The Massachusetts Minutemen are set to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in Week 3 of the 2025 Regular Season. The game will take place at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM. Fans can catch the action live on BTN.
Massachusetts heads into this matchup searching for their first win of the season, holding a 0-2 record. Their recent games at home have resulted in losses, including a narrow 27-26 defeat to Bryant Bulldogs and a 42-10 loss to Temple Owls.
Iowa, on the other hand, boasts a 1-1 record, having secured a decisive 34-7 victory against Albany Great Danes in their home opener. However, they are coming off a close 16-13 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones. With a strong home performance history, the Hawkeyes will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage this Saturday.
Iowa vs Massachusetts At a Glance
- Game Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Location: Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA
- TV Channel: BTN
- Weather: Outdoor Field
- Iowa Hawkeyes Record: 1-1 this season
- Massachusetts Spread: +35.5 (-115)
Iowa Hawkeyes Prepare for Battle in Week 3 Showdown
Offensive Overview
The Iowa Hawkeyes have struggled offensively in the 2025 season, with their points for ranking 46th overall. Their passing game has been a weak point, ranking 156th, and contributing to the challenges they’ve faced on offense. However, their rushing yards rank 31st, showcasing a strong ground game.
Despite these struggles, the Hawkeyes have managed to earn 35 first downs, placing them 29th in that category. Their ability to move the chains is crucial for sustaining drives and giving their defense ample rest. Improving their passing game will be key to their success in upcoming games.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Hawkeyes have been impressive, with points against ranked 15th. This shows their ability to limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities. Their pass rush is effective, with their sack total ranking 9th, putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
While the Hawkeyes have not yet recorded an interception, they have been successful in recovering fumbles, ranking 5th in this category. Their defense’s ability to force turnovers and create opportunities for their offense will be a focus in future games.
Key Players
Mark Gronowski leads the Hawkeyes as their top quarterback, amassing 127 passing yards over two games. His ability to manage the game and minimize turnovers will be essential. On the ground, Xavier Williams has been a standout performer, rushing for 148 yards, ranking 78th overall.
Williams’ contributions in the running game have been vital, particularly given the team’s passing struggles. Kaden Wetjen has been a notable receiver, recording two receptions and a touchdown, adding a spark to the passing attack.
Recent Game Performances
In Week 1, the Hawkeyes secured a convincing 34-7 victory over the Albany Great Danes, demonstrating their potential when executing effectively on both sides of the ball. Their rushing attack was especially potent, amassing 310 yards.
However, Week 2 saw them fall short in a 16-13 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones. Despite outgaining the Cyclones on the ground, the Hawkeyes’ passing woes continued, with only 83 yards through the air.
Betting Trends
- Iowa is 1-1 against the spread in their last two games.
- The total has gone under in one of Iowa’s last two games.
- Iowa’s next game is at home against the Massachusetts Minutemen.
Massachusetts Minutemen: Ready to Make a Mark in Iowa
Team Overview
The Massachusetts Minutemen have had a challenging start to their 2025 season, falling short in their first two games. Their offense has shown potential, ranking 54th with 36 points scored so far. However, the defense has allowed 69 points, placing them at 57th in that category.
Massachusetts will be looking to improve on their defensive stats, where they rank 3rd in interceptions with two picks. Despite their struggles, the Minutemen’s ability to force turnovers might play a crucial role against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Offensive Performance
On the offensive side, the Minutemen have averaged 456 passing yards, ranking 64th. Their passing game has been consistent, but the rushing attack needs more momentum, currently ranking 99th with 204 rushing yards.
First downs have been a bright spot for Massachusetts, with the team achieving 39 first downs, ranking them 25th overall. This indicates the team’s capability to maintain possession and drive the field effectively.
Defensive Standings
Defensively, the Minutemen have recorded two sacks, placing them 9th, and have yet to recover a fumble this season. Improvement in these areas will be essential to their defensive strategy moving forward.
Despite their current ranking, the Minutemen’s defense has shown glimpses of potential, especially with their interceptions. They will need to build on this to stifle Iowa’s offensive threats.
Key Players
Quarterback Grant Jordan has been the driving force for the Minutemen, leading the team with 211 passing yards. Wide receiver Jacquon Gibson has emerged as a key target with 19 receptions, accumulating 221 receiving yards, ranking him 16th nationally.
Running back Rocko Griffin has contributed significantly with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, highlighting his role in the offense. These players will be pivotal in their game against the Hawkeyes.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-2 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
As the Minutemen prepare to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes, their performance in previous games may provide insights into their strategy and potential outcomes. Their betting trends reflect a team capable of covering spreads and hitting the over, suggesting a competitive edge that could surprise the odds.
Iowa vs Massachusetts Prediction: Iowa -35.5
The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming into this game with a strong home performance, having secured a victory in their only home game this season. The Hawkeyes’ defense, ranked 15th in points against, will be a key factor in shutting down the Massachusetts offense, which has struggled with an 0-2 start. Playing at Kinnick Stadium gives Iowa a significant advantage, and their rushing attack, ranked 31st, should exploit the Massachusetts defense.
Massachusetts has had difficulty on both sides of the ball, with a defense that has already allowed 69 points in just two games. Their offense, particularly their rushing game ranked 99th, may struggle to find any success against Iowa’s stout defensive front. Given the current form of both teams, Iowa should cover the spread comfortably.
The game odds reflect a significant spread with Iowa favored at -35.5. Despite the large spread, the combination of Iowa’s solid defense and potent rushing attack points towards a dominant performance. Massachusetts, having yet to play a road game this season, may find the atmosphere and Iowa’s physicality overwhelming.
Iowa is expected to dictate the tempo and control both sides of the ball, likely leading to a decisive win. Given these factors, the prediction for this game is Iowa to cover the -35.5 spread, with a projected final score of Iowa 42 – Massachusetts 3.
- Iowa vs Massachusetts Prediction: Iowa -35.5
- Iowa vs Massachusetts Score: Iowa 42 – Massachusetts 3
