Northwestern (5-4, 2-3 Big 10) vs. No. 8 Iowa (9-0, 5-0), Saturday, Noon ET
Line: Iowa by 16.5
Series Record: Iowa leads 46-21-3
Last Meeting: Northwestern 22-17 (2008).
What's at Stake
Iowa can move one step closer to a Big Ten title and stay in the BCS championship game hunt with a win. The Hawkeyes could also use a clean, decisive win over an unranked foe to boost their resume for those unconvinced pollsters. For Northwestern, a win would make them bowl-eligible and give the Wildcats the signature win they've lacked this season.
Key Matchup
Northwestern's running game vs. Iowa's defense. The Wildcats are 94th nationally with just 121.9 yards rushing per game, which is about as much as the Hawkeyes allow per game. Northwestern will have to establish a running attack given the questionable health of QB Mike Kafka.
Players to Watch
Northwestern: Kafka. He suffered a hamstring injury in a 34-13 loss to Penn State. Mobile quarterbacks have given Iowa some trouble this season, so Kafka's health is key.
Iowa: QB Ricky Stanzi. Although he threw five picks against Indiana, his pair of TD throws to open the fourth quarter helped Iowa beat the Hoosiers 42-24. Iowa is a heavy favorite against the Wildcats, but turnovers could keep Northwestern in the game.
Facts and Figures
Northwestern is the only team that's won more than once at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa's last 51 games there. The Wildcats won in Iowa City 21-7 in 2006 and 22-17 last season. ... Iowa is 5-0 in the Big Ten for the first time since 2002, when it finished 8-0 in league play. ... Both teams are averaging exactly 25.7 points per game, but the Hawkeyes are stingier on defense by eight points. Iowa is also plus-18 in turnover margin, while Northwestern is minus-1 in takeaways.