What to know about Iowa football vs. Northwestern at Wrigley Field

Iowa football program faces drama with the departure of offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, but it's game time at Wrigley Field against Northwestern.

The Iowa football program has been the center of attention this week due to the news that offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz will not be retained beyond the 2023 season. However, it's time to shift the focus back to the game itself. The Hawkeyes are set to face off against Northwestern in a highly anticipated matchup with significant implications for the Big Ten West race. What makes this game even more intriguing is the unique location - Wrigley Field, the iconic home of the MLB's Chicago Cubs.

For those eager to catch the game on TV or livestream, there's a slight twist. Unfortunately, the game won't be available on cable or satellite. Instead, it will be streamed on Peacock TV, a popular streaming service. Subscriptions for Peacock are priced at $5.99 per month, with an ad-free edition available for $11.99 per month. Students can also enjoy a discounted rate of $1.99 per month. This subscription may be worth considering for Hawkeye sports fans, as it was recently announced that Iowa men's basketball will have two games streamed on Peacock this season, with at least seven women's basketball games exclusively airing on the platform.

Moving on to the venue itself, Wrigley Field is typically associated with Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs. However, in recent years, Northwestern has had the opportunity to host a couple of football games at this iconic stadium. In 2021, Northwestern faced off against Purdue in a game that saw Purdue emerge victorious with a score of 32-14. Prior to that, in 2010, Illinois and Northwestern engaged in an in-state showdown at Wrigley Field, with Illinois coming out on top with a final score of 48-27. According to Northwestern, these are the only two college football games to have been played at Wrigley Field since 1938, adding to the uniqueness and excitement surrounding this upcoming matchup.

For those interested in the betting odds, Iowa enters the game as a 5.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The Hawkeyes are also favored on the moneyline, with odds set at -205. The total points over/under for the game is at 31.5 points. It's worth noting that the initial line opened at 29.5 points, which would have made this game the first known college football matchup with a total below 30, adding an extra layer of intrigue for bettors.

In conclusion, despite the recent off-field drama, it's time to shift our focus back to the game itself. The Iowa Hawkeyes and Northwestern Wildcats are set to face off at the iconic Wrigley Field, a venue typically associated with baseball. This unique location adds an extra level of excitement to the matchup, which carries significant implications for the Big Ten West race. While the game won't be available on traditional cable or satellite TV, fans can tune in via Peacock TV, a popular streaming service. With the betting odds favoring Iowa and several intriguing storylines surrounding this game, it's sure to be an exciting and memorable event for both teams and fans alike.

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