Nov. 8--Getting offensive: Northwestern gained a season-low 239 yards, and it didn't matter. Dan Persa rushed for 67 and threw a touchdown pass, and Mike Kafka completed just enough passes (10 of 18) despite laboring with a hamstring injury.

On the defensive: The Wildcats gave up a 74-yard touchdown pass on Iowa's third play from scrimmage, then allowed just 3.4 yards per snap and forced four turnovers.

The number: 99. The jersey number of Corey Wootton, who turned the game around with his sack and forced fumble on Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi.

The bad news: Persa injured his hand in the third quarter, perhaps on a giant hit from linebacker Pat Angerer. X-rays taken at Kinnick Stadium were inconclusive, and Persa was to be examined again when the team returned to Evanston.

They're still talking about: How Northwestern has won three straight in Iowa City.

Looking ahead: Northwestern and Illinois will duke it out at 11 a.m. Saturday in Champaign for the Land of Lincoln Trophy.

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