You’re going to have to scroll for the one staffer riding with the Wildcats.
Slipping to 3-4 after last weekend’s loss to Wisconsin, Northwestern looks to bounce back against a defensively minded Iowa Hawkeyes team. The Hawkeyes have taken the last three meetings, eking past the Wildcats 10-7 last season at Wrigley Field. Here’s who our staffers have taking this one.
Adam Beck: Iowa 24, Northwestern 6
Iowa has exploded for 30-plus points four times this season, but in typical Northwestern fashion this will be a grimy, gritty football game in Iowa City. With Jack Lausch and the offense’s struggles against the Badgers, I’m worried how the Wildcats’ offense, especially the offensive line, holds up against a stout Hawkeyes defense. Plus after allowing 126 yards on the ground to Tawee Walker alone last weekend, Kaleb Johnson, the Big Ten’s leading rusher with 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns, poses a big threat to NU’s defense. Although the Hawkeyes lost a shocker in East Lansing last weekend, a raucous Kinnick Stadium crowd should boost Iowa back in the win column.
Brendan Preisman: Iowa 21, Northwestern 7
Time for an exhibition of Big Ten football that’ll make even the most diehard fans of defense want to look away. Neither of these teams are in the top 100 of the FBS in total offense. No Hawkeye wide receiver has over 200 yards on the year, and they’ve played SEVEN games. Both of these teams have great run defenses (Northwestern is 17th, Iowa 29th), but the difference comes in the rushing offense. Iowa is really good at running the football, to the tune of 210 yards per contest. Northwestern is…not. Kaleb Johnson prances all over Iowa City and the Wildcats’ offense continues their cold streak en route to a fourth conference loss.
Miguel Muñoz: Iowa 20, Northwestern 3
After an abysmal offensive performance in the final game on the lakefill this season, the Wildcats get an even tougher test against a stout Iowa defense, a staple in the Kirk Ferentz era. Jack Lausch has shown flashes here and there of what Northwestern could look like at its best, but there simply hasn’t been enough to be confident that everything will suddenly click for NU on the road at Kinnick Stadium. Northwestern’s defense should have its success against an equally poor (but somewhat improved) Iowa offense; however, the momentum from the crowd should eventually carry the Hawkeyes to a win.
Patrick Winograd: Iowa 26, Northwestern 13
Last week, I thought that Northwestern was playing well enough to keep it close with Wisconsin. Although Northwestern handed Wisconsin some points on a silver platter in that game and could have easily played better on offense, I don’t see the performance getting much better in Iowa City this week. The Hawkeyes are seeking a bounce-back victory after losing to Michigan State last weekend, and Northwestern will unfortunately not be up to the task of catching Iowa off guard for the second week in a row.
Ascher Levin: Iowa 17, Northwestern 14
This game is shaping up to be another low-scoring contest between the two teams. Iowa’s offense has had its moments, mainly driven by its elite run game. Northwestern’s main focus will be stopping the run, something its done well, ranking 17th nationally, allowing just 103.4 rushing yards per game—though the ‘Cats struggled last week, giving up 199 yards to Wisconsin. Iowa’s passing game, led by Cade McNamara, has been atrocious, averaging only 135 yards per game, and there’s been talk of replacing him with NU transfer Brendan Sullivan. It’s hard to believe Iowa doesn’t have a single receiver with more than 200 yards this season. Despite its offensive struggles, Iowa’s defense remains solid, led by linebacker Jay Higgins. Northwestern’s offense had a rough outing last game, and while this will likely be a defensive battle, I don’t think the ‘Cats will score enough to pull off the win.
Charlie Jacobs: Iowa 31, Northwestern 6
Last week against Michigan State, Iowa lost a weird one. In the first half, the Hawkeyes offense was abysmal, but in the second half it was a lot better. The week before, Iowa put up 40 points in a win over Washington. Kaleb Johnson has an argument for being the best offensive player in the Big Ten this season and the ‘Cats haven’t been amazing at stopping the run against teams that have good backs. Indiana and Wisconsin both ran all over Northwestern and this game will likely be no different. The play calling on the offensive side of the ball needs to evolve too for NU, but going into Iowa City for a “get right game” isn’t what any team in the country has on its bucket list. The ‘Cats need to stack the box and hope they can stop Kaleb Johnson. I don’t think they can stop him either way. Give me the Hawkeyes.
