Northwestern-Iowa Predictions

The No. 20 Hawkeyes are in town for Homecoming. The Wildcats have taken the last three contests over Kirk Ferentz’ squad, but Iowa is a 10.5-point favorite, riding a 5-2 record into Evanston.

Here’s what our staff sees happening tomorrow morning at Ryan Field:

Noah Coffman: Northwestern 16, Iowa 15

I am extremely hesitant to take the Wildcats here, especially with how the season has gone so far. But at the same time, Pat Fitzgerald has proven in the past that his squads have more success against the Hawkeyes the further into a tailspin they seem to be.

NU’s defense creates some great field position, the special teams and run game execute just enough to put some points on the board, and Northwestern slips by Nate Stanley and co. thanks to a few favorable bounces. Let the road to 5-7 and an APR bowl qualification (along with the extension of Mick McCall’s tenure) commence!

Avery Zimmerman: Iowa 17, Northwestern 10

The Hawkeyes prevail in a tense homecoming battle.

Eli Karp: Northwestern 14, Iowa 13

These are two similar teams, though records wouldn’t indicate as much. NU matches up well against Iowa, and Fitz is ready to control+alt+delete the Hawkeyes.

Joe Weinberg: Iowa 20, Northwestern 10

1-6 it is...Happy homecoming!

Jacob Brown: Iowa 38, Northwestern 6

Nate Stanley doesn’t have a great game, but Aidan Smith is unable to move the ball, and Iowa possesses it for 45 minutes of the game. NU musters just two field goals in another disheartening blowout.

Matt Albert: Northwestern 16, Iowa 6

In a game with a nearly record-setting amount of punts, the Wildcats take down a Big Ten West contender. Charlie Kuhbander’s three field goals are the result of Northwestern’s innovative punt-to-win strategy and Pat Fitzgerald takes down Kirk Ferentz once again.

Colin Kruse: Iowa 9, Northwestern 3

Neither offense will be able to complete a drive. Both defenses and kicking games have good days while both Aidan Smith (presuming he starts) and Nate Stanley struggle. Iowa just does edge the 'Cats in an ugly one.

Mac Stone: Iowa 10, Northwestern 2

Nothing screams Northwestern football like securing their only points from a safety. It would be a miracle to see two or more touchdowns scored in this game.

Take. The. Under.

Daniel Olinger: Iowa 17, Northwestern 7

There’s no reason Northwestern shouldn’t be competitive tomorrow. To be honest, this is a game they should win. The talent level is comparable, and they’re a team that should play their hearts out at home with their season on the line. The key to all of that, though, is should.

Northwestern should win, but based on what we’ve seen this year, there’s no reason to think they’re capable of living up to expectations just yet.

Lia Assimakopoulos: Iowa 24, Northwestern 9

Ryley Hougland: Northwestern 17, Iowa 14

I’ve watched pretty much every Iowa football game since the 2008 season. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s that Kirk Ferentz loves to lose to Northwestern, especially when he shouldn’t. ‘Cats by 3.

William Karmin: Iowa 17, Northwestern 10

Northwestern’s budding rivalry with Iowa should give the team enough juice to make this an interesting matchup. Iowa is an overrated team, and Pat Fitzgerald is 8-5 against them as a head coach. I just don’t think the Wildcats have the offense to score two touchdowns against this Iowa defense. If either side can find a way into the end zone to cap off multiple drives, that team will take the victory.

2019 Inside NU Prediction Standings:

Noah Coffman: 5-1

Joe Weinberg: 5-1

Avery Zimmerman: 4-2

Colin Kruse: 4-2

William Karmin: 4-2

Eli Karp: 3-3

Lia Assimakopoulos: 3-3

Matt Albert: 2-3

Jacob Brown: 2-1

Caleb Friedman: 1-0

Lucio Vainesman: 1-0

Claire Kuwana: 1-0

Daniel Olinger: 1-0

Mac Stone: 1-0

Graham Brennan: 0-1