Minnesota strikes me as a real make-or-break game for Iowa football 2012.
Lose this game and the season is pretty much down the drain: no respect; losing record suddenly very likely; no post-season play; players (and coaches) questioning themselves; recruits looking elsewhere.
Win, and the team can build on its success: chance to still put together a respectable season and a winning record; generate fan and player enthusiasm; practice becomes more lively; recruits pick up on the enthusiasm.
I am very fearful that if they lose Saturday, the players could mail it in for the rest of the season. We've seen it before.