Wyatt Audler: Iowa 24, Northwestern 10
A trip to Kinnick Stadium does not bode well for the struggling Northwestern offense. Against Wisconsin, the Wildcats lost 23-3, gaining a paltry 209 all purpose yards and converting only two of 14 third downs. That offensive play combined with multiple unforced errors delivered the ‘Cats arguably their worst loss of the season. As always, the Northwestern defense played hard but was on the field far too often to stay energetic. While the Hawkeyes are a measurable step below the Badgers, they still command a respectable 2-2 Big Ten record. The ‘Cats should be able to leave those deplorable errors against Wisconsin behind, but Iowa commands an offensive identity and consistency that should trump that of Northwestern’s.
Sai Trivedi: Iowa 27, Northwestern 10
The Wildcats’ game against Wisconsin was a golden opportunity to kickstart their first win streak of the season and gain ground in conference play. With that opportunity blown, they now face a daunting challenge on the road against Iowa — a game that will essentially make-or-break their bowl game chances. The Spartans’ defense showed signs of vulnerability against Michigan State, but so has Northwestern’s offense and I find it tough to envision Jack Lausch having a field day against a defense that is looking to respond. Offensively, Kaleb Johnson might be solely enough to carry Iowa to victory, as he’s averaging 7.8 yards per carry this year and is arguably one of the country’s best backs not named Ashton Jeanty. Even though the ‘Cats run defense has been solid, they won’t be able to contain Johnson on his home field. And as proven last week, even if the ‘Cats win the turnover battle, they can still lose the game.
Natalie Wells: Iowa 31, Northwestern 9
It’s a battle between the unstoppable force (Iowa’s rushing attack) and the immovable object (NU’s defensive line). This week, the former will prevail. Not only will Kaleb Johnson run all over the ‘Cats for more than 100 yards, but I think the Hawkeyes’ secondary is going to hold Jack Lausch below a 50% completion rate for a second consecutive game. With NU unable to move the ball at this point in the year, Iowa doesn’t need Cade McNamara to excel. As long as he plays field general, the Hawkeyes will have an easy day and dispatch the ‘Cats.
Ethan Weinberg: Iowa 27, Northwestern 6
Last week’s loss to Wisconsin was a massive setback for the ‘Cats, and it won’t get any easier against Iowa. Kaleb Johnson will prove unstoppable on the ground for the Hawkeyes, giving Northwestern’s defensive line its toughest challenge yet. For the offense, the results won’t be any better. Jack Lausch will struggle against a top-tier defense, proving especially ineffective in the air. Iowa’s defense isn’t as stout as it was when these two teams played last year, but it should easily hold a weaker NU offense in check. The Wildcat Classic at Wrigley last year produced a tight 10-7 scoreline, but given where these teams lie I don’t think it will be anywhere as close this time around.
Dylan Friedland: Northwestern 27, Iowa 24
Everyone is expecting a low scoring game. Well I say to heck with that. Lausch is due for a bounce back game and he’s going to bring some of that Maryland magic with him to Iowa. The only thing longer than the drive to Kinnick Stadium will be Lausch’s drives down the field as the ‘Cats put up an offensive performance to be proud of. The defense will do just enough to hold off Iowa’s potent rushing attack. Give me the upset!
Season Standings:
6-1: Adam Beck
5-2: Brendan Preisman, Ascher Levin, Natalie Wells, Ethan Weinberg
4-1: Miguel Muñoz
4-3: Charlie Jacobs
2-1: Harris Horowitz
1-0: Weldon Genies, Calvin Kaplan, Patrick Winograd
1-1: Ben Adams, Wyatt Audler, Sai Trivedi