The Washington Huskies visit the Iowa Hawkeyes in a crucial Big Ten matchup that will likely be a grind-it-out defensive battle. Both teams are looking to gain momentum after mixed starts to their seasons. Washington, coming off a 27-17 win over Michigan, is known for its high-powered offense, but they’ll face one of the toughest defenses in the Big Ten. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been the catalyst for the Huskies, passing for over 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns so far. His ability to connect with his wide receivers, particularly Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze, has kept Washington’s offense moving. However, the Huskies will need to adapt against a stingy Iowa defense that has allowed just 18 points per game and excels at forcing turnovers.

Iowa’s defensive front, anchored by senior linebacker Jack Campbell, will look to disrupt Washington’s timing and force Penix into making quick decisions. Offensively, the Hawkeyes have struggled to put up points, averaging just 19.4 points per game. Quarterback Cade McNamara has been inconsistent, and Iowa’s run game, led by Kaleb Johnson, hasn’t been able to generate the big plays needed to sustain drives. For Washington, the key will be to maintain offensive efficiency and protect Penix from Iowa’s pressure. If they can establish an early lead, it will put pressure on Iowa’s offense, which is not built to play from behind. Iowa, on the other hand, will aim to control the clock, limit Washington’s possessions, and lean on their defense to keep the game within reach.