IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football returns to the road where it’ll face Minnesota in a rare Friday night game, and with a chance to even its record at 2-2.

The Gophers also have  a chance to even their record at 2-2, so this game is pivotal for both teams.

The winner will stay in the race for the Big Ten West Division title, well, sort of, while loser will be eliminated.

Minnesota is explosive on offense, but a sieve on defense, while Iowa is steady on defense and inconsistent on offense under first-year starting quarterback Spencer Petras.

Mix it all that together and you have what should be an entertaining matchup.

Pat Harty’s predictions

Iowa 31, Minnesota 30: After yet another loss to Iowa, P.J. Fleck  smears poop all over himself while addressing his team afterwards in order to send a message.

Nebraska 27, Penn State 24: Scott Frost agrees to a 15-year contract extension with a full buyout after this program-changing win.

Wisconsin 23, Michigan 21: While Jim Harbaugh picks his nose, I’m picking the Badgers just for making it this far.

Indiana 35, Michigan State 24: Hearing rumors that Michigan State is trying to schedule another game with Michigan, or two.

Purdue 28, Northwestern 24: David Bell will have one catch for every fan in the stands.

Rutgers 33, Illinois 27: Somebody has to be the worst team in the Big Ten, and right now, Illinois is showing signs of being the worst of the worst.

Last week: 4-2, Overall: 13-6

Tyler Devine’s predictions

Iowa 34, Minnesota 30: P.J. Fleck’s idea to allow a hog to call the plays completely backfires.

Penn State 24, Nebraska 10: I channel my inner Nick Saban when thinking about picking Nebraska to win. I’m not going to, so quit asking.

Wisconsin 27, Michigan 17: Thinking this could be its final game of the season, Wisconsin pulls out a victory.

Indiana 42, Michigan State 20: You know it’s been a strange year when I’m actually considering Indiana to be a contender in the Big Ten.

Northwestern 25, Purdue 24: If you had told me before the season that both of these teams would be undefeated going into this game I would have told you to have your head examined.

Illinois 27, Rutgers 21: I would rather attend a three-hour organic chemistry lecture than watch this game.

Last week: 4-2, Overall: 13-6