Northwestern hopes to get back on track after a disastrous three-game skid as it travels to face the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday afternoon. Television coverage begins at noon ET on the Big Ten Network.
How to watch Northwestern vs. Iowa: Preview, TV time, odds and more
Which team will rebound with an important conference win?
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
With dominating wins over Cal, Syracuse, Western Michigan and Maine, hopes were high for Northwestern to compete in the Big Ten. Injuries struck, as did heavy losses, and the Wildcats sit at 4-3 after defeats to Ohio State, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Those last two particularly hurt -- Northwestern played well against Ohio State, but was blown out by the Badgers and felt it should have beat the Gophers.
Iowa opened the season with a three-point loss to Northern Illinois, but responded with four straight wins, including victories over rival Iowa State and conference foe Minnesota. The past two weeks have not been as kind to the Hawkeyes, who lost two-score games to Michigan State and Ohio State.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team is ranked. Northwestern is 4-3, with an 0-3 record in conference play. Iowa is 4-3, with a 1-2 Big Ten record. The Hawkeyes hold a 47-24-3 all-time lead in the series, but Northwestern has won four of the past five matchups between the two schools.
Vegas: Iowa is a 4-point favorite, with an over/under of 53 points. OddsShark has more.
Weather: 40s and cloudy.
Three names to know
Ibraheim Campbell. The safety has four interceptions this season and could cause problems for Iowa's struggling passing game.
Tyler Scott. The Northwestern defensive lineman has gotten into the backfield for eight stops this year, including five sacks, and is known for forcing fumbles.
Mark Weisman. The workhorse back has nearly 150 carries for Iowa already this year, and has scored three touchdowns.
Two things at stake
After a 4-0 start, Northwestern has gone 0-3. It desperately needs to turn that around.
A loss here would put Iowa’s bowl hopes in serious jeopardy, with games against Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska left on the schedule.
How to witness
TV: Noon ET on Big Ten Network.
Radio: Tune in to 720 AM for Northwestern, and here’s a list for Iowa.
Online streaming: BTN2Go. XFINITY customers can watch online here.
Further reading
For more from Northwestern, check out Sippin’ on Purple. For the Iowa perspective, head to Black Heart Gold Pants.
More from SB Nation college football:
• Big games: Can ‘Cocks stop Mizzou? | Ducks to trample UCLA
See More:
