For the first time ever the Iowa Hawkeyes will take the field on Saturday 8-0. While Iowa is still lacking the national media respect, if they keep winning the rankings will take care of themselves.
When Iowa has the ball-
Iowa will once again be a patchwork offense, Dace Richardson will be out until the bowl game, Colin Sandeman will probably miss the game after getting his bell run last week, and Adam Robinson will be shut down for the rest of the regular season. Iowa will look to get on track against the 10th overall defense in the Big Ten. In Big Ten play, Indiana is giving up 177 yards per game on the ground and 240 yards through the air. Watch the match up between Jamie Kirlew/Greg Middleton and Bulaga/Calloway. If the Iowa offensive lineman can control the talented Indiana ends, then Stanzi will have time to pick the poor Indiana defensive backfield apart. Reiff, Eubanks, and Vandevelde need to control the middle, including Mayberry, the Hoosiers best linebacker, in order for the Hawks to be successful with the run.
When Indiana has the ball-
Indiana runs what is called the "pistol" offense. The quarterback will line up about 4 yards behind the center, with the tailback right behind him. They are averaging over 25 points per game in league play, so they have the ability to put points on the board. They are a balanced attack the are in the middle of the league in both passing and rushing yards. They protect the ball as well, only giving the ball away 5 times in league play. Their offensive line will have problems with Iowa's defensive line and look for Indiana to have a lot of trouble running between the tackles.
What will happen-
Iowa will be fed by a raucous crowd and get out to a 14 point led after the first quarter. Look for Iowa to have a good mix of both the run and pass. The defense will continue with their boa constrictor like game, they won't dominate from start to finish, but they will squeeze the life out of you and make it tough to do anything late in the game.
Score Prediction:
Iowa 42
Indiana 13
Predictions:
Stanzi will throw for 300+ yards
Keenan Davis and DJK will have 4+ catches
Moeaki will have a TD
The defense will cause 5 turnovers, 3 INT, 2 fumbles
Brandon Wegher goes for 125+ rushing
Iowa finishes with 5 sacks, Clayborn with 2
Iowa scores on its first possession of the game
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Michigan State Aftermath
Well the Hawks did it again. By no means did they dominate any facet of the game, but they played well enough to win the game.
Offense-
Thought that for the most part they looked bad on the offensive side of the ball. The running game seemed to gain some yards when they ran to the offensive left behind Bulaga and Reiff. In the third quarter, Iowa had first and goal at the 1 and were unable to punch it in. My question is, where was Wegher? Has he not proven that he is pretty good at the goalline dive? All it took however was the last drive for Iowa to start playing offense. With 1:37 left the Hawks had the daunting task of going 70 yards with only 1 timeout and having to get a touchdown to win. Stanzi looked like John Elway on "the drive," he was making most of the calls from the line of scrimmage and hitting his recievers when they were open and when nobody was open, instead of taking a sack or throwing one up, he ran and got what he could. With two seconds left O'Keefe dialed up a great play call. When Moeaki went in motion and the linebacker went with him and left McNutt one on one on the outside. Upon seeing this and knowing what the play call was, Stanzi had to be thinking, "Is this really happening?" In watching the play several times, both McNutt and Stross were open on the slant patterns. Stanzi chose to hit McNutt and the cardiac kids did it once again. The win did not come without some losses though, Dace Richardson went down early with an ankle injury, Colin Sandeman went down in the third after being the victim of a head to head hit, and Adam Robinson injured his ankle.
Defense-
While they only allowed 13 points, the defense really missed a lot of oppertunities to make big plays. Hunter dropped a probable pick 6 interception, Clayborn somehow missed a fumble recovery deep in Spartan territory, and they allowed a couple 3 down and more than 10 yard conversions. It was a little bit concerning that MSU went 90+ plus yards to get the lead. For the first game this season Iowa was unable to cause a turnover. Overall it was a pretty good game by the defense including a goal line stand when MSU had a first and goal at the 1.
