By the end of the first half, Northwestern led Iowa 14-10, the ninth time the Hawkeyes have trailed their opponents this season. With the absence of Iowa’s starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, the Hawkeye defense needed to sway the tempo.
When Iowa needs a momentum, look no further than the dreadlocked St. Louis native, Adrian Clayborn.
On third and ten for Northwestern, Clayborn pummeled Wildcat QB Dan Persa for a loss six yards.
The Clayborn sack forced Northwestern kicker Stefan Demos to punt a 35 yarder, which was returned by Iowa safety Tyler Sash for 11 yards. Redshirt freshman James Vandenberg replaces Stanzi at quarterback and had an easier go of hitting receivers Marvin McNutt, Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Trey Stross, than in the first half.
Vandenberg’s deep throw to Marvin McNutt on third and ten was too long, making Daniel Murray to kick a 46-yard field goal. Murray kick brushed passed the left goal post, to be no good.
Northwestern’s next series was stalled on third down after the Wildcats’ received three consecutive penalties — a false start, delay of game and a crackback. After the penalities, Northwestern was third and long at their 20 and tailback Scott Concannon failed to rush for the first down.
Iowa stills trails Northwestern 14-10 at the end of the third quarter.
— By Amie Kiehn
