GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Iowa’s defensive line has put heat on opposing quarterbacks most of the season, and they’ll be trying to do the same on Friday against emerging Nebraska freshman quarterback Adrian Martinez. The Hawkeyes are tied for second in the Big Ten with 31 sacks, and defensive end A.J. Epenesa has accounted for 8.5. Defensive end Anthony Nelson is right behind with 7.5 sacks. The pass rush pressure has played a part in Iowa’s 17 interceptions, which lead the Big Ten and are the second highest total in the country. Martinez has completed 64.1 percent of his passes this year for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Michigan State limited Martinez to 145 yards through the air and no touchdowns last week, and he might not have one of his go-to receivers Friday. JD Spielman, who leads Nebraska in receptions (66) and touchdown catches (eight), didn’t play last Saturday and his status is uncertain this week.
DRAFT SLANT
–TE Noah Fant seems likely to leave after this season for the 2019 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5 Fant is projected by NFLDraftScout.com as a first-round pick, and Iowa’s curious use of the athletic tight end has led to discussions that he will take the NFL money and run. A preseason All-American, Fant has seven touchdown receptions this year compared with 11 in 2017. “I’m not really sure,” Fant said of his future plans. “I haven’t really talked to the coaches about it. That’s a pretty good situation to be in. You can say, ‘Maybe I want to go higher. Maybe I want to be a top 10 pick’ or something like that — there’s no way to know that until after the season.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–FB Brady Ross has a chance to return for Friday’s home game against Nebraska. He has been out since he suffered an injury during an October game against Indiana.
–DE A.J. Espenesa was named the co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after the 63-0 over Illinois last week. He had 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks and blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
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