Offense-
Thought that for the most part they looked bad on the offensive side of the ball. The running game seemed to gain some yards when they ran to the offensive left behind Bulaga and Reiff. In the third quarter, Iowa had first and goal at the 1 and were unable to punch it in. My question is, where was Wegher? Has he not proven that he is pretty good at the goalline dive? All it took however was the last drive for Iowa to start playing offense. With 1:37 left the Hawks had the daunting task of going 70 yards with only 1 timeout and having to get a touchdown to win. Stanzi looked like John Elway on "the drive," he was making most of the calls from the line of scrimmage and hitting his recievers when they were open and when nobody was open, instead of taking a sack or throwing one up, he ran and got what he could. With two seconds left O'Keefe dialed up a great play call. When Moeaki went in motion and the linebacker went with him and left McNutt one on one on the outside. Upon seeing this and knowing what the play call was, Stanzi had to be thinking, "Is this really happening?" In watching the play several times, both McNutt and Stross were open on the slant patterns. Stanzi chose to hit McNutt and the cardiac kids did it once again. The win did not come without some losses though, Dace Richardson went down early with an ankle injury, Colin Sandeman went down in the third after being the victim of a head to head hit, and Adam Robinson injured his ankle.
Defense-
While they only allowed 13 points, the defense really missed a lot of oppertunities to make big plays. Hunter dropped a probable pick 6 interception, Clayborn somehow missed a fumble recovery deep in Spartan territory, and they allowed a couple 3 down and more than 10 yard conversions. It was a little bit concerning that MSU went 90+ plus yards to get the lead. For the first game this season Iowa was unable to cause a turnover. Overall it was a pretty good game by the defense including a goal line stand when MSU had a first and goal at the 1.
New practice facility?
I know that there has been a lot of talk about a new indoor practice facility. The bubble was great when it was new 20 years ago, but lots of things have changed and lets be honest, when your team is 8-0 on the season, getting donors to donate money is a lot easier. Above is an image of a possible location and look of a new facility. Currently there is a parking lot where this facility would sit.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Iowa vs Michigan State stats
Iowa is the least penalized team in the Big 10, MSU is the second highest
MSU has only given up 6 sacks all season
MSU has the best passing attack in the Big 10
Iowa has the second best passing defense in the Big 10
Iowa has only given 1 opening drive scores in the last 20 games
Iowa is just the second school to ever win at Penn State and Wisconsin in the same season
Iowa has outscored its opponents 101-41 in the second half this season
Iowa has not allowed a second half point on the road this season
Iowa leads the nation with 15 INT's
MSU is -6 in TO's, Iowa is +11
DJK is now 17th in receptions and 19th in yards in the all-time Iowa receiving rankings
Iowa has not converted a fourth down all season
Iowa's opponents have been unsuccessful on all 4 onside kick attempts this season
MSU has only given up 6 sacks all season
MSU has the best passing attack in the Big 10
Iowa has the second best passing defense in the Big 10
Iowa has only given 1 opening drive scores in the last 20 games
Iowa is just the second school to ever win at Penn State and Wisconsin in the same season
Iowa has outscored its opponents 101-41 in the second half this season
Iowa has not allowed a second half point on the road this season
Iowa leads the nation with 15 INT's
MSU is -6 in TO's, Iowa is +11
DJK is now 17th in receptions and 19th in yards in the all-time Iowa receiving rankings
Iowa has not converted a fourth down all season
Iowa's opponents have been unsuccessful on all 4 onside kick attempts this season
Wisconsin Game Analysis
Well so much for Beilema being 15-0 in 11 AM starts at Madison. The game last week was very much a tale of two halves. In the first half Iowa was all but dominated, but only down 7 points. In the second half Iowa controlled all aspects of the game, offense, defense, and special teams.
Offense-
In the first half, Iowa's offense was less than stellar. Wisconsin was loading the box to stop the run and aside from the first drive and the deep ball to DJK, Iowa mustered very few yards. At halftime, the Iowa coaches must have seen something and really started to gouge the Badgers with the run. One of the things that Iowa did was something that I have been calling for all season, spread the defense out. A couple times Iowa went with no backs and a couple of running plays were single back. With Robinson and Wegher's ability to catch the ball, going empty is an advantage for Iowa as the defense can't go nickle or dime defense against Iowa's personnel. One thing that I noticed on Robinson's TD run was the block by Reisner, he cleared the way for Robinson a couple of times on that drive. His blocking has become so much better this season than it was last year. It also appeared in the game that Stanzi has developed a trust in DJK, he looked for him several times on the day and DJK started, which hopefully means he is out of the doghouse.
