Rutgers 2016 Season Game 4: Iowa

                                                                   (John Blaine — For The Trentonian)

WHO: Iowa (2-1, 0-0) at Rutgers (2-1, 0-0)

WHEN: Saturday at noon ET

WHERE: High Point Solutions Stadium; ESPN2 (TV)

COACHES: Iowa: Kirk Ferentz (18th season, 129-88); Rutgers: Chris Ash (first season, 2-1)

SERIES: This marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

LAST WEEK: Rutgers dug itself out of another first-quarter hole, beating New Mexico, 37-28. Iowa was upset by five-time reigning FCS champion North Dakota State on a last-minute field goal, 23-21.

RUTGERS WINS IF: The Scarlet Knights' offense gets in rhythm early. No, we're serious this time. Rutgers' opening series in three games so far: three-and-out, interception, three-and-out. First quarter deficits: 24-0, 14-7, 21-7. Suffice to say, that won't cut it against the reigning Big Ten West champion. Will Rutgers take more shots downfield? Establishing manageable third downs for junior QB Chris Laviano, who might be playing for his job Saturday, is key. And then dominoes in all other phases must align.

IOWA WINS IF: The Hawkeyes control the ground game. Without two starting interior linemen against NDSU, Iowa uncharacteristically rushed for 34 net yards after compiling 410 in their first two contests. James Daniels (C) and Sean Welsh (RG) are both expected back this week. Either way, should the Hawkeyes return to their smash-mouth ways, it will likely be a laborious afternoon in Piscataway for the home team.

EXTRA POINTS: With his special teams score last week, senior Janarion Grant is now tied for first in FBS history with eight career kick return touchdowns. ... Rutgers is 0-4 all-time against teams in the Big Ten West Division. ... Iowa's leading tackler, Ben Niemann, is the son of Rutgers defensive coordinator Jay Niemann. ... The Hawkeyes have won eight straight Big Ten regular season games, their last loss coming Nov. 28, 2014 against Nebraska.

PREDICTION: Iowa 38, Rutgers 17

Game week stories

Feature: Rutgers' Chris Laviano faces pivotal moment in Big Ten opener

Film Review: Examining Rutgers' defense against New Mexico with Big Ten play looming

Feature: As Iowa game week commences, a rundown of Rutgers' coaching ties to the state

Got a comment or feedback? You can tweet me @gregp_j or email gjohnson@trentonian.com. Enjoy the beginning of Big Ten season.

— Greg Johnson