Colorado State (1-2) at No. 5 Iowa (3-0)

1:30 p.m. Saturday, at Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City)

TV: FS1 Radio: 1430 AM, 98.1 FM Line: Iowa -23.5

Weather: 10% chance of thunderstorms, 73 degrees

WHAT TO KNOW

Positive momentum. The misery of two awful losses to begin the year got wiped away last week in CSU’S stunning upset victory at Toledo. It wasn’t pretty (zero offensive touchdowns) but the Rams, as 14.5point underdogs, showcased impressive resiliency and a dominant defense. CSU held Toledo’s offense to just 0.5 yards per rush (28 carries for 13 yards). The Rams compiled seven sacks. CSU should have a newfound confidence that its defense can actually win games.

David vs. Goliath. CSU enters another matchup this week as significant underdogs. Iowa is riding a nine-game winning streak dating back to last year and it has already beaten two ranked opponents this season: Indiana and Iowa State. The Hawkeyes’ defense is second in the nation with six interceptions over their first three games. Starting quarterback Spencer Petras hasn’t thrown a pick this year. Iowa is a team with real College Football Playoff aspirations.

Do the wave. The in-game atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium ranks among the best in all of college football. Pay attention at the end of the first quarter when the entire crowd all turns to wave at the tall building behind the east stands.

They’re acknowledging patients on the top floors of a nearby Children’s Hospital. The heartwarming tradition dates back to 2017 and should be celebrated by college football fans everywhere.

Help on the way. CSU’S Week 3 victory over Toledo was more impressive when you consider the Rams were shorthanded with targeting ejections and multiple injuries to key players. But coach Steve Addazio told reporters this week that junior starting defensive back Tywan Francis is “probable” after missing last week. It’s also possible that star sophomore wide receiver Dante Wright returns from injury. CSU is missing a downfield passing threat from its offense. The Rams need all the help they can get against Iowa.

KEY MATCHUPS

CSU punter Ryan Stonehouse vs. Iowa return unit. Stonehouse is arguably the nation’s top punter. His