Perfect situation for Wildcats

IOWA CITY -- Sometimes in Iowa, merely believing is enough.

A part-time play-by-play man for a Davenport radio station went on to Des Moines, and later Ronald Reagan became the 40th president of the United States.

Native Americans finally recaptured historic hunting ground around Tama-Toledo by opening a casino.

Ottumwa's Tom Arnold maintained C-list celebrity status even after bailing on marriage to Roseanne Barr.

Believing -- it might be the ultimate determinant today when No. 8 Iowa (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) hosts Northwestern (5-4, 2-3).

Pro-corn optimists would suggest Iowa is just four games away from a national championship. But few outside of the sway of the supremely opportunistic black-and-gold believe.

''It's fun to overcome odds,'' coach Kirk Ferentz said. ''Our guys embrace that. No matter where we are ranked, we are still climbing uphill, and that is our team.''

''Lucky'' and ''charmed'' have become national adjectives of choice about a bucket brigade with more escapes than the floodlands of Keokuk. (''I prefer 'resilient,''' said hulking tackle Bryan Bulaga of Crystal Lake.)

The Hawkeyes have had to come from behind to win eight of their nine games. During that span, they have outscored opponents 148-54 in the second half -- including 107-41 in the fourth quarter.

Two weeks ago, it took a seven-yard pass from Ricky Stanzi to Marvin McNutt with two seconds remaining to salvage a 15-13 victory at Michigan State. Last week, Stanzi threw five interceptions and then engineered a 28-0 fourth quarter to beat Indiana 42-24.

''When you look at their scoring in the second half, it's astronomical the advantages they've had over their opponents,'' NU's Pat Fitzgerald said. ''They are resilient, and they have persevered.''

Stanzi (17-3 as a starter) has been critical to the Iowa success as has a smart corps of receivers including McNutt (21 catches, 456 yards, four touchdowns), Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (25/490/2), Wheaton-bred tight end Tony Moeaki (23/274/4) and Trey Stross (22/323/2).

Safety Tyler Sash -- the Big Ten leader with six interceptions -- keys a defense that bends, breaks and then somehow regroups with games on the line.

The Hawkeyes are tied for second in the Big Ten with a turnover margin of plus-eight and third in total defense (behind Penn State and Ohio State), allowing 297.6 yards per game.

''I would say we are a skilled team that plays its best when our backs are against the wall,'' Sash said.

After a late collapse at home last week vs. Penn State (34-13), Northwestern comes into Kinnick Stadium as a 16-point underdog.

But the Wildcats have won their last two in Iowa City -- including a stunning 22-17 decision last year.

Fitzgerald is 2-1 in his brief career vs. Ferentz, and Northwestern has won three of the last four between the two universities.

Both teams are dinged and depleted. While Cats quarterback Mike Kafka has been cleared to play, residual effects of a hamstring tweak against the Nittany Lions could impact his mobility. Out for NU are a trio of mainstays including safety Brendan Smith (thumb), linebacker Ben Johnson (leg) and offensive lineman Desmond Taylor (leg).

Out for the Hawkeyes are wide receiver/punt returner Colin Sandeman (concussion) and running back Adam Robinson (ankle) while safety Brett Greenwood (leg) is questionable.

NU will be seeking its first complete 60-minute game of the season against a major opponent.

Iowa will be trying to just keep on merely believing.

NORTHWESTERN AT NO. 8 IOWA