Declawing the Mildcats

Iowa is bowl eligible. That's the obvious plus that came out of last week's game against Northern Illinois. While the score was not as close as I had predicted, it was a close game that left some fans distraught. I knew it would be tight. Iowa did not cover the betting spread.

This week Northwestern comes to turn. The Wildcats are Mildcats, having yet to win a Big Ten game. Prior to the season's first kickoff Northwestern lost their head coach to a fatal heart attack. They also had graduated their fine quarterback. The combination has drug the team into the cellar. They will not see any light this week.

Iowa proved it can win with either its starting QB or his backup. That's a comforting thing to know. Drew Tate is the apparent starter this week, bum thumb and all. Look for Iowa to get out to an early lead and take its foot off the gas later in the game.

Iowa 27
Northwestern 14