The Big Ten schedule makers likely did not realize it at the time, but they gave Rutgers the perfect second-week opponent.

The Scarlet Knights, basking in the glow of their first win in close to a year, have to move past UMass and prepare for their conference opener Saturday at No. 19 Iowa (12 p.m., FS1). Rutgers is a 20.5-point underdog as of Monday morning.

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There are two ways to look at Iowa. The view through scarlet-colored glasses: The Hawkeyes lack a high-flying offense and a decisive athletic advantage, giving the Scarlet Knights a chance to be competitive. On the other hand, Iowa specializes in brute force in the trenches – typically not a favorable situation for the Scarlet Knights.

It is the second time Rutgers has faced Iowa since joining the Big Ten/ever. The Hawkeyes won, 14-7, in Piscataway in 2016. It will also be Chris Ash’s first trip back to his home state as the Scarlet Knights’ head coach.

Here is a quick look at what fans need to know:

IOWA HAWKEYES:

Last week: Iowa trailed early and led by a field goal at halftime. The Hawkeyes turned it on in the second half and cruised to a 38-14 win over a Miami of Ohio team that has been bowl eligible two of the last three seasons and has a .667 winning percentage in MAC play during that span. The Hawkeyes’ offense was excellent in the second half, finishing with 465 yards of offense, and their defensive line took over.

THREE THINGS ON OFFENSE:

Alaric Jackson is out: The Hawkeyes will be without their star left tackle after he suffered a right knee injury against Miami. Ferentz said Jackson does not need surgery and will play again this season, but he is expected to miss a few weeks. The 6-foot-7, 320-pounder was an All-Big Ten second-team selection last fall and is a projected first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Nate Stanley: Arguably the most underrated quarterback in the Big Ten had a strong start to his season. Stanley went 21-of-30 passing for 252 yards and three touchdowns, one going to Weequahic High product Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a one-time Rutgers commit. Getting to Stanley will be crucial for Rutgers on Saturday. He likes to use his tight ends, which is an area Rutgers had some struggles with against UMass. Iowa converted 64.3 percent of its third downs, the best clip in the Big Ten so far.

Mekhi Sargent: The Florida native has emerged as Iowa’s top back, and he did his best Raheem Blackshear against Miami. Sargent led the Hawkeyes in both rushing and receiving, carrying the ball 14 times for 91 yards and a touchdown and hauling in four catches for 65 yards. The Hawkeyes had about a 57-43 run-to-pass ratio; they will likely look to stay around that mark against Rutgers.

THREE THINGS ON DEFENSE:

A.J. Epenesa: Rutgers is going to see a slew of elite pass rushers this season. It starts on Saturday with Epenesa. The junior defensive end is a potential top-10 pick next spring after registering 10.5 sacks and forcing four fumbles last fall. Epenesa had one tackle and no sacks against Miami, but do not get fooled by that stat line. He was double- and triple-teamed almost every play. Epenesa has game-wrecking ability, but his presence alone changes how offenses operate and can create issues elsewhere. It will be a tall task for Rutgers and left tackle Raiqwon O’Neal, as well as the Scarlet Knights’ tight ends.

Stingy on the ground: The Hawkeyes were ranked 12th nationally in run defense a year ago. They held Miami to just 59 yards on 25 carries (2.36 yards per) with no run longer than nine yards. This is a measuring stick for how far Rutgers’ offensive line has come and how impactful Blackshear and Isaih Pacheco can be against top Big Ten teams.

Vulnerable in the air? Iowa did give up four pass plays of 20-plus yards and one 30-plus yard pass to Miami. Rutgers had six and three, respectively, against UMass. Michael Ojemudia had the Hawkeyes’ lone interception against Miami.

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INITIAL INSTINCT:

This will be an acid test for Rutgers. Iowa will be formidable up front on both sides of the ball. Its defensive line will force the Scarlet Knights to handle pressure while devoting extra resources to Epenesa on most, if not all, downs. Fans should not draw much confidence from Iowa’s slow first half against Miami. The RedHawks are significantly better than UMass. I don’t see a Kirk Ferentz-coached team sleeping on a league opponent either, even with Iowa State a week away.

The belief here is Iowa will likely deliver a wake-up call for Rutgers in some key areas. If the Scarlet Knights can protect the football, make a few plays and control the clock, they have a shot. But there is a better chance the Hawkeyes lump them up.

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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.