Each week, Bryan Hooyman, the Daily’s football fanatic, previews local football games not featuring the Cyclones. Hooyman holds a 19-11 record this season and went 1-2 last week.

Northwestern Wildcats (2-7) at Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3)

Not only are the Wildcats on a six-game slide, but they must go on the road to play the Hawkeyes. I fully expect the Hawkeye defense, which showed me a thing or two about its character last week, to advance the Wildcats’ losing streak to a lowly seven games.

Bryan’s pick – HAWKEYES

Davidson Wildcats (5-3) at Drake Bulldogs (6-2)

Both teams are surging members of the Pioneer Football League. The Wildcats have a 4-1 record within the league; however, the Bulldogs boast an undefeated record (3-0) within the league – blowing their opponents out by an average of 30 points per game. That bodes well for the Bulldogs, and I expect them to hold off the Wildcats at home.

Bryan’s pick – BULLDOGS

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-2) at Northern Iowa Panthers (5-3)

These two Gateway conference rivals battle it out on the gridiron Saturday. In this small-school face-off, the game will be determined on the defensive side of the ball. So far this season, the Hilltoppers have allowed just under 25 points per game (24.9), but the Panthers are allowing fewer than 20 points per game [19.375]. Expect the Panthers to get back on track this week by defeating the Hilltoppers.

Bryan’s pick – PANTHERS