The Iowa Hawkeyes and Northwestern Wildcats have a long and storied history in college football, with the two teams having faced off over 80 times since their first meeting in 1897. The rivalry between the two schools is one of the oldest in the Big Ten Conference, and it has produced some truly memorable moments over the years. Here are five key moments in Iowa vs Northwestern football history.
The First Meeting: 1897
The first meeting between Iowa and Northwestern took place on October 16, 1897, in Evanston, Illinois. The game was a closely contested affair, with Northwestern ultimately emerging victorious by a score of 6-0. The win was a significant one for the Wildcats, as it marked their first-ever victory over a Big Ten opponent.
A Turning Point in the Series: 1961
The 1961 game between Iowa and Northwestern is often cited as a turning point in the series. Coming into the game, the Hawkeyes had lost 13 of the previous 15 meetings between the two teams. However, on this particular day, Iowa was able to snap its losing streak with a 23-13 victory. The win marked the beginning of a more competitive era in the series, with Iowa going on to win 10 of the next 15 meetings.
The Hayden Fry Era: 1979-1998
Hayden Fry's tenure as head coach at Iowa coincided with a period of significant success for the Hawkeyes against Northwestern. During his 20 years at the helm, Iowa went 14-6 against the Wildcats, including a streak of 10 consecutive victories from 1985 to 1994. Fry's teams were known for their toughness and discipline, and they often used these traits to outmuscle and outlast their opponents.
A Wild Finish: 2005
The 2005 game between Iowa and Northwestern is one that will be remembered for years to come. Trailing 27-17 with just over two minutes remaining, the Hawkeyes staged a dramatic comeback, scoring 10 points in the final 1:30 to tie the game at 27-27. The Wildcats ultimately won the game in overtime, but the finish was one of the most thrilling in series history.
A Record-Breaking Performance: 2015
In 2015, Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard put on a record-breaking performance against Northwestern. Beathard completed 15 of 25 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 78 yards and another score. The Hawkeyes won the game 40-10, and Beathard's performance helped to establish him as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
As the Iowa Hawkeyes and Northwestern Wildcats continue to battle it out on the gridiron, fans can expect more exciting moments like these to emerge. With a rich history and a strong rivalry, this series is always one to watch.
What is the all-time record between Iowa and Northwestern?
+Iowa leads the all-time series 51-28-3.
Who is the all-time leading rusher in the series?
+Iowa's Albert Young is the all-time leading rusher in the series, with 434 yards in five games against Northwestern.
What is the highest-scoring game in the series?
+The highest-scoring game in the series came in 2015, when Iowa won 40-10.