This Saturday’s matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and Iowa Hawkeyes is setting up to be a close battle, so let’s take a look at how the teams match up at four key positions.

Quarterbacks:

Arizona

Last year’s game against Iowa marked a turning point in the season for the Wildcats: the arrival of quarterback Nick Foles. After Matt Scott was lifted in favor of Foles early in the fourth quarter, Foles never looked back. The junior has come into his own and is averaging 287 yards per game so far this season. Although Foles has looked almost unstoppable this season, he’ll be tested against the veteran, physical defense of Iowa.

Iowa

Over the last two seasons, senior quarterback Ricky Stanzi has made a name for himself in the Big Ten Conference. The senior has lost only four games in his 22 appearances over the last two seasons. Stanzi effortlessly controls the run-first offense like the seasoned veteran he is.

“”He’s great at throwing that deep ball,”” said Arizona cornerback Trevin Wade. “”Most (defensive backs) if you’re the last read, they kind of slack off— think the play’s over, but he’s good at finding them and throwing that ball.””

Receivers:

Arizona

Receiver Juron Criner has emerged as one of the best wideouts in the Pacific 10 Conference. Criner is averaging 118 yards per game for the Wildcats and has the athletic ability to bring down the ball when it’s needed most. Fortunately for Arizona’s offense, he’s not the only option for Foles.

Iowa

The Hawkeyes wouldn’t have cracked the national top 10 without a talented group of receivers. Iowa’s receivers have the ability to get vertical fast and spread the ball around. Coupled with its running game, Iowa is quick to find big plays off the play action pass.

Running backs:

Arizona

The three-headed monster for Arizona begins with running back Nic Grigsby, who already has five touchdowns, including a career-high 62-yard run against The Citadel last week. Like his fellow running backs, Keola Antolin and Greg Nwoko, Grigsby’s speed and ability to catch the ball make him a viable passing option for Foles.

Iowa

Adam Robinson leads an impressive Hawkeye duo. The sophomore already has four touchdowns this season. Jewel Hampton, also a sophomore, is expected to see plenty of carries as well.

Defensive line:

Arizona

Senior defensive ends Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore headline a surprisingly efficient defense. Defensive tackles Lolomana Mikaele, Justin Washington and Sione Tuihalamaka have also played well in spots on the interior. Pressure from Arizona’s line has been one of the reasons the Wildcats’ defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown this season.

Iowa

Iowa’s stingy defense begins with its defensive line, and no one does more damage than defensive end Adrian Clayborn. He is the leader of Iowa’s big men up front, coming in at 6-foot-4 and weighing 285 pounds. His speed and size made him the most valuable player at the FedEx Orange Bowl last season.