The battle for the Heartland Trophy is set for a 2:30pm kickoff in Kinnick Stadium Saturday. Wisconsin comes off a win over then number 1 Ohio State, while Iowa looked both impressing and puzzling in their win over Michigan 38-28. The script for this game should continue just like the series has always been; low-scoring, lots of run plays, and hard collisions.
Offensive Keys -
Iowa's offensive line needs to come through this weekend in a big way. Adam Robinson has evolved into a 1st team Big Ten running back but Iowa hasn't faced a strong defensive line since Arizona. Time of possession will be critical for both teams, because the first defense that gets worn down Saturday, will likely mean a victory for the opposing team.
Iowa Hawkeyes Keys to Victory
Troy Johnson - Since Jeff Tarpinian is still struggling to get back to full speed, the man in the middle becomes more important versus Wisconsin. Johnson will meet 300 lbs. lineman head on and needs to be in position at all times to slow down the tandem of Clay and White. If the Iowa linebackers are being tied up by the Badgers, it could be a very close game to the wire.
Tyler Sash and Brent Greenwood - Both are important in run support this weekend as the Wisconsin offensive line is big and will take up the front 7 of the Hawks on running plays. Play-action passes are also keys to big plays down field and both safeties are responsible for not being beaten deep.
Adam Robinson - Robinson shined last week versus the porous Michigan defense and one can wish for that performance versus Wisconsin. If Robinson is able to get some running lanes the Iowa playbook opens up extensively. And Robinson will even be a larger factor if the rain comes down in Iowa City Saturday.
With rain looming in the forecast, line play will be as critical as ever. Fans will get a premium look at one of the best offensive lines versus the best defensive line in college football. If Iowa can force turnovers like last year, Hawk fans will leave Kinnick happy again this year. A big emphasis will be put on stopping the run for both teams, and winning the field position battle with special teams. For some reason I see Wisconsin starting hot against Iowa but then cooling off in the second half. The Hawkeyes will score a few touchdowns late and come away with a hard-fought win.
Prediction Iowa 28 Wisconsin 14
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Half-Way Home
As the Hawkeyes roll towards an epic encounter with the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday, let's talk a look at the Hawkeyes as a whole.
Offensive MVP - Ricky Stanzi
I could have easily picked Derrell Johnson-Koulianos or Adam Robinson, but Ricky has shown he has progressed enough far enough to at least get a shot at the NFL. He ranks third in passing efficiency in the NCAA and his stats from the first 6 games last year are drastically better. Take a look
99-145, 1474 yards, 13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 180.50 quarterback rating
Last year he had 9 interceptions through 6 games including 2 pick-sixes. Stanzi has been a leader both on and off the field and one can't really blame him for the loss against Arizona. His grit and determination get him through most games. Credit his quick release to help the still young offensive line for the Hawks.
Defensive MVP - Adrian Clayborn
While his stats aren't mind-blowing (5 TFL, 1.5 sacks), the attention he gets from opposing teams creates gaps and 1 on 1 situations for his fellow defensive lineman (see Mike Daniels). He was nowhere to been seen in the desert on September 18, but his last 2 performances versus Penn State and Michigan have vaulted his status up again as one of the best defensive lineman in college football. I see a big 2nd half of the year for Clayborn.
With a 5-1 (2-0) record the Hawkeyes still have an outside shot at the National Championship if they win all their remaining games. The next 3 home games will all be versus nationally ranked teams which sets up nicely for Big Ten title hopes. The Hawks should still remain leery of early November road games at Indiana and then Northwestern, which both know how to put a scare into Hawkeye fans. All fans hope to see us clinch a Big Ten championship in Minnesota, which brings back sweet memories.....
Offensive MVP - Ricky Stanzi
I could have easily picked Derrell Johnson-Koulianos or Adam Robinson, but Ricky has shown he has progressed enough far enough to at least get a shot at the NFL. He ranks third in passing efficiency in the NCAA and his stats from the first 6 games last year are drastically better. Take a look
99-145, 1474 yards, 13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 180.50 quarterback rating
Last year he had 9 interceptions through 6 games including 2 pick-sixes. Stanzi has been a leader both on and off the field and one can't really blame him for the loss against Arizona. His grit and determination get him through most games. Credit his quick release to help the still young offensive line for the Hawks.
Defensive MVP - Adrian Clayborn
While his stats aren't mind-blowing (5 TFL, 1.5 sacks), the attention he gets from opposing teams creates gaps and 1 on 1 situations for his fellow defensive lineman (see Mike Daniels). He was nowhere to been seen in the desert on September 18, but his last 2 performances versus Penn State and Michigan have vaulted his status up again as one of the best defensive lineman in college football. I see a big 2nd half of the year for Clayborn.
With a 5-1 (2-0) record the Hawkeyes still have an outside shot at the National Championship if they win all their remaining games. The next 3 home games will all be versus nationally ranked teams which sets up nicely for Big Ten title hopes. The Hawks should still remain leery of early November road games at Indiana and then Northwestern, which both know how to put a scare into Hawkeye fans. All fans hope to see us clinch a Big Ten championship in Minnesota, which brings back sweet memories.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)