Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz says P.J. Fleck has built a consistent winner at Minnesota. A pair of 5-2 teams collide in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday in the 119th meeting in the series.

Fleck is in his ninth season at Minnesota and Ferentz says the Gophers have succeeded with a physical, fundamentally sound style of football.

Ferentz says the Iowa defense will be challenged by a Minnesota offense led by redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey.

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski has been a big part of Iowa’s run game. The South Dakota State transfer rushed for 130 yard in last weeks win over Penn State and his power running style has given the Hawkeye offense an added dimension.

Ferentz says with an understated level of confidence, Gronowski has become the leader of the team.

Gronowski’s 67-yard run set up Iowa’s game winning touchdown against the Nittany Lions.