Following back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1962, the Gophers are ready to open Big Ten play on Saturday night. Rival Iowa comes to Huntington Bank Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

Minnesota leads the all-time series 63-52-2, but Iowa has won ten of the last twelve meetings. However, the trophy resides in Minneapolis after last year’s 12-10 win in Iowa City. It was coach P.J. Fleck’s first win over Iowa in seven attempts.

We spoke with Fleck Monday on campus about the matchup with the Hawkeyes.

***Click the video box above to watch Fleck’s news conference from Mon. Sept. 16th***

Both teams are 2-1, with both suffering losses vs. Power-4 schools. The Gophers fell vs. North Carolina, while Iowa lost to rival Iowa State.

Iowa opened as a 2.5 point favorite.