The Walk Through -- One of the fullbacks is doubtful

Hello from the Memorial Stadium press box. It's Iowa and Nebraska. There's a trophy. (Do you feel the clamor for the trophy? No?)

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini needs to win to keep the wolves away from the front door. He has two games to get his ninth victory, which would sixth time he's done that in six seasons. I asked Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz if he could envision being on the hot seat with six straight nine-win seasons at Iowa. He said, "I'd sure like to try it." It was a well-done quote, very funny.

Of course, that would never happen. Right? Right??!?!?!

-- Iowa DE Dominic Alvis might play some today. He's had a back injury that has essentially wiped out his Big Ten season. He played a few plays last week, but had to leave after being kicked in the stomach.

-- Who's not injured for Nebraska?

Pelini did say Monday that he's never coached a team this  ”beat up.” NU's injury list includes QB Tommy Armstrong, who's questionable with an ankle injury. Guard Mike Moudy (shoulder) is doubtful. Offensive linemen Cole Pensick (knee), Jeremiah Sirles (knee), Brent Qvale and Jake Cotton (knee) and wide receiver Jamal Turner (calf).

Looks like Ron Kellogg III will get the start at QB for the Huskers.

-- Iowa QBs are out. They're where winter hats, shorts and tights (those sports tights thingies). Nebraska has a small army of skill players out.

Remember, Big Ten travel rosters are limited to 70.

-- Iowa radio through out a few stats: Nebraska is 21-4 in home finales (I assumed that's the last 25). Iowa is 2-16 in Lincoln. Last Iowa win here was 1943.

-- Specialists are out.

-- Iowa is trying to flip from 4-8 to 8-4.

That would be incredible if you consider Iowa's schedule was much tougher this season, trading out Indiana and Penn State for Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Give that a few minutes to sink in.

-- Wind is not a factor today. It's sunny, 21 degrees with a wind of 7 mph. The ribbons on the goalposts are dead.

Mike Meyer just made a 51-yarder that might've sneaked over from 55 into the south end zone here.

The other end, Meyer settled at attempts from the 45-47.

-- It's Black Friday.

-- Going into the other end zone (the north, I think), Meyer drills a 48-yarder. Hits the right crossbar from the left hash.

-- Iowa AD Gary Barta on the pregame radio. He's peeked ahead and is excited for the future.

On bowls: Forget it. Win today. Dolph didn't even ask the question and I don't blame him. There are no answers.

Kevin Dolan just opened the window in the radio box.

Barta on the Iowa-ISU extension: It's the right thing to do. I understand those who don't want it. I think even those who don't like it recognize that it's a special week. As long as the Big Ten and Big 12 links up, we'll continue it.

On the ninth Big Ten game: At the end of the day, the instate rivalry trumped the ninth game and what it does to Iowa's schedule.

So, for the "Drop State" crowd, sad trombone. Not happening. Special week? I would debate that.

-- Alvis is in uniform. I guess he could play. He's doing physical stuff.

-- I think the investment Iowa put into Jordan Walsh this season, and it hasn't always been pretty, will really pay off next year.

-- Alvis was kicked in the groin last week. He's back. FB Macon Plewa (undisclosed) is in today.

Iowa radio just said FB Adam Cox is doubtful. He's lined up as first-teamer in the pregame.

But then, Plewa wasn't out there. So, I'm guessing Iowa radio goofed on who's in and who's out at fullback.

Cox is in uniform. Plewa is not.

Join me on Twitter for the game (@marcmorehouse). We're 16 minutes from kick.

Here are some pregame pics from photos Jim Slosiarek and Cliff Jette: