Phil Parker and the Iowa Hawkeyes are tightening the screws defensively over the last few weeks, making life nearly impossible for opposing offenses. This week is a unique challenge against Northwestern. The Wildcats have been explosive on offense this year.

For Iowa, it doesn't have to be just about the defense, though. There are a few matchups in this game that Iowa can exploit offensively, which bucks the trend for this team. Iowa doesn't have to play a slugfest, even though it may choose to. The Hawkeyes can punch back offensively in this game.

Northwestern's pass defense has shown cracks

Last week, Hank Brown put together one of the best passing performances by an Iowa Hawkeye in recent memory. He was crisp, on time, and smart with the ball. This week, if he can put together a performance even 75% as good as that, there is going to be some success in the passing attack.

Northwestern's defense is ranked 94th in the country in passing yards allowed per game.…