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.....
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