Oct. 29, 2007
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Coach Fitzgerald's opening statement.
Coach Fitzgerald talk about finishing games.
Coach Fitzgerald preview the game versus Iowa.
Coach Fitzgerald talk about linebacker Adam Kadela.
running back Tyrell Sutton talk about his return to action.
EVANSTON, Ill. -- For the sixth time since the 2000 season, Northwestern heads into November with an opportunity to qualify for a postseason bowl game. With three games remaining in the regular-season schedule, the Wildcats are needing one victory to become "bowl-eligible," and likely two wins to guarantee a berth in a postseason bowl.
Northwestern begins its final regular-season push this Saturday, Nov. 3 with a home game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT at Ryan Field. ESPN2 is televising the game to a national audience.
The Wildcats had their three-game winning streak snapped at Purdue on Saturday, falling 35-17. Northwestern, which carried a 17-14 lead into the fourth quarter in West Lafayette, was outgained 205 to 4 in total yards and 21 to 0 in points by the Boilermakers in the final quarter.
The Hawkeyes, meanwhile, earned a key home victory on Saturday against Michigan State, defeating the Spartans 34-27 in double overtime, and kept their postseason bowl hopes alive. Iowa, which has won two of its last three games, closes out the year with home contests against Minnesota and Western Michigan.
Northwestern, ranked second in Big Ten total offense, will face one of its season's stiffest tests, taking on an Iowa defense that ranks 35th nationally in total defense (335.2 ypg), 19th nationally in scoring defense (18.2 ppg) and 11th in turnover margin (+1.0). Among Big Ten schools, the Hawkeyes rank fifth in total defense, third in scoring defense and first in TO margin. Iowa linebacker Mike Humpal, who was named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 15 for his career-high 18 tackles in the Hawkeyes' 10-6 win over Illinois, leads the team with 100 tackles. He equaled his career high with 18 tackles in Saturday's come-from-behind win over Michigan State. He ranks 11th nationally in tackles per game.
Other key contributors on the Hawkeyes' defense are defensive end Bryan Mattison (6.5 sacks), tackle Mitch King (45 tackles, 11.5 TFL's, 4.5 sacks), linebacker Mike Klinkenborg (44 tackles) and corner Charles Godfrey (51 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 deflections). Punter Ryan Donahue, who was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday, averages 40.8 yards per punt. He had eight kicks (one of them a career-long 82-yarder) for a 51.6 average against MSU.
Offensively, the Hawkeyes are led by their rushing tandem of Albert Young (80.2 ypg, 4.8 ypc) and Damian Sims (44.8 ypg, 4.9 ypc). Quarterback Jake Christensen, who has been without several top receivers and linemen this year due to injuries, has thrown for 1,564 yards and 12 TD's (with just three interceptions).
The Broadcasts
Radio -- WGN (720 AM) is carrying the game live. The radio broadcast also can be heard via the internet at wgnradio.com. The broadcast begins at 10:30 a.m. Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Ted Albrecht (analyst) call the action. WNUR (89.3), NU's student radio station, also will carry the game live. The contest is also available on the XM Satellite Radio network. (Channels 196-199).
Television -- ESPN2 is televising the game to a national audience. Pam Ward (play-by-play) Ray Bentley (analyst) and Rob Simmelkjaer (sideline) call the action.
Kickoff Time Announced For Indiana Game
Northwestern's final regular-season home game versus Indiana will begin at 11 a.m. CT next Saturday, Nov. 10. ESPN Classic will televise the contest.
(For a complete set of notes, download the above PDF.)