Iowa has a place in Max Brosmer’s origin story. The transfer quarterback has firmly staked himself onto the Gophers’ side of the Floyd of Rosedale rivalry, but he was born in Davenport, Iowa — only 55 miles east to the Hawkeyes’ campus in Iowa City.

Through three weeks, the Gophers defense has proven itself as the team’s biggest strength. The unit is coming off of back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1962. Only one other team in the country — Missouri — has posted two shutouts this season already.

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz, both steeped in the rivalry’s tradition, have seen the past three meetings decided by 10 points combined.

Records: Minnesota and Iowa are both 2-1 with a loss to a Power 4 Conference opponent. The Gophers fell 19-17 to North Carolina in the season opener on Aug 29. The Hawkeyes dropped its first rivalry game, 20-19 to Iowa State on Sept. 7.

The Hawkeyes had won eight straight in this historic series before a controversial finish last season in Iowa City. To keep Floyd of Rosedale, the Gophers will need to overcome Iowa’s stifling run defense.