the return game, Iowa surrendered a blocked punt and kicker Drew Stevens missed an extra point and a 38-yard field goal in Saturday’s win.
Kirk Ferentz met with the media on Tuesday to discuss Iowa’s improving passing attack, the latest on injured Hawkeyes and more.
After 331 games as the head coach of the Iowa football program, Kirk Ferentz became the winningest head coach in Big Ten conference history on Saturday.
Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com.
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Ethan Petrik
University of Iowa Athletics Beat Reporter
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