Can Wildcats keep edge over Northwestern?
Iowa (7-2, 4-1) at Northwestern (6-3, 2-3)
When: 11 a.m. Saturday at Ryan Field
TV: ESPN; Radio: WGN 720-AM
Series: Iowa leads 46-22-3
Coaches: Kirk Ferentz (88-57, 12th year at Iowa; 100-78 overall); Pat Fitzgerald (33-26, fifth year at NU)
Iowa players to watch: QB Ricky Stanzi ranks third nationally in pass efficiency for No. 13 Iowa. He's hitting 68 percent of his throws for 2,212 yards, 20 TDs and 3 INTs. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is Iowa's all-time leader in catches (163) and yards (2,440). DE Adrian Clayborn (6 TFLs, 4 hurries, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick) is one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award, which goes to the sport's best lineman. Markus Zusevics (Prospect HS) has started all 9 games at right tackle while Brett Morse (Hinsdale Central HS) has started 21 of last 22 at fullback.
NU players to watch: QB Dan Persa and Auburn's Cam Newton are the nation's only players ranked among the top 12 in passing efficiency) and total offense. Has anyone heard of this Newton fellow? WR Jeremy Ebert leads the Big Ten with 789 receiving yards. He also owns 7 TD catches. DE Vince Browne continues to rank among the Big Ten's top four in sacks (6) and tackles for loss (11.5).
The skinny: Twelve Northwestern seniors will be introduced prior to kickoff. NU has knocked off the Hawkeyes four of the last five years, but Pat Fitzgerald doesn't have an explanation for it other than turnover margin. Sure enough, the Wildcats enjoyed a plus-7 turnover ratio while winning at Iowa City each of the last two years. Can the trend continue? Iowa ranks third nationally with a plus-12 margin this year, which puts NU's decent plus-6 margin to shame. The Hawks also rank fifth nationally in rushing defense, which means NU's iffy running game will need even more magic from Persa. If you didn't know, he already leads NU in rushing (469 yards) and rushing TDs (8).
Big Ten race ramifications: Iowa is one of four teams with 1 league loss, but it's the only one with a non-conference loss as well. The Hawks must win out and hope Michigan State and Wisconsin get upset down the stretch.
He said it: Pat Fitzgerald on Iowa's unvarnished style: “They're just outstanding at what they do (defensively). They've been that way for 12 years... They don't try to do a lot of things with smoke and mirrors. They just punch you in the face and continue to do it.”