Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said quarterback Cade McNamara "has to play better" and "has to throw the ball more accurately."

Ferentz also said the struggling McNamara will remain the Hawkeyes' starter as the team hosts Northwestern on Saturday afternoon in Iowa City.

Iowa (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) was blanked in the first half of a 32-20 loss at Michigan State last Saturday. McNamara passed for a meager 150 yards on an 11-for-23 day that included one touchdown and one interception.

For the season, he has three games with less than 100 yards passing and only one game with more than 200 yards, totaling just 944 yards through seven games.

Running back Kaleb Johnson helped keep the attack moving against Michigan State, gaining 98 yards on 14 carries, including a 75-yard TD.

For the moment, Johnson's prowess figures to serve notice to the Wildcats' defense more than anything. He leads the conference in rushing yards (1,035) - second in FBS -- and touchdowns (13).

Northwestern coach David Braun said the team's tackling suffered in spots during a 23-3 home loss to Wisconsin last week. He said that must change with Johnson up next.

"This week more than ever, it'll be critical we play with good leverage, that we tackle well," Braun said.

"It's gonna take more than one to bring Kaleb down," Braun added.

Northwestern (3-4, 1-3) struggled to sustain drives against the Badgers.

The Wildcats collected just nine first downs and were outgained 359-209. Quarterback Jack Lausch passed for 82 yards and was the team's leader on the ground with 55 yards.

Returning leading rusher Cam Porter, who is fighting injuries, gained 48 yards on 14 carries.

"There's no doubt for us to be at our best offensively, we're going to have to find balance and consistently run the football," Braun said.

The status of injured wide receiver A.J. Henning (upper body) is uncertain. Braun didn't offer an update Monday after Henning was injured against Wisconsin. He leads the team with three receiving touchdowns, while his 357 receiving yards rank second.

The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 53-26-3 and boast a three-game winning streak against the Wildcats.

--Field Level Media

Quickchart Matchup

Northwestern Off vs  Iowa Def
286.9 yards 337.7 yards 3.9 yards/rush 3.7 yards/rush 5.7 yards/attempt 6.8 yards/attempt

Iowa Off vs  Northwestern Def
346.9 yards 350 yards 5.8 yards/rush 3.2 yards/rush 6 yards/attempt 7 yards/attempt