So, we do have another Top 5 match up on Saturday, with Kirk Ferentz and Pat Fitzgerald squaring off.
Iowa has lost 4 of last 5 in this series and won 2 of last 3 in Evanston.
Last there in 2019: Iowa won 20-21
Last year, L 21-20.
Offensively, Iowa averages 24 points to Northwestern's 14 points in B1G games in 2021.
On defense, the Hawkeyes allow 18.2 points in Big Ten games, while the Wildcats 35.0. Iowa is fourth in the conference, and the Top 3 are Iowa's last three opponents.
A 10+ point win by Iowa would appear to be par, but Iowa is coming off an awful two game losing streak, after reaching #2 in polls.
Another 3 QB monster on Saturday night against Northwestern for the Hawks?
Running backs Evan Hull (5.8) and Tyler Goodson (4.0) are 9th & 10th in Big Ten games rushing the ball yardage wise. Each back only has one touchdown in Big Ten games on the ground.
At QB, Iowa's Spencer Petras is 9th in B1G games and Northwestern's Ryan Helsinki is 10th (4 games).
WR Malik Washington is 12th in the Big Ten receiving, long of 64, 1 TD, of the top 25 receivers. Sam LaPorta is 15th. No TDs in B1G games, and a long of 27.
Northwestern plays a lot of defense in 2021. Three players are Top 11 in B1G games.
Returnng starting senior LB Chris Bergin leads the B1G's in tackling in Big Ten games played. RS freshman Bryce Gallagher is #8 and super sophomore S Brandon Joseph is #11. Joseph is eligible for the NFL Draft in 2022. S Coco Azema is 16th in conference game tackles.
Iowa's top tacklers are to no surprise, LB Jack Campbell (15th), LB Seth Benson (17) and FS Jack Koerner (23) among Big Ten’s top 25.
TFL - Sophomore DE Adetomiwa Afebawore is 18th. No Hawks in Top 25.
Sacks - No Hawks in Top 25 in B1G games, while senior DF Jeremy Meiser (19th) is 18th in B1G games played.
Top Pass Defender for Northwestern is S Brandon Joseph, but no one in in Top 25 for interceptions this season for Wildcats.
Turnovers have been B1G in past Iowa-Northwestern games. Northwestern fans see a little of their 2019 offense in Iowa right now.
Iowa's defense has not forced a turnover in the past two games played. Purdue did have one fumble at end zone. Hawkeyes are -6 otherwise in 0-2 games.
Iowa is 3rd on KO coverage in B1G behind Ohio State and Northwestern. Northwestern is 0-4 in five Big Ten games kicking FGs. Iowa is 8 for 9, with a miss against Purdue.
Northwestern is 11th in net punting. So, special teams. Iowa third in punt returns, while Wildcats at 8th. Kick returns Iowa is 2nd behind Ohio State, while Northwestern is 9th.
Iowa needs to see their young special teams step up. Iowa has veterans, but both gunners are now injured.
Control-ALT-Delete Week 10 Game, Iowa at Northwestern on BTN, Saturday at 6 PM