Defense-
First half was a tape that you want to throw away if you are Norm Parker. The front seven had awful gap assignments and nobody was getting off blocks. Hunter over-pursued several times opening up the cut back and John Clay looked like a beast in the first half. Once Wisconisin had the run established, it really opened up their play-action passing attack. But just like the offensive coaches, the defensive coaches made half-time adjustments that stymied the Badgers in the second half. Iowa turned the Badgers over three times in the second half and had Tolzein completely confused about where they were coming from. The turning point of the game was in the third quarter when Stanzi fumbled deep in Iowa territory and the defense stiffened and forced Wisconsin into a FG attempt that was missed. Spievey finally got a couple of balls thrown his way and had two interceptions. The first INT was a good play by him coming off the deep man, but an even better play by Edds to get in the throwing land and forcing the wide throw. The second INT was an incredible athletic play by Spievey.
Offense-
In the first half, Iowa's offense was less than stellar. Wisconsin was loading the box to stop the run and aside from the first drive and the deep ball to DJK, Iowa mustered very few yards. At halftime, the Iowa coaches must have seen something and really started to gouge the Badgers with the run. One of the things that Iowa did was something that I have been calling for all season, spread the defense out. A couple times Iowa went with no backs and a couple of running plays were single back. With Robinson and Wegher's ability to catch the ball, going empty is an advantage for Iowa as the defense can't go nickle or dime defense against Iowa's personnel. One thing that I noticed on Robinson's TD run was the block by Reisner, he cleared the way for Robinson a couple of times on that drive. His blocking has become so much better this season than it was last year. It also appeared in the game that Stanzi has developed a trust in DJK, he looked for him several times on the day and DJK started, which hopefully means he is out of the doghouse.
Defense-
First half was a tape that you want to throw away if you are Norm Parker. The front seven had awful gap assignments and nobody was getting off blocks. Hunter over-pursued several times opening up the cut back and John Clay looked like a beast in the first half. Once Wisconisin had the run established, it really opened up their play-action passing attack. But just like the offensive coaches, the defensive coaches made half-time adjustments that stymied the Badgers in the second half. Iowa turned the Badgers over three times in the second half and had Tolzein completely confused about where they were coming from. The turning point of the game was in the third quarter when Stanzi fumbled deep in Iowa territory and the defense stiffened and forced Wisconsin into a FG attempt that was missed. Spievey finally got a couple of balls thrown his way and had two interceptions. The first INT was a good play by him coming off the deep man, but an even better play by Edds to get in the throwing land and forcing the wide throw. The second INT was an incredible athletic play by Spievey.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Wisconsin Game Prediction Results
Score Prediction:
Iowa - 24 20
Wisconsin - 21 10
Predictions:
Stanzi throws yet another pick 6 No Int's
Robinson goes over 100 yards 91
DJK has over 100 yards receiving and a TD 113 Yards 0 TD
The Iowa defense forces 4 TO's 3
Iowa holds Clay to under 100 yards 75
Wisconsin's kicker misses 1 FG 1/2
1 Defensive or Special Teams TD 0
Pretty solid week of predictions.
Iowa - 24 20
Wisconsin - 21 10
Predictions:
Stanzi throws yet another pick 6 No Int's
Robinson goes over 100 yards 91
DJK has over 100 yards receiving and a TD 113 Yards 0 TD
The Iowa defense forces 4 TO's 3
Iowa holds Clay to under 100 yards 75
Wisconsin's kicker misses 1 FG 1/2
1 Defensive or Special Teams TD 0
Pretty solid week of predictions.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wisconsin Game Prediction
When Wisconsin has the ball-
Jim Williams would be thrilled, Wisconsin is a three yards and a cloud of dust kind of team. Look for a lot of power running, which will be the first time that Iowa will have faced this kind of offense this season. They boast a big and talented offensive line and like to get after it in the run game. Unlike most seasons, this Wisconsin team has a decent quarterback in Tolzien. He is a pretty accurate thrower, completing close to 65% of his passes. Much like Iowa, Wisconsin utilizes their TE, Graham, who has 27 catches on the season. In the backfield is John Clay, a big and powerful back that also possesses break away speed. On the season he has already racked up 641 yards at almost a 5 ypc clip. Besides Graham, Tolzien looks to Nick Toon, who has 26 grabs. One area to watch is the Badger kicker, Welch, who is only 6/11 beyond 30 yards.
