It'll be cool Friday, with a high of 51 degrees in Des Moines. Temps at 7 p.m. kickoff time will be in the 40s. KCCI's latest weather forecast.

Reviewing the Hawkeyes' 25-24 win over the Nittany Lions shows an ascending defense and dominant run blocking on all levels.

Iowa's running backs have dealt with injuries since the start of the season. Now, head coach Kirk Ferentz said both Jaziun Patterson and TJ Washington Jr. could play against Minnesota, making it the first time all five running backs could be available at once.

Iowa Hawkeyes football is 6-2 and on a roll, but they've got some areas of focus heading into a November of meaningful games.

Mark Gronowski has felt these vibes before, leading a team that started choppy but kept improving. Iowa has a chance to finish strong, too.

Hawkeye fans know, Iowa has rarely enjoyed positive media attention for any sustained period. Part of the Kirk Ferentz approach to program building has been flying under the radar. “We’re not sexy.”

While it has never been much of a question, the hot seat of Iowa football head coach Kirk Ferentz is as cool as the other side of the pillow.