Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Quick thoughts after a wild first half at Kinnick Stadium, where Northwestern leads No. 4 Iowa 14-10.
Turning point: With Iowa leading 10-0 in the second quarter, Northwestern defensive end Corey Wootton hit quarterback Ricky Stanzi in the end zone, jarring the ball loose. Northwestern's Marshall Thomas recovered the fumble for a touchdown and Stanzi left the game with a right ankle injury.
Stat of the half: Iowa committed four turnovers in the second quarter but allowed only 14 points. The Hawkeyes have committed 21 turnovers this season. In last year's game against Northwestern, Iowa had five turnovers but lost by only five points.
What Northwestern needs to do: Keep putting pressure on Iowa backup quarterback James Vandenberg if Stanzi doesn't return. Vandenberg is in a very tough situation, and he'll give the defense opportunities to make plays. Northwestern also must find some consistency on offense and make more big plays.
What Iowa needs to do: Ride the defense and special teams until Stanzi returns (hopefully). The offensive line has done a good job for the most part, so freshman running back Brandon Wegher should have some room to roam. But Vandenberg must show something in the passing game to prevent Northwestern from loading up against the run.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Quick thoughts after a wild first half at Kinnick Stadium, where Northwestern leads No. 4 Iowa 14-10.
Turning point: With Iowa leading 10-0 in the second quarter, Northwestern defensive end Corey Wootton hit quarterback Ricky Stanzi in the end zone, jarring the ball loose. Northwestern's Marshall Thomas recovered the fumble for a touchdown and Stanzi left the game with a right ankle injury.
Stat of the half: Iowa committed four turnovers in the second quarter but allowed only 14 points. The Hawkeyes have committed 21 turnovers this season. In last year's game against Northwestern, Iowa had five turnovers but lost by only five points.
What Northwestern needs to do: Keep putting pressure on Iowa backup quarterback James Vandenberg if Stanzi doesn't return. Vandenberg is in a very tough situation, and he'll give the defense opportunities to make plays. Northwestern also must find some consistency on offense and make more big plays.
What Iowa needs to do: Ride the defense and special teams until Stanzi returns (hopefully). The offensive line has done a good job for the most part, so freshman running back Brandon Wegher should have some room to roam. But Vandenberg must show something in the passing game to prevent Northwestern from loading up against the run.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
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Saturday, 11/21
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