When Iowa has the ball-
The Wisconsin defense is solid, every bit as solid at Michigan or Penn State. They are very much like Iowa in that they get a lot tougher inside the 20 and create turnovers, Wisconsin is +4 on the season. Iowa needs to get an early lead in this game as Wisconsin is 24-3 under Bielema when scoring first. Look for Iowa to come out and try to exploit the secondary that isn't very experienced, starting two sophomores at corner.
Wisconsin will win if-
They run the ball with success and keep the Iowa offense off the field. If the Badgers can control they pace of the game, it gives their defense time to rest and fatigues an Iowa defense that has done little substitution the last couple of weeks. Wisconsin needs to win the turnover battle and they need to finish drives with TD's and not rely on the kicker. Look for the Badger defense to load the box just like Michigan did and force Stanzi to beat them. If Stanzi isn't able to connect with his receivers, the Badgers will be tough to beat.
Iowa will win if-
They don't turn the ball over. If they play their kind of game, they will be fine. They will have to force Tolzien to beat them and stop Clay. If they can convert on 50%+ on third downs they will win.
Score Prediction:
Iowa - 24
Wisconsin - 21
Predictions:
Stanzi throws yet another pick 6
Robinson goes over 100 yards
DJK has over 100 yards receiving and a TD
The Iowa defense forces 4 TO's
Iowa holds Clay to under 100 yards
Wisconsin's kicker misses 1 FG
1 Defensive or Special Teams TD
Jim Williams would be thrilled, Wisconsin is a three yards and a cloud of dust kind of team. Look for a lot of power running, which will be the first time that Iowa will have faced this kind of offense this season. They boast a big and talented offensive line and like to get after it in the run game. Unlike most seasons, this Wisconsin team has a decent quarterback in Tolzien. He is a pretty accurate thrower, completing close to 65% of his passes. Much like Iowa, Wisconsin utilizes their TE, Graham, who has 27 catches on the season. In the backfield is John Clay, a big and powerful back that also possesses break away speed. On the season he has already racked up 641 yards at almost a 5 ypc clip. Besides Graham, Tolzien looks to Nick Toon, who has 26 grabs. One area to watch is the Badger kicker, Welch, who is only 6/11 beyond 30 yards.
When Iowa has the ball-
The Wisconsin defense is solid, every bit as solid at Michigan or Penn State. They are very much like Iowa in that they get a lot tougher inside the 20 and create turnovers, Wisconsin is +4 on the season. Iowa needs to get an early lead in this game as Wisconsin is 24-3 under Bielema when scoring first. Look for Iowa to come out and try to exploit the secondary that isn't very experienced, starting two sophomores at corner.
Wisconsin will win if-
They run the ball with success and keep the Iowa offense off the field. If the Badgers can control they pace of the game, it gives their defense time to rest and fatigues an Iowa defense that has done little substitution the last couple of weeks. Wisconsin needs to win the turnover battle and they need to finish drives with TD's and not rely on the kicker. Look for the Badger defense to load the box just like Michigan did and force Stanzi to beat them. If Stanzi isn't able to connect with his receivers, the Badgers will be tough to beat.
Iowa will win if-
They don't turn the ball over. If they play their kind of game, they will be fine. They will have to force Tolzien to beat them and stop Clay. If they can convert on 50%+ on third downs they will win.
