Iowa star Kaleb Johnson to test Minnesota's stingy defense

Field Level Media|published: Wed 18th September, 14:32 2024

Sep 7, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs for a 27 yard touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Offense and Iowa haven't exactly gone together like peanut butter and jelly in recent years.

But the Hawkeyes can boast of an NCAA leader in a pretty important category ahead of their Big Ten Conference opener Saturday night against Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Kaleb Johnson enters the weekend as the top rusher in FBS with 479 yards through three games. Last week, he rolled up 173 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries in a come-from-behind 38-21 home win over Troy.

The first Iowa running back to rush for more than 100 yards in three straight games since 2015, Johnson says that he's become a more refined runner in his third season with the Hawkeyes (2-1).

"My first two years here, I was so used to just using my speed on people because that's how it was in high school," he said. "Now, just me knowing that people are faster than me, it kind of hurt a little bit, because I'm used to just outrunning everybody.

"Now, it's just me knowing that and me putting my strength, using my strength and putting my feet and my head down and just going."

Johnson faces a stiff test on the road this week.

The Golden Gophers (2-1) have logged consecutive shutouts since a season-opening, two-point loss to North Carolina. Last week, they eased past Nevada 27-0, limiting the Wolf Pack to 10 first downs and 172 total yards.

Like the Hawkeyes, Minnesota enjoyed a big game from a running back with three touchdowns and 161 yards from scrimmage last week by Darius Taylor.

But the Gophers' strength is their defense, under new coordinator Corey Hetherman, which has permitted only one touchdown.

"He's brought a new energy, new attitude to this team," said linebacker Maverick Baranowski. "We played hard last year, but this year we are really clicking. It helps we're a lot older and more mature."

This will be the 118th meeting of the longtime rivals, who play for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. The Gophers own a 63-52-2 lead in the series, winning last year 12-10 in Iowa City.

--Field Level Media