So, is it safe to say that Iowa has motivation for this weekend? As if coming off an embarrassing Big Ten loss wasn't enough, the recent struggles against Northwestern increase the importance of Saturday night's game in Kinnick. The atmosphere is sure to be electric on Saturday night, as the Black and Gold Game features two Big Ten teams in desperate need of a conference win. The pressure is on for both teams, who had much potential coming into the 2011 season.
Northwestern is particularly desperate, and on a three game losing streak. Their season started off on the wrong foot with star QB Dan Persa sitting out while still healing from an achilles tendon rupture, which occurred against Iowa last season. Their B1G season started off even worse, going 0-2 against Illinois and Michigan. Northwestern is hungry for a win, and are looking to Iowa continue to be a regular W on their schedule.
Each team faces a crossroads in their season with this prime time match-up on the Big Ten Network on Saturday night. A win keeps hopes alive and well, but a loss could drop the team to the depths of the Big Ten. Here are the current Legends Division standings:
| LEGENDS DIVISION | ||||||
| Conference | Division | Overall | ||||
| Record | % | Record | % | Record | % | |
| Michigan | 2-0 | 1.000 | 2-0 | 1.000 | 6-0 | 1.000 |
| Michigan State | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | .000 | 4-1 | .800 |
| Nebraska | 1-1 | .500 | 0-0 | .000 | 5-1 | .833 |
| Iowa | 0-1 | .000 | 0-0 | .000 | 3-2 | .600 |
| Northwestern | 0-2 | .000 | 0-1 | .000 | 2-3 | .400 |
| Minnesota | 0-2 | .000 | 0-1 | .000 | 1-5 | .167 |
Iowa and Northwestern are caught in the mediocrity of the standings, and a win this week will indicate which direction the two teams are headed in this division for the rest of the year. The middle/upper tier of the standings? Or the basement with Minnesota, which is just about as cold as the Gophers home state this time of year. Tomorrow's game will be a good indicator of where both Iowa and Northwestern are headed for.
Here's the scoop on Northwestern; Their defense is a mess, and their offense is not as good as it was projected-yet.
Northwestern's D ranks among the worst in the Big Ten, which will give Iowa a chance to regain some confidence after an anemic performance against Penn State. Northwestern gives up 439.4 yards of offense per game (worst in the B1G), and 27.8 points per game (11th in the B1G). They have allowed a combined 80 points in 2 Big Ten games. With that being said, James Vandenberg should be licking his chops, as Iowa's passing offense, which is currently 3rd in the conference, will be operating against the worst passing defense in the Big Ten .
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| Northwestern QB Dan Persa had his way against the Hawkeyes last season en route to a 21-17 N'western win |
Meanwhile, the Wildcat offense has not lived up to its potential. Their passing offense, which was highly touted in the pre-season, is 8th in the conference. Keep in mind that quarterback Dan Persa sat out 2 games. Since returning, he has a passer rating of 157.5, which would be 3rd in the Big Ten (though he's only played 3 games). He has 4 TDs in the 3 games he's played. Persa is still a force in the Big Ten, and he showed his stuff against Iowa last season, passing for 318 yards and 2 TDs, including the game winner late in the 4th quarter. Persa tore up Iowa's secondary last season, and this year he faces a less experienced Hawekeye defense.
Expect some fireworks from each offense this game. Two high powered passing attacks going up against out-matched defenses. Of the two, Iowa's defense has more turnover potential, and is probably the defense who pulls through for their team tomorrow night.
Prediction:
Iowa 27, Northwestern 24
This will be a very interesting game to watch, and with the crowd being jacked up for the night game in Kinnick, the Hawkeyes will pull through for their first Big Ten win of 2011. Northwestern's awful defense will allow for the Hawkeyes to get back on their feet. Vandenberg is poised for a big game, and don't rule out Marcus Coker as a factor. He currently averages 90.8 yards per game. Persa should have a good night, but the Hawkeye defense will hold him just enough to allow a win.
Also:
*Marvin McNutt still 1 TD catch away from tying the Iowa record. Saturday night would be a great stage for him to accomplish this feat
*The crowd will participate in the striped colors for the Black and Gold game, which should look great. Also, the planned crowd interaction during and after the National Anthem will surely look great!
*Looking ahead to Basketball? The Hawkeye basketball team had media day yesterday. Check out this Des Moines Register article for a preseason look at the Hawks
Go Hawks!
-IS
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