Score Prediction:
Iowa - 24
Wisconsin - 21
Predictions:
Stanzi throws yet another pick 6
Robinson goes over 100 yards
DJK has over 100 yards receiving and a TD
The Iowa defense forces 4 TO's
Iowa holds Clay to under 100 yards
Wisconsin's kicker misses 1 FG
1 Defensive or Special Teams TD
Wisconsin vs Iowa Stats
Comparing the Stats
WISC IOWA
Record 5-1, 2-1 6-0, 2-0
Scoring Avg. 31.3 25.7
Scoring Defense 25.7 15.8
Rushing Yards 200.7 130.2
Passing Yards 222.1 232.8
Total Off ense 422.3 363.0
Rushing Defense 122.8 134.3
Passing Defense 210.3 171.0
Total Defense 333.2 305.3
Punt Return Avg. 6.8 9.6
KO Return Avg. 17.4 20.2
Turnover Margin +4 +9
Season statistics
Iowa has caused 13 fumbles on the season recovering 7 of them
Iowa has converted 43% of their third downs this season, while not converting a single 4th down
Iowa's opponents are 5/7 on fourth down
Iowa has outscored their opponents 84-41 in the second half
Iowa has 13 players that have caught a pass this season 5 players with 10+ catches
Donahue has 15 punts inside the 20, Iowa's opponents have 5
Iowa's opponents have only made 4/10 FG attempts this season
Iowa has not lost a fumble since the first game of the season and not put it on the turf since the ISU game
Iowa has had a Big Ten Player of the week 5 times this season
Tyler Sash has 5 INT's this season and 10 career, the Iowa records are 8 and 18 respectively
Amari Spivey is the only Hawk in the back 7 of the defense without an INT
DJK is only 64 receptions and 949 yards to set new career marks for Iowa
Stanzi ranks 8th in career passing yards and 7th in career passing TD's
Iowa has converted 43% of their third downs this season, while not converting a single 4th down
Iowa's opponents are 5/7 on fourth down
Iowa has outscored their opponents 84-41 in the second half
Iowa has 13 players that have caught a pass this season 5 players with 10+ catches
Donahue has 15 punts inside the 20, Iowa's opponents have 5
Iowa's opponents have only made 4/10 FG attempts this season
Iowa has not lost a fumble since the first game of the season and not put it on the turf since the ISU game
Iowa has had a Big Ten Player of the week 5 times this season
Tyler Sash has 5 INT's this season and 10 career, the Iowa records are 8 and 18 respectively
Amari Spivey is the only Hawk in the back 7 of the defense without an INT
DJK is only 64 receptions and 949 yards to set new career marks for Iowa
Stanzi ranks 8th in career passing yards and 7th in career passing TD's
Michigan game recap
Talk about an atmosphere, the crowd was well lubricated and there was electricity in the air. I wish that Iowa had more night games.
Offense-
Stanzi played another average game last Saturday, starting off with a pick six on his first attempt. In looking back at it, it looks like Chaney stopped his route short, but Michigan game planned for that route as their corner was already moving forward before Stanzi threw the ball. To his credit Ricky bounced back and played a decent game after that. He made a nice audible to Moeaki's first TD, yes that is right Iowa audibled to a pass, that never happens. He did however make some poor decisions that didn't hurt the team because Michigan didn't catch the ball. I thought that the running backs played an okay game, until Stanzi proves to teams that he can beat them with the deep ball, they are going to keep loading the box and make it difficult for our running game to get going. The receivers played a good game, aside from Chaney cutting his route short, no disastrous drops, and on both of Moeaki's TD's there was great down the field blocking from the wide receivers that allowed him to jog into the end zone. For having a crowded box, the line played an above average game, Reiff got the nod over Vandevelde, don't know if that was an experiment or if Reiff has looked that good in practice. He certainly has earned some playing time with his performances on Saturday's.
On the defensive side of the ball, although they turned Michigan over 5 times, I thought that the defense gave their worst effort of the season. They were gouged in the run game, which never happens against an Iowa team. The good news is that they have a couple more weeks until they play another spread offense. I thought that the linebackers played a solid game, with Hunter leading the charge.
Offense-
Stanzi played another average game last Saturday, starting off with a pick six on his first attempt. In looking back at it, it looks like Chaney stopped his route short, but Michigan game planned for that route as their corner was already moving forward before Stanzi threw the ball. To his credit Ricky bounced back and played a decent game after that. He made a nice audible to Moeaki's first TD, yes that is right Iowa audibled to a pass, that never happens. He did however make some poor decisions that didn't hurt the team because Michigan didn't catch the ball. I thought that the running backs played an okay game, until Stanzi proves to teams that he can beat them with the deep ball, they are going to keep loading the box and make it difficult for our running game to get going. The receivers played a good game, aside from Chaney cutting his route short, no disastrous drops, and on both of Moeaki's TD's there was great down the field blocking from the wide receivers that allowed him to jog into the end zone. For having a crowded box, the line played an above average game, Reiff got the nod over Vandevelde, don't know if that was an experiment or if Reiff has looked that good in practice. He certainly has earned some playing time with his performances on Saturday's.
