DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg has had one of the most miserable senior seasons anyone could imagine.

It's not going to cost him his job.

Coach Kirk Ferentz reiterated Tuesday that Vandenberg is his starter for Saturday's game at Northwestern (6-2, 2-2 Big Ten).

Many wondered if Iowa (4-3, 2-1) might go in another direction after Vandenberg and the Hawkeyes were dismantled by Penn State 38-14. But Ferentz was adamant - as he's been all season - that Vandenberg will be his quarterback until his eligibility is up.

By many measures, Vandenberg has been at the helm of one of the nation's worst passing attacks.

Vandenberg, who threw 25 touchdown passes in 2011, has thrown just three in seven games this season. That's the lowest number for every BCS-affiliated conference team in the country.

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