Iowa Football Hosts Northern Iowa in Week 3: Hawkeyes Look to Stay Undefeated
Iowa football fans have a reason to tune in this Saturday as the 18th-ranked Hawkeyes welcome in-state rival Northern Iowa to Kinnick Stadium for a 4 p.m. showdown on FS1. The Hawkeyes enter the Week 3 matchup as heavy favorites, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing Iowa at -41.5 points. It's a chance for Kirk Ferentz's squad to keep rolling before Big Ten play heats up.
The game is part of a loaded Saturday college football slate that includes several consequential Top 25 matchups with national playoff implications. But for Iowa fans, this one hits close to home. The Panthers of the Missouri Valley Football Conference will look to pull off a massive upset on the road, something no FCS team has done against Iowa in recent memory.
How to Watch Iowa vs. Northern Iowa
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Eastern (3 p.m. local time in Iowa) on FS1. The game will also be available for streaming through the Fox Sports app. Iowa enters the contest with a 2-0 record after dominant wins to open the season, while Northern Iowa comes in looking to make a statement against a Power Five opponent.
The Hawkeyes' defense has been the story so far this season, stifling opponents and forcing turnovers at a high rate. Expect more of the same against a Panthers offense that will need to be nearly perfect to stay competitive in Kinnick Stadium, one of the toughest environments in college football.
Week 3 College Football Schedule: Key Games to Watch
While Iowa fans will have their eyes on Kinnick, there's no shortage of intriguing matchups across the country on Saturday. Here's a look at the biggest games on the Week 3 slate:
Early Games: Georgia Faces SEC Test
The early window features second-ranked Georgia opening SEC play on the road at Arkansas (12 p.m., ABC). The Bulldogs are favored by 24.5 points, but Arkansas always plays Georgia tough in Fayetteville. Sixth-ranked Ohio State also returns to action after last week's heartbreaking 1-point loss at Texas, hosting Kent State (12 p.m., Fox) as a massive 52.5-point favorite. Penn State hosts Buffalo at noon on BTN.
Afternoon Games: Alabama Looks for Revenge
The afternoon slate features 10th-ranked Alabama hosting Florida State (3:30 p.m., ABC) in a rematch of last year's Seminoles victory. Alabama is a 20.5-point favorite, but Florida State coach Mike Norvell is coaching for his job and his team will be desperate. The only ranked matchup in the afternoon window pits 16th-ranked SMU against 23rd-ranked Louisville (3:30 p.m., ESPN2), with Louisville a slim 1.5-point favorite at home.
Other notable afternoon games include 9th-ranked Texas A&M hosting Kentucky (3:30 p.m., ESPN), 12th-ranked USC at Rutgers (3:30 p.m., CBS), and 4th-ranked Indiana hosting Western Kentucky (4 p.m., Peacock).
Primetime: Lane Kiffin Returns to Oxford
The game of the week comes in the primetime window as 7th-ranked LSU travels to Oxford to face 8th-ranked Ole Miss (7:30 p.m., ABC). Tigers coach Lane Kiffin returns to the school he left in the offseason for LSU, and the Rebels have had this one circled for months. LSU is a 3-point road favorite in what promises to be a hostile environment.
Other primetime games include 3rd-ranked Notre Dame hosting Michigan State (7:30 p.m., NBC), 11th-ranked BYU at Colorado State (7:30 p.m., CBS), and top-ranked Texas hosting UTSA (8 p.m., SECN+).
Why This Game Matters for Iowa
For Iowa, Saturday is about more than just a win. It's about building momentum and confidence before the Hawkeyes dive into a brutal Big Ten schedule. A dominant performance against Northern Iowa would send a message to the rest of the conference and keep Iowa in the conversation for a potential playoff berth.
The Hawkeyes have championship aspirations this season, and games like this are where championship teams separate themselves. Expect Ferentz to have his team focused and ready to take care of business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Football This Week
What time does Iowa play Northern Iowa?
Iowa hosts Northern Iowa at 4 p.m. Eastern (3 p.m. local) on Saturday, September 19. The game will be broadcast on FS1.
Are the Iowa Hawkeyes ranked this week?
Yes, Iowa enters Week 3 ranked 18th in the AP Top 25 poll with a 2-0 record.
What is the betting line for Iowa vs. Northern Iowa?
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Iowa is a 41.5-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5 total points.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.