On the defensive side of the ball, although they turned Michigan over 5 times, I thought that the defense gave their worst effort of the season. They were gouged in the run game, which never happens against an Iowa team. The good news is that they have a couple more weeks until they play another spread offense. I thought that the linebackers played a solid game, with Hunter leading the charge.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Michigan Game recap
Score prediction:
Iowa - 24 30
Michigan - 10 28
Predictions:
Iowa has 200+ yards rushing 83
Stanzi has 300+ yards passing 284
Stanzi throws 0 Int's 1
The Iowa defense comes up with 3 TO's 5
There will be 1 defensive/special teams TD Correct
Iowa knocks Forcier out of the game Don't know if he was injured or not, but he didn't finish
Solid week of predictions
Iowa - 24 30
Michigan - 10 28
Predictions:
Iowa has 200+ yards rushing 83
Stanzi has 300+ yards passing 284
Stanzi throws 0 Int's 1
The Iowa defense comes up with 3 TO's 5
There will be 1 defensive/special teams TD Correct
Iowa knocks Forcier out of the game Don't know if he was injured or not, but he didn't finish
Solid week of predictions
Friday, October 9, 2009
Iowa vs Michigan Preview
When Iowa has the ball-
Look for Iowa to come out running the ball. The weather forecast is calling for cold and chances of showers/snow. Iowa should be able to move the ball on the ground as well as in the air, Michigan has the 91st ranked defense, giving up an average of 392 yards per game. Ricky Stanzi looked much better last week, but will have to erase the two awful decisions that led to interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The offensive line should look better than last week as they will have had two weeks of practice and games working as a unit. Last week the Wolverines gave up 400+ total offensive yards to Michigan State.
When Michigan has the ball-
They want to run the ball, they are 28th in the nation averaging just short of 200 yards per game. The good news is that Iowa is only allowing 122 per game, so their strength is also Iowa's strength. Michigan will once again be without their starting center Molk, so look for Iowa to bring more line stunts and try to disrupt the line calls. Last week against Michigan State, the Wolverines were only able to manage 28 yards rushing. So either MSU's defense is that good or Michigan got a lot of yards against sub-par defenses.
Michigan will win if-
They can run the ball against Iowa, if they can establish the run it could be a long day for Iowa. Their freshman quarterback had his first road game last week and lost, this week he will come in to a much more hostile environment at night. They want to allow him to run to set up the pass. If they can get him out of the pocket and give him the run/pass option, they will be successful as Forcier is more athletic than most of Iowa's defenders. Michigan will have to stop the Iowa running game, which is something that they haven't done this season, giving up 153 yards per game this season. If they can create some turnovers and give their offense a short field, they have a chance.
Iowa will win if-
Iowa needs to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. If they can do this and force Michigan to play from behind with the pass, they will win. Iowa needs to stay away from the turnovers, something they have yet to do this season. If Iowa can establish the run, it will force them to have their safeties start to cheat up to help the run, and their corner backs aren't good enough to cover our wide outs one on one. On the season, Michigan has given up 392 yards per game, so Iowa should be able to move the ball, so long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot. If the Iowa defense can put pressure on the young Wolverines and give them a proverbial punch in the mouth, they will be able to dominate the game. If Forcier is forced to be a pocket passer, it is advantage Iowa.
Score prediction:
Iowa - 24
Michigan - 10
Predictions:
Iowa has 200+ yards rushing
Stanzi has 300+ yards passing
Stanzi throws 0 Int's
The Iowa defense comes up with 3 TO's
There will be 1 defensive/special teams TD
Iowa knocks Forcier out of the game
Look for Iowa to come out running the ball. The weather forecast is calling for cold and chances of showers/snow. Iowa should be able to move the ball on the ground as well as in the air, Michigan has the 91st ranked defense, giving up an average of 392 yards per game. Ricky Stanzi looked much better last week, but will have to erase the two awful decisions that led to interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The offensive line should look better than last week as they will have had two weeks of practice and games working as a unit. Last week the Wolverines gave up 400+ total offensive yards to Michigan State.
