After defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard round with a score of 48-32, the Green Bay Packers will travel to California to take on the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup that dates back to 1950. However, this is not the only rivalry heading into Saturday’s NFC showdown.
Green Bay Packers Rookie LB Lukas Van Ness Reflects on College Matchup versus Brock Purdy
Rookie linebacker Lukas Van Ness, who got his first sack in the NFL playoffs last Sunday versus Dallas reflected back on his college days when asked about his previous matchup versus 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
Packers rookie OLB Lukas Van Ness and Iowa beat Brock Purdy, 27-17, in the 2021 season.
Purdy threw three INTs that day. Van Ness finished his answer on whether he thought Purdy would become what he has with this:
“He’s an Iowa State guy. You know how I feel about that.” pic.twitter.com/KGgPnOw8su
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 18, 2024
When Van Ness was at the University of Iowa, he matched up with Purdy when he was under center at Iowa State. The Hawkeyes ended up taking home the victory with a score of 27-17 and Purdy threw 3 interceptions in the contest for the Cyclones. When asked about Purdy in an interview, Van Ness acknowledged his improvement since joining the NFL.
“It goes to show, you never really know what people can develop into, or where they will be down the road… Just try not to judge them because you never know where they came from, but he’s an Iowa State guy. So, you know how I feel about that.”
Van Ness gave his respects for Purdy’s development throughout his career so far with a heartfelt message, but ended with expressing his hatred towards a college rival. Van Ness will be extra motivated heading into Saturday’s contest with a chance at an NFC championship appearance.
Brock Purdy Finished with 113.0 Passer Rating in Regular Season for the 49ers
While the Packers rookie may dislike the college that he attended, there is not denying the success that San Francisco have had with Purdy under center. Purdy has thrown for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns with a passer rating of 113.0, which led all quarterbacks who played at least 5 games in the regular season.
While he has taken slack in the media for being surrounded by talent, the stats back up Purdy’s successes under center and his play this season have helped push the 49ers to the top seed in the NFC. This Iowa college rivalry will be settled on Saturday at 8:15 PM Eastern time.
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