From the sports desk: The big test against Iowa

If you thought the last two games were a big test for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, just wait until this Friday when head coach Mike Riley and his squad will try to wrest a win away from No. 5 Iowa and, in the process, seek out a post-season bowl bid.

The good news for Nebraska is that the game will be played at Memorial Stadium and the Huskers will face a Hawkeyes team that is reeling with late-season injuries. Even Iowa defensive end Drew Ott has petitioned for a medical redshirt due to a dislocated elbow and blown-out knee.

Depending on how well Tommy Armstrong Jr. plays and how strong defensive coordinator Mark Banker's playcalling turns out to be, it could turn into a win for Nebraska – and a first loss for Iowa.

On top of all of this, the game is actually too close to call; according to bookies in Vegas, as of Wednesday, Iowa is only a two-point favorite to win against the Huskers.

You never know ... it's football after all. Anything can happen on any given Saturday, right?

One can always hope.