When Michigan has the ball-
They want to run the ball, they are 28th in the nation averaging just short of 200 yards per game. The good news is that Iowa is only allowing 122 per game, so their strength is also Iowa's strength. Michigan will once again be without their starting center Molk, so look for Iowa to bring more line stunts and try to disrupt the line calls. Last week against Michigan State, the Wolverines were only able to manage 28 yards rushing. So either MSU's defense is that good or Michigan got a lot of yards against sub-par defenses.
Michigan will win if-
They can run the ball against Iowa, if they can establish the run it could be a long day for Iowa. Their freshman quarterback had his first road game last week and lost, this week he will come in to a much more hostile environment at night. They want to allow him to run to set up the pass. If they can get him out of the pocket and give him the run/pass option, they will be successful as Forcier is more athletic than most of Iowa's defenders. Michigan will have to stop the Iowa running game, which is something that they haven't done this season, giving up 153 yards per game this season. If they can create some turnovers and give their offense a short field, they have a chance.
Iowa will win if-
Iowa needs to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. If they can do this and force Michigan to play from behind with the pass, they will win. Iowa needs to stay away from the turnovers, something they have yet to do this season. If Iowa can establish the run, it will force them to have their safeties start to cheat up to help the run, and their corner backs aren't good enough to cover our wide outs one on one. On the season, Michigan has given up 392 yards per game, so Iowa should be able to move the ball, so long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot. If the Iowa defense can put pressure on the young Wolverines and give them a proverbial punch in the mouth, they will be able to dominate the game. If Forcier is forced to be a pocket passer, it is advantage Iowa.
Score prediction:
Iowa - 24
Michigan - 10
Predictions:
Iowa has 200+ yards rushing
Stanzi has 300+ yards passing
Stanzi throws 0 Int's
The Iowa defense comes up with 3 TO's
There will be 1 defensive/special teams TD
Iowa knocks Forcier out of the game
Michigan vs Iowa NCAA rankings
Michigan:
Passing Offense - 80th 190/ypg
Rushing Offense - 28th 197/ypg
Total Offense - 47th 388/ypg
Scoring Offense - 24th 34/ppg
Passing Defense - 88th 239/ypg
Rushing Defense - 81st 153/ypg
Total Defense - 91st 392/ypg
Scoring Defense - 55th 23/ppg
Iowa:
Passing Offense - 55th 222/ypg
Rushing Offense - 62nd 139/ypg
Total Offense - 74th 362/ypg
Scoring Offense - 82nd 24/ppg
Passing Defense - 31st 180/ypg
Rushing Defense - 50th 122/ypg
Total Defense - 32nd 302/ypg
Scoring Defense - 10th 13/ppg
Passing Offense - 80th 190/ypg
Rushing Offense - 28th 197/ypg
Total Offense - 47th 388/ypg
Scoring Offense - 24th 34/ppg
Passing Defense - 88th 239/ypg
Rushing Defense - 81st 153/ypg
Total Defense - 91st 392/ypg
Scoring Defense - 55th 23/ppg
Iowa:
Passing Offense - 55th 222/ypg
Rushing Offense - 62nd 139/ypg
Total Offense - 74th 362/ypg
Scoring Offense - 82nd 24/ppg
Passing Defense - 31st 180/ypg
Rushing Defense - 50th 122/ypg
Total Defense - 32nd 302/ypg
Scoring Defense - 10th 13/ppg
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Iowa vs Arkansas St. Review
Score prediction:
Iowa- 42 24
Ark. St.- 10 21
Predictions:
Iowa forces 4+ turnovers (3 Int's, 1 fumble) 2 (1 Int, 1 fumble)
Wegher and Robinson are 100+ rushers Wegher-54 Robinson-39
Stanzi throws for less than 200 yards 296
Iowa has 0 sacks 2
Wrong on all predictions
Iowa- 42 24
Ark. St.- 10 21
Predictions:
Iowa forces 4+ turnovers (3 Int's, 1 fumble) 2 (1 Int, 1 fumble)
Wegher and Robinson are 100+ rushers Wegher-54 Robinson-39
Stanzi throws for less than 200 yards 296
Iowa has 0 sacks 2
Wrong on all predictions
Friday, October 2, 2009
Iowa vs Arkansas State Preview
Some would consider this a let down game possibility for Iowa, but I think that they got their non-conference scare opening weekend against UNI. The weather looks to be a factor in this game as it will be cold and rainy. This will be tough for Arkansas State as they are probably used to warmer weather down south and probably rarely have to play in the rain. Iowa has practiced in this and played in a rain game last week.
