Can't Wait For Saturday Who needs the win more? For CFP sake, the Hawkeyes

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Nov. 7—***

As promised, my prediction for Saturday's Iowa-Oregon matchup: Hawkeyes 16, Ducks 13.

For fans of Big Ten football, it should be what you are rooting for. An Iowa win gives the conference another potential entry point into the College Football Playoff.

The Hawkeyes have two losses and won't have a chance if they get another. But the two losses came against Iowa State, a bitter rival that played well before a rash of injuries, and Indiana. The Hawkeyes led late against what is now the nation's No. 2 team.

Beating Oregon is a must for Iowa to make the CFP. But it won't be home free even with a victory. It will need to follow it up with a win next weekend at Southern California.

As the CFP standings read today, the Big Ten is a great bet to get three teams: Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon. A fourth bid is possible from among Iowa, Southern Cal, Washington and Michigan. All four of those teams need to win out to have a chance.

Kirk Ferentz is an easy guy to root for. The longest-tenured Big Ten coach followed Hayden Fry in Iowa City and has made the program even stronger.

The Hawkeyes win with defense, special teams and at times despite their offense. But even that issues seems to have been fixed this season.

If Iowa makes the CFP, it will be a heavy underdog on the road in the opener. A proper setup for an upset.

Now, if Oregon goes to Kinnick Stadium and wins by 40, ignore the previous. But I don't think that will happen.

With Illinois off on Saturday, I plan to plop down in my favorite chair with healthy snacks nearby and spend three hours or so watching potential CFP teams. A much better idea than, say, raking.

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