Central Michigan @ Iowa preview

A different player has led the Iowa ground attack in its first three games this season, and the running back carousel will continue as the Hawkeyes host Central Michigan on Saturday afternoon. Sophomore walk-on fullback Mark Weisman is listed as the starting running back after injuries knocked out two backs during last week’s 27-16 win against Northern Iowa. The Hawkeyes used a balanced offense in the win – gaining more than 200 yards on the ground and through the air for the first time since 2010 – but they don’t have a passing touchdown this season. The Chippewas had a week off after giving up 495 yards in a 41-7 loss to Michigan State.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Iowa -14.5.

ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (1-1): Sophomore receiver-turned-cornerback Jason Wilson scored the Chippewas’ only points against Michigan State, returning an interception 55 yards with 1:39 left in the game. Leading rusher Zurlon Tipton was held to 62 yards after rushing for 180 yards and three scores in a 38-27 win against Southeast Missouri State. Senior Ryan Radcliff has completed 31 of 61 passes for 344 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and has only been sacked once. Sophomore linebacker Justin Cherocci has turned in back-to-back games with double-digit tackles and ranks fourth in the country with 12.5 tackles per game. The Chippewas, who are 0-2 against Iowa, are playing two Big Ten teams for the first time since 2008.

ABOUT IOWA (2-1): Weisman scored two short touchdowns from his fullback position last week before taking over the running duties when sophomore Damon Bullock (head) and freshman Greg Garmon (elbow) left with injuries. Weisman finished with 113 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. He’ll be backed up by freshman Mike Malloy, who is looking for his first collegiate action. Bullock is doubtful and Garmon is questionable, but Iowa got good news when sophomore Jordan Canzeri was cleared to return to practice after offseason ACL surgery. Iowa allowed six sacks in a season-opening win against Northern Illinois but none since. The Hawkeye defense – led by junior linebacker Anthony Hitchens' 37 tackles – has not allowed any points in fourth quarter this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Central Michigan is the only team in the country without a penalty called against it this season.

2. Iowa is 9-1 over the past two seasons when senior quarterback James Vandenberg completes 60 percent of his passes.

3. Central Michigan is 4-22 all-time against Big Ten opponents. It is 2-5 in its last seven meetings, with five of those decided by seven points or less

PREDICTION: Iowa 31, Central Michigan 13.