Happy Friday, Western Washington Hawkeye fans! This week Iowa faces the Northwestern Wildcats, who have given Iowa fits over the last few years under Coach Pat Fitzgerald. Coach Fitz hasn't hidden his dislike for the Iowa Hawkeyes very well, and usually has this game circled on his calendar. Last year the Hawkeyes fell in Evanston, 28-17, as Northwestern racked up 350 yards rushing.
The Hawkeyes are coming off a gutsy loss in Columbus, Ohio against the #3 team in the nation, Ohio State. Iowa led at halftime, but ultimately was on the losing end, 34-24. Iowa had some new faces leading the offense last week – Damon Bullock led the team in rushing attempts and yards, while relatively unknown tight end Jake Duzey tallied 138 yards receiving. Duzey also had a thrilling 85 yard touchdown reception (his first TD in an Iowa uniform) that went in the books as the ninth-longest reception in Iowa history.
The Hawkeye defense, even after giving up close to 300 yards rushing to OSU, still ranks 12th in the nation in total defense. They lead the nation with just 4 red zone touchdowns and 2 rushing TDs allowed this season. They’ve only given up one touchdown in the first quarter, which hopefully translates to an early lead for Iowa this week.
Northwestern comes into Kinnick this week banged up physically and emotionally. After starting the season 4-0 and being ranked, they have dropped 3 straight, including a 20-17 loss at home to the lowly Minnesota Gophers last week. The Wildcats will probably be without their star running back Venric Mark this week, and last year's Hawkeye killer, starting QB Kain Colter, is battling an ankle injury but says he’ll play Saturday.
Hope to see you out at one of the Western Washington game watches, and don't forget about the drawing for the Iowa Hawkeye cornhole boards, which were handmade by one of our fellow Western Washington Hawkeyes, Jason Netland. The raffle benefits the scholarship fund.
Our stock of WWIC t-shirts has been replenished, with the addition of long sleeve shirts. Short sleeve $15, long sleeve $20, benefits to the club & scholarship fund.
Cheers to the Hawkeyes and On Iowa!
