There is a game this week: first look at Iowa.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2008 record: 3-3 (0-2)

2008 Sagarin: 47 (IU is #83)

2007 record: 6-6
2007 Sagarin: 79

Series: Iowa leads 38-27-4

Last IU win: 9/29/07, 38-20 in Iowa City

Last Iowa win: 10/15/05, 38-21 in Iowa City

Last Iowa win in Bloomington: 10/19/02 (24-8)

IU's surprising win at Iowa was one of the highlights of last season, and was one of the main reasons that Iowa failed to qualify for a bowl for the first time since 2000. From 2002 through 2004, Iowa appeared to be building a program that would prennially contend for the Big Ten title, but the last three seasons have disappointed, and the Hawkeyes join IU and Wisconsin as the only 0-2 Big Ten teams. Iowa, after opening the season with wins over Maine, Florida International, and Iowa State, has lost three in a row to Pitt, Northwestern, and Michigan State. Iowa's next three games after this one are against Wisconsin, @ Illinois, and Penn State, so it's fair to say that this game means as much to Iowa's postseason fortunes as it means to IU's. This is, sadly, the most winnable Big Ten game remaining on IU's schedule, but Iowa is a 5.5 point favorite in Bloomington. Unlike IU, Iowa hasn't looked terrible: its three losses are by a total of 8 points.

Iowa hasn't scored a lot of points, but running back Shonn Greene is having a great season, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He has run for 822 yards and 5 touchdowns. I really don't have much time for detail right now, but again, this is a big game for both teams. Iowa has lost 3 overall and two against IU, and so I expect the Hawkeyes will be motivated. I have no remaining optimism after last week's disaster in Minnesota, but I hope the team and staff prove me wrong.