Iowa running back Tyler Goodson (15) is tackled by Northwestern defensive end Earnest Brown IV during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. 2016: Northwestern 38, Iowa 31. Nothing Iowa … (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Every contender's chance to reach the College Football Playoff if it wins out. Northwestern comes to Iowa in a key Big Ten clash for the Hawkeyes, coming off their season-opening dud at Purdue. There were a lot of questions heading into the first game of the season for Northwestern, but they were quite impressive against a bad Maryland team. Our college football experts predict, pick and preview the Northwestern Wildcats (NU) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Big Ten game, with kickoff time, TV channel and spread. In this Series Big Ten football previews. 5:50 p.m.: Going to be ball game. Northwestern's Michael Storey is taken down by Dakota Wesleyan's Jacob Zamora during Northwestern College vs Dakota Wesleyan University football action, Saturday, in Orange City, Iowa… Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey runs from Iowa defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (57) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. Petras throws third pick of the game. 2019: Iowa 20, Northwestern 0. It's Oct. 31 and the Iowa Hawkeyes are having their season opener this afternoon. The Northwestern Wildcats and Iowa Hawkeyes face off on Saturday in a Big Ten college football showdown at Kinnick Stadium. Northwestern's schedule is strong enough that winning out (and beating Ohio State) could vault the Wildcats into the CFP. 2017: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10 (OT) 2018: Northwestern 14, Iowa 10. The Northwestern College Football team has decided to use tomorrow's home opener & senior day to support a local nonprofit, S.A.L.U.T.E., an organization that sends care packages to troops overseas.