Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas at Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes have had a different leading rusher in all three of their games due to various injuries. Last week, FB Mark Weisman more than stepped up to the challenge.

By Mike Singer

Sep 19, 2012 at 10:18 am ET • 2 min read

Keenan Davis, who leads the team with 14 catches for 170 yards this season, is still searching for his first touchdown of the season. (Getty Images)

Central Michigan Chippewas (1-1, 0-0 MAC) at Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten)

Kickoff: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)

Spread: Iowa by 17

Watchability: It should be a low scoring game, not because of superior defenses from, but because both offenses have huge weaknesses. It will be interesting to see how Iowa employs FB Mark Weisman, the newfound star of the Hawkeyes backfield after he rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns last week.

Shining Stars: Iowa: At 6-3, WR Keenan Davis has towered over cornerbacks this season and recorded 14 catches for 170 yards through three games. The Chippewas, despite a veteran secondary, got burned through the air two weekends ago for 322 yards against Michigan State. Could this be the game where quarterback James Vandenberg and Davis finally hook up for the Hawkeyes’ first passing touchdown of the season? Central Michigan: RB Zurlon Tipton already has 242 yards on 28 carries and three touchdowns through just two games. Those numbers are inflated because of a season-opening game against Southeast Missouri State but Tipton still recorded 5.6 yards per carry against Michigan State’s talented linebackers. The junior would’ve had more attempts, but the Spartans’ huge lead forced a more up-tempo offense and 38 passing attempts from Ryan Radcliff.

Who could steal the show: Iowa: No one could have guessed that FB Mark Weisman, a sophomore transfer from Air Force who had just two career carries, would’ve been Iowa’s leading rusher last week against Northern Iowa. But injuries to Damon Bullock and Greg Garmon precipitated the leap and Weisman proved to be a tough, downhill runner, unafraid of running between the tackles. Bullock (head) is doubtful for Saturday’s game and Garmon (elbow) is questionable meaning the Chippewas should still see a full dose of Weisman. Central Michigan: WR Titus Davis already has eight catches for 115 yards this season, after totaling 40 receptions and eight touchdowns a season ago. The Iowa secondary has allowed six plays of at least 22 yards passing and Young could stretch the defense out over the top to help create space for Tipon.

You going? Ranking the road trip: Regardless of the Hawkeyes' on-field success, Iowa City is still a fun place for a gameday, but this game is a potential snoozer. It will only make Iowa fans more frustrated if the Hawkeyes struggle to score against the Chippewas.

Magic number: Iowa: 0. The Hawkeyes haven’t allowed a fourth-quarter point this season, a feat that they accomplished just once all last year.

Magic number: Central Michigan: 1. That number signifies that Central Michigan is the lone team at any level of NCAA football to not have any penalties at this point in the season.

The game comes down to: Whether Central Michigan can contain Iowa’s offense. The Hawkeyes are still searching for their offensive rhythm and could potentially find it against the Chippewas. If not, Iowa is content to just pound out an ugly win, like both of its victories thus far this season.

Prediction: Iowa 27, Central Michigan 13

For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.