When Iowa has the ball- Iowa will be back to full strength along its offensive line with Bryan Bulaga returning to man the left tackle spot. Look for Iowa to come out early and impose their will on the Arkansas State defense. However, Arkansas State does rank in at 25th nationally against the run only allowing 100 yards per game. They held Nebraska to 136 yards in week two at Lincoln. On the other hand, look for Rick Stanzi to get on track against the nation's 102nd ranked pass defense that is allowing 256 yards per game. In that same Nebraska game, they gave up 358, so they are very susceptible to the pass. Don't be surprised if Iowa comes out guns a blazing and tries to take advantage of the weak Red Wolves secondary.
Match up to watch: Alex Carrington, DE vs Calloway and Bulaga Carrington was named the Sun Belt's pre-season defensive player of the year, but he will be going up against the strength of Iowa's offensive line in Calloway and Bulaga.
When Arkansas State has the ball- Look for Iowa to remain in base defense all game long. Arkansas State will have an offense much like that of ISU, only they throw the ball even less. They are in the spread, but their first option is to run the ball. On the season the are 37th nationally averaging 190 yards per game on the ground. Their main running back is Reggie Arnold, who averages over 6 yards per carry. When they are in the red zone, they will run the ball, having 11 rushing touchdowns and only 2 passing. Look for Iowa to counter this with their base defense and possibly leaving the corners in man coverage with the possibility of loading the box with a safety. The Red Wolves quarterback will run, but he is more likely to hand the ball off.
Match up to watch: Reggie Arnold vs Hunter and Edds If Arnold is allowed to get the corner it could spell trouble for the Hawks. If they can contain him and force the Red Wolves into passing, it becomes a huge advantage for the Hawks.
Score prediction:
Iowa- 42
Ark. St.- 10
Predictions:
Iowa forces 4+ turnovers (3 Int's, 1 fumble)
Wegher and Robinson are 100+ rushers
Stanzi throws for less than 200 yards
Iowa has 0 sacks
When Iowa has the ball- Iowa will be back to full strength along its offensive line with Bryan Bulaga returning to man the left tackle spot. Look for Iowa to come out early and impose their will on the Arkansas State defense. However, Arkansas State does rank in at 25th nationally against the run only allowing 100 yards per game. They held Nebraska to 136 yards in week two at Lincoln. On the other hand, look for Rick Stanzi to get on track against the nation's 102nd ranked pass defense that is allowing 256 yards per game. In that same Nebraska game, they gave up 358, so they are very susceptible to the pass. Don't be surprised if Iowa comes out guns a blazing and tries to take advantage of the weak Red Wolves secondary.
Match up to watch: Alex Carrington, DE vs Calloway and Bulaga Carrington was named the Sun Belt's pre-season defensive player of the year, but he will be going up against the strength of Iowa's offensive line in Calloway and Bulaga.
When Arkansas State has the ball- Look for Iowa to remain in base defense all game long. Arkansas State will have an offense much like that of ISU, only they throw the ball even less. They are in the spread, but their first option is to run the ball. On the season the are 37th nationally averaging 190 yards per game on the ground. Their main running back is Reggie Arnold, who averages over 6 yards per carry. When they are in the red zone, they will run the ball, having 11 rushing touchdowns and only 2 passing. Look for Iowa to counter this with their base defense and possibly leaving the corners in man coverage with the possibility of loading the box with a safety. The Red Wolves quarterback will run, but he is more likely to hand the ball off.
Match up to watch: Reggie Arnold vs Hunter and Edds If Arnold is allowed to get the corner it could spell trouble for the Hawks. If they can contain him and force the Red Wolves into passing, it becomes a huge advantage for the Hawks.
Score prediction:
Iowa- 42
Ark. St.- 10
Predictions:
Iowa forces 4+ turnovers (3 Int's, 1 fumble)
Wegher and Robinson are 100+ rushers
Stanzi throws for less than 200 yards
Iowa has 0 sacks
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