Hell Yes!
Great game. Special Teams. Defense. Adrian Clayborn. Everybody. Just awesome. GO HAWKS!!
Archive page 107
Penn State: Quick Thoughts
My efforts to put of meaningful posts has been some what poor this week. Sorry, about that. Hopefully it'll pick up here as the Big Ten season gets rolling. Anyway, unlike Iowa's first 3 opponents, Penn State is in-conference and by means of playing them every year, the Big Ten Network, Adam Rittenberg's blog, even ESPN with GameDay in town...I feel like we all know more about Penn State and I don't really need to do a full on unit-by-unit analysis. So instead, here are some of my general thoughts on the match up.
First, I think this will be a close game. Without breaking everything down, it just seems like these teams are pretty evenly matched.
Defense: Both team's have had very good defenses thus far. They sit 1st and 2nd in the conference in average points allowed and pass yards allowed, 1st and 3rd in total yards and pass efficiency, so basically they are just good defenses.
However, both team's have had their weaknesses exposed in the first 3 games as well. Iowa has been susceptible to long runs...especially on draw plays. The middle of the field on pass plays has also been somewhat open. Penn State's weakness is in the secondary where the team is especially inexperienced.
Injuries: Obviously both team's are currently has injury problems and much has already been said about it. I actually think though, that Penn State's injuries may hurt more. Yes, they are linebacker U, but you can only have so much depth. If Lee and Stupar really are out, or if they are playing not 100% and with Bowman maybe not 100%, then I think Iowa can really exploit this part of the defense. The offensive line is good enough to get to the second level on rushing plays, and Reisner (or Moeaki) and Wegher when we runs routes should be able to get open if they linebackers are not running full speed.
For Iowa, I think Reiff has been playing well enough that Bulaga out doesn't kill the offense. And, I am not at all concerned if DJK doesn't play (he's still a game time decision). This Iowa team is deeper at wide receiver than I can ever remember. If Moeaki can't play, that obviously hurts, but Reisner has played well. The only thing is that his absence kind of limits the 2-TE and even the crazy 3-TE sets that KOK likes to run.
Difference Makers: For Penn State, it's Daryll Clark. He has put this game on his shoulders...he blames himself for last year's game (though he should be giving some credit to the Hawkeyes!) and has basically guaranteed a win tomorrow. My hope is he's putting too much pressure on himself and comes out over zealous and makes a few mistakes.
For Iowa, it's the special teams...Donahue, Murray, Chaney (?!), the whole lot. Iowa's defense should keep this game close and this game (much like last year) could come down to special teams. Donahue should help the field position battle. Penn State will not score many points if they have to drive over 80 yards all day. Also, field goals are vital in close and low scoring games. Penn State's kicker, Wagner, is inexperienced and has struggled a little bit so far, so this is advantage Iowa. If you look at the return stats, Penn State has been horrible. They average only 15 yards per kickoff return. Iowa has not been much better averaging just over 17, but Chaney has been a bright spot on kick and punt returns. In a tough battle, one return for a TD, or even 20+ yards could really change the game.
Final Thoughts: Both teams have a lot to prove in this game. Iowa has the 3rd longest win streak in the nation on the line (and the still aren't ranked!) and wants to prove they are contenders. Penn State is looking for revenge, but also wants to justify its top 10 ranking and prove it can beat non-cream puffs. Anyway, I think it's great that GameDay will be there spotlighting this match up. Hopefully both teams will be able to gain some respect with a national audience and the put on a good showing for the Big Ten.
First, I think this will be a close game. Without breaking everything down, it just seems like these teams are pretty evenly matched.
Defense: Both team's have had very good defenses thus far. They sit 1st and 2nd in the conference in average points allowed and pass yards allowed, 1st and 3rd in total yards and pass efficiency, so basically they are just good defenses.
However, both team's have had their weaknesses exposed in the first 3 games as well. Iowa has been susceptible to long runs...especially on draw plays. The middle of the field on pass plays has also been somewhat open. Penn State's weakness is in the secondary where the team is especially inexperienced.
Injuries: Obviously both team's are currently has injury problems and much has already been said about it. I actually think though, that Penn State's injuries may hurt more. Yes, they are linebacker U, but you can only have so much depth. If Lee and Stupar really are out, or if they are playing not 100% and with Bowman maybe not 100%, then I think Iowa can really exploit this part of the defense. The offensive line is good enough to get to the second level on rushing plays, and Reisner (or Moeaki) and Wegher when we runs routes should be able to get open if they linebackers are not running full speed.
For Iowa, I think Reiff has been playing well enough that Bulaga out doesn't kill the offense. And, I am not at all concerned if DJK doesn't play (he's still a game time decision). This Iowa team is deeper at wide receiver than I can ever remember. If Moeaki can't play, that obviously hurts, but Reisner has played well. The only thing is that his absence kind of limits the 2-TE and even the crazy 3-TE sets that KOK likes to run.
