Iowa Football: 2018 game-by-game predictions
10. Northwestern (Nov. 10)
One of two home games for Iowa in November, Kirk Ferentz’s crew looks to end Northwestern’s two-game winning streak against the black and gold. Last year, Iowa’s offense did not have one of it’s better offensive performances in their 17-10 overtime loss in Evanston last year. Iowa dropped many passes and the absence of Josey Jewell showed on the defensive side of the ball as Iowa struggled to stop the run.
Northwestern hopes to have senior quarterback Clayton Thorson back before the season-opener after blowing out his knee in the Wildcats bowl victory over Kentucky. The Wildcats also return key members of an experienced defense that have been a reason why Northwestern is tabbed as a darkhorse in the Big Ten West race. Pat Fitzgerald has been as consistent as can be in his tenure at his alma mater and looks to keep it that way.
Games in Kinnick Stadium are never easy, especially later in the season and into the month of November. Iowa will come in ready to give some payback to the Wildcats and historically, when Iowa wins, they usually win by two touchdowns or more. That stat makes me think Iowa will use this as a statement game and show the rest of the conference they are for real.