Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had a lot to be excited about this season with 17 starters returning and then he lost Cade McNamara at QB for the season and his offense has been worse than last season. Last season they ranked No. 128, this season they rank dead last in the nation at No. 133. Only 232 ypg gained. Back-up QB Deacon Hill makes his fourth start after losing at Minnesota two weeks ago. They’re still 6-2 with a defense that allows 313 ypg and waits for the opponent to make mistakes. Northwestern is headed into a long and frustrating Saturday and the spread is cheap by 4-points. This game is at Wrigley Field. Iowa to cover.

We are looking at the lowest total in FBS history. Iowa somehow has carved out a 6-2 straight-up record with 14 offensive TDs, tied for the fourth fewest nationwide. It is 1-6 on Under against Power Five opposition. Maybe offensive coordinator Brian (son of head coach) Frerentz will change the approach after being informed Monday he is gone after the season. It takes two to tango, and Northwestern is second-to-last in Big Ten offense. Significantly, though, the Wildcats are midpack on scoring average. All we need is a 17-14 final score to make it happen.