Hawkeyes vs. Wildcats

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

Northwestern defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz runs a cover 4 defense, which is what Iowa runs. So, it means the Wildcats have a safety and a corner defending a quarter of the field on one side and two defensive backs covering half areas on the other side.

One big difference from the Hawkeyes' version, Northwestern blitzes. This philosophy shows up in the numbers. Linebackers Nate Williams (6- foot-1, 230 pounds), Bryce McNaul (6-3, 230) and Quentin Davie (6-4, 230) combine for 16.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Northwestern's secondary has been under fire this season. The Cats are 10th in the Big Ten with 247.3, but they do have 11 interceptions.

Iowa's injury bug has moved over to the offense, specifically the offensive line. Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz described the depth situation there as “razor thin.” Right guard is the hot spot.

Running back Adam Robinson (concussion) will return to the lineup. His absence took a bite out of Iowa's efficiency in the red zone last week, which fizzled to 0-for-4 on touchdowns.

When Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi went into the shop last winter for conditioning and the fixes, job No. 1 was decision making. Pretty much every number Stanzi has put up this season reflects that work. The obvious is 20 TDs to just three interceptions. The not so obvious is his 68.3 completion percentage, which would be the highest at Iowa since Kyle McCann completed 66.2 percent (167 of 252) in 2001.

Advantage: Iowa

When the Wildcats have the ball

The beauty of Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is the decisions he makes. The Wildcats spread-option offense demands Internet-fast decisions from its quarterback, whether it be in the zone run scheme or in the passing game, which goes about 5 to 1 in quick passes to downfield throws.

Persa excels in the decisions. The 6-1, 210-pounder sees what he needs to see and makes a decision. It helps him play faster than he really is, but there's no denying his quickness. Persa's numbers are outstanding. He leads the Big Ten with a 73.4 completion percentage and is second to Michigan's Denard Robinson in total offense with 303.6 yards a game.

Iowa will have to stay in its lanes and shed blocks. The Wildcats have allowed 31 sacks this season and Persa has taken his share of hits. But this shapes up to be a passive performance for Iowa's defense, with focus going toward contain rather than attack.

Iowa's D-line had the personnel shake-up this week with Mike Daniels moving in and senior Christian Ballard sliding out to end. Junior Broderick Binns goes to No. 5.

The linebackers continue their navigation of injury. True freshman James Morris remains in the middle. Get used to that. It's going to be that way for three more years.

The Cats have made a living off the turnover battle in this game, holding a 9-2 edge over the Hawkeyes in their two-game winning streak. Iowa might be geared to take that back, with an offense that values the ball and a defense that has picked up the pace on turnovers, going plus-8 the last four weeks.

Advantage: Iowa

Special teams

Kicker Stefan Demos has made 12 of 18 attempts for 66.7 percent, ninth in the Big Ten. He's made 5 of 8 in his last four games.

Punter Brandon Williams (49) has put 16 of his 42 tries inside the 20. He also has six kicks of 50-plus yards.

Iowa kicker Mike Meyer earned Big Ten special teams player of the week for his 4 of 5 performance at Indiana last week, which included a career-long 42-yarder in the fourth quarter. He also missed a 22-yarder. This season, Meyer is 9 of 11.

Look for an elevated role for sophomore Keenan Davis in special teams. He returned a season-high three kicks for 58 yards last week against Indiana.

Advantage: Northwestern

The scoreboard

Persa excels NU's game of keep away, but will the Cats be able to turn it into points? His quick tempo and decisions make Northwestern's offense a matchup headache for any team. The Wildcats will get their yards today, but will they get their points? Also, in the last two games in this series, Iowa has broken down on offense due to injury. In '08, running back Shonn Greene got knocked out. Last season, Stanzi suffered a high-ankle sprain. Barring a major catastrophe (and monitoring a few ongoing health issues), Iowa's offense should be able to keep pace.

Iowa 28, Northwestern 17

- Marc Morehouse