USA TODAY Sports discusses impact Iowa football vs. Oregon has on College Football Playoff

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The wait is almost over for one of the biggest games that the Iowa Hawkeyes have hosted in the last decade, if not longer. The No. 9 Oregon Ducks come to town to take on the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes from Kinnick Stadium, which figures to live up to every bit of its reputation as being hostile and loud.

As far as on-field play, the Ducks have a slight edge on paper, but that is not stopping outlets and some of college football’s biggest names from taking the Hawkeyes. In a game that figures to be tight with two extremely physical teams, USA TODAY Sports discussed how this game can impact the College Football Playoff.

Oregon at Iowa

Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: This is a huge contest on several fronts. The Ducks are still in need of quality results despite their lofty ranking. The Hawkeyes, who nearly toppled Indiana on this field a month ago, have another opportunity to play themselves into the championship mix. QB Mark Gronowski has provided a needed upgrade to the Hawkeyes’ offense, though it’s been his ability to finish drives by land that has made the biggest difference. He’ll likely be monitored by Ducks LB Bryce Boettcher when his group reaches the red zone. Oregon QB Dante Moore wasn’t as efficient as usual in his most recent outing against Wisconsin. A fast start would help, but that is easier said than done against the stingy Iowa defense, featuring DB Zach Lutmer and LB Karson Sharar.

Why it could disappoint: It’s a Hawkeyes’ home game, so there aren’t likely to be many huge plays. But the momentum can turn at any time, especially in the kicking game, so the level of drama should remain high throughout. – Eddie Timanus USA TODAY Sports

The styles of plays these teams have are similar. While many still think of Oregon as a high-flying, speed-oriented offense, they have proven that they are not afraid to get extremely physical and play the game in the trenches under head coach Dan Lanning.

Iowa wants to play this game in the trenches, and they may get their wish due to the weather, which is forecasted to be cool, rainy, and wet. Kickoff for Iowa versus Oregon is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, this Saturday, November 8, from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, and will air on CBS.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football vs. Oregon carries weight for College Football Playoff

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