The need to know:
What: #4 Iowa vs. Northwestern
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
When: 11:00 AM, November 6, 2009
TV: ESPN
Thoughts on the game:
Injuries
Once again injuries will play a big role in this game. The biggest may be to the Wildcat's QB Mike Kafka. Kafka hurt his hamstring last week against Penn State in the 2nd quarter and did not return to the game. He is listed as a co-starter this week and was not on the injury report...but I've heard he may not be ready to go. Either way, it's likely he will not be 100% which could have a major impact on Northwestern's offense as Kafka is the team's leading passer and rusher. He accounts for nearly 70% of all the yards gained this year.
On the Hawkeye side of things...Sandeman is out again still feeling the effects of the concussion he sustained against MSU. Robinson is also out, but Wegher should be able to carry the load again. Greenwood is a maybe, but wasn't on the depth chart.
Stanzi
I really don't see Northwestern having much of a chance in this game without some help from Stanzi. I think this week he can go back to the "game manager" role and come away with a victory while putting up some big numbers if Northwestern stacks the box. The good news is that the weather should be much nicer. At kickoff, the forecast shows 64 degrees with 8 mph winds....and it should get warmer and less windy as the game goes on.
Wildcats to keep an eye on
- DE Corey Wootton - I said last week that it seems like every week Iowa is up against an outstanding defensive end...well this week is no different. Wootton has been injured some this year, but is still very disruptive.
- LB Quentin Davie - Davie leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, QB hurries, and forced fumbles.
- WR Andrew Brewer - Brewer has been coming on strong and has 22 catches, 2 for TDs, in the last 3 weeks. He leads the team in touchdown receptions with 5 and is the Wildcats only deep threat.