Who would have thought a month ago that this could be the most important game of the year in the Big Ten West? But here we are, as the two highest-ranked teams in the division -- No. 17 Iowa (6-0, 2-0 in the Big Ten) and No. 20 Northwestern (5-1, 1-1) -- meet in Evanston to determine who takes the lead in the division.
How to watch Iowa vs. Northwestern on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Who will take control in the Big Ten West?
Iowa looked to be dead in the water, staring at another 7-5 season entering 2015. But behind new quarterback C.J. Beathard, an impressive running game and a surprising defense, the Hawkeyes are 6-0, with arguably their toughest games other than this one -- at Wisconsin and vs. Pitt -- behind them. This game is the biggest obstacle still in the way of an undefeated season for the Hawkeyes.
Meanwhile, Northwestern was looking like a top-10 team ... until last week. The Wildcats own wins over Stanford and Minnesota, and a road win against Duke. They were ranked 13th in the country heading into a massive game against Michigan but fell flat and lost 38-0. Clearly, this team has talent and potential, but there is reason to be concerned halfway through the season.
Ultimately, the winner of this game will be in the driver’s seat in the West.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Noon ET, ABC | ESPN2
Radio: Iowa, Northwestern
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Iowa is favored by 2.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Inside NU for Northwestern fans and Black Heart Gold Pants for Iowa fans.
Three big things to know
1. Iowa has gotten through injuries this year, but this week is brutal. Both starting tackles are out, as is star defensive end Drew Ott and No. 1 wide receiver Tevaun Smith. Quarterback C.J. Beathard will play, but he’s not 100 percent. Can the Hawkeyes squeak by heading into a bye weak?
2. Northwestern’s offense has been far too predictable this season. It can’t do that against an impressive defensive team like Iowa.
3. This is for the driver’s seat in the West. It doesn’t get much bigger than that in the Upper Midwest:
(GIF via Mocksession.com)
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