Week 5: Northwestern at Iowa

At first glance this game might look like a cakewalk for the Hawkeyes. But considering the Wildcats have won two of the last three in this meeting, and are one of four remaining unbeatens in the Big Ten, it leads many to believe Iowa has trouble ahead.

The Hawkeyes rank first in scoring defense (7.2 points per game) and hope to use their strong front seven to corral senior running back Tyrell Sutton, who has had a hot start to 2008. Iowa allows just 3.1 yards per carry, yet they rank 10th in the conference in the number of opposing rushing attempts. Like Iowa’s other four opponents, Northwestern will be stubborn about running the ball against the Hawkeyes, too.

Northwestern fans hope this game will feature the return of the team’s high-flying pass offense of 2007. So far C.J. Bacher and his receivers have remained parked in the garage; the Wildcats rank sixth in Big Ten passing, and Bacher has more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (three). One problem for the Wildcats this week will be an intolerant Iowa pass defense, which has permitted opposing quarterbacks a completion percentage of 50.8 and allowed no passing scores.

Notes:

The Hawkeyes won this game, 28-17, last year after trailing early, 14-0. It was a big day for Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen (299 yards) and for Sutton (116 rushing yards for Northwestern).

This game features the conference’s top ranked red zone offense (Northwestern) against its top ranked red zone defense (Iowa).

The last time Iowa beat Northwestern on its home turf was 2002 (62-10).

Key Player (Wildcats) – Vince Browne, DE

Last week’s Big Ten co-defensive player of the week (Northwestern’s first since 2005) must create the same kind of pressure on Christensen that he did against Ohio. Northwestern’s best method for winning this game will be to force the hometown Hawkeyes into making mistakes.

Key Player (Hawkeyes) – Shonn Greene, RB

The 235-pound junior has averaged 6.5 yards per carry so far this season. He faces a run defense that has allowed just 2.9 yards per carry in its four games. Something has to give and it’ll probably be that Wildcat defense.

Iowa by 11