GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Iowa’s strength is its tight ends, and it only stands to reason that the Hawkeyes will try to go to Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson as much as possible against the Northwestern secondary on Saturday. One of Northwestern’s safeties, Jared McGee, is listed as doubtful for the Big Ten West matchup. In the Wildcats’ 31-21 loss to Notre Dame last week, QB Ian Book diced up the Northwestern defense for 343 yards and two touchdowns, completing 22-of-34 passes. Hockenson and Fant have combined for 66 catches for 979 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns this season. Fant emphasized this week that the two tight ends need to find ways to separate from defenders who try to jam and hold them.
DRAFT SLANT
–DE Parker Hesse has proved a consistent performer on Iowa’s defensive line the past two years. The 6-foot-3, 261-pound senior has started 43 of 48 career games, including 32 in a row. His four sacks are the third most for the Hawkeyes this season, and his eight tackles for loss are tied for second on the team. NFLDraftScout.com ranks Hesse as the No. 19 defensive end in the 2019 draft class.
ROSTER REPORT:
–CB Matt Hankins will play Saturday against Northwestern after missing games against Minnesota, Indiana, Maryland and Penn State with wrist and hamstring injuries and last week’s game at Purdue because of a one-game suspension. The sophomore cornerback likely won’t start but will add depth to the secondary.
–TE Shaun Beyer remains out after suffering a non-contact injury in practice last week. He may not return before the end of the regular season.
–FB Brady Ross continues to be sideline with an ankle injury. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said it’s doubtful that Ross will be ready for the following week’s game at Illinois.
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