Difference Makers: For Penn State, it's Daryll Clark. He has put this game on his shoulders...he blames himself for last year's game (though he should be giving some credit to the Hawkeyes!) and has basically guaranteed a win tomorrow. My hope is he's putting too much pressure on himself and comes out over zealous and makes a few mistakes.
For Iowa, it's the special teams...Donahue, Murray, Chaney (?!), the whole lot. Iowa's defense should keep this game close and this game (much like last year) could come down to special teams. Donahue should help the field position battle. Penn State will not score many points if they have to drive over 80 yards all day. Also, field goals are vital in close and low scoring games. Penn State's kicker, Wagner, is inexperienced and has struggled a little bit so far, so this is advantage Iowa. If you look at the return stats, Penn State has been horrible. They average only 15 yards per kickoff return. Iowa has not been much better averaging just over 17, but Chaney has been a bright spot on kick and punt returns. In a tough battle, one return for a TD, or even 20+ yards could really change the game.
Final Thoughts: Both teams have a lot to prove in this game. Iowa has the 3rd longest win streak in the nation on the line (and the still aren't ranked!) and wants to prove they are contenders. Penn State is looking for revenge, but also wants to justify its top 10 ranking and prove it can beat non-cream puffs. Anyway, I think it's great that GameDay will be there spotlighting this match up. Hopefully both teams will be able to gain some respect with a national audience and the put on a good showing for the Big Ten.
Q&A with Nittany White Out
I haven't had a chance to watch any Penn State games yet, so to get a little better perspective on the Nittany Lions I had a Q&A session with Devon at www.nittanywhiteout.com. Check out my responses on the Hawkeyes too.
1. How big of a factor is revenge? Ferentz and Joe Pa both kind of down-played it in their pressers, but Clark has not been shy about the fact that he's had this game circled on his calendar since last year.
For the fans, and for a lot of our players, it's everything. Penn State had a chance to do something last year that we haven't in a while, and after we beat Ohio State, it looked like the path was clear. The loss to Iowa really caught us all a little off guard. Now, we feel like we have the same kind of chance, and I don't think it's as much revenge fueling the fire as it is the sense that we don't want to let Iowa ruin our chances again. Much like Michigan up until last year, Iowa's had our number, so that adds to the frustration, too. If we can't beat Iowa this year, it just expounds the failure of a year ago.
2. The offensive line, wide receivers, and secondary are all pretty inexperienced. What new player should the Hawkeyes look out for? And, on the flip side, what player really needs to step up this weekend?
It's no surprise that those three positions are the least experienced at Penn State, and have drawn by far the most scrutiny. However, both the wide receivers and the defensive backs have performed admirably. Penn State's offense hasn't been as dynamic as it was a year ago, but we have a talented group of wide receivers whose best asset might be their size. And while Graham Zug is a prototypical possession receiver, Derek Moye has burst onto the scene as a big play receiver. He's 6'5, and has great speed, and he's been a home run threat over the first three weeks. Similarly, Penn State's defense is designed to take pressure off of the defensive backs, with a keep-everything-in-front strategy. The biggest weakness has been at safety, where Nick Sukay has struggled at times, and that's against the likes of Akron, Syracuse, and Temple. The big worry for most Penn State fans, though, has been the offensive line. We struggled to get any semblance of a run game going in the first two matchups, and even though we did last week against Temple, the pass protection struggled in its stead. Iowa's got a better line than any we've faced all year, and the offensive line needs to open up running lanes and protect Daryll Clark if we'll have a chance. Keep your eye on right guard Lou Eliades, #77, who's been the culprit on a lot of QB hurries.
3. The Penn State defense has been impressive so far giving up only 20 points in the first 3 games. How much of that is a result of poor opposing offense? Also, with Lee and Bowman's injuries, and an untested secondary, what is the defensive game plan for Iowa?
Well, Penn State's defense is for real. Even though the opponents haven't been up to snuff, you can see the makings of a great defense coming together. Sean Lee had been having a tremendous season up until now, and his status is still up in the air for Saturday. He's a real gamer, a tough player, and if there's any chance he can play, he'll give it a shot. He's been the main catalyst for the defense, as he has this preternatural ability to tell where the play is going. The defensive line has been great in stuffing the run, but pressure hasn't been too consistent on pass plays. It seems that every year Penn State is great against the run with a philosophy designed to contain, rather than shut down, a passing offense, and that's no different now. Expect a lot of nickel sets, very few blitzes, and a soft zone which should allow Ricky Stanzi to throw underneath for short gains. It's Penn State's defensive line, though, which should get enough pressure to not allow Stanzi to go through his entire progression before getting rid of the ball.
4. The offense hasn't exactly been wowing anybody this year. And last year, after the first couple of games, everyone was saying how the Spread HD was the best thing ever. Any cause for concern that margin in the first 3 games has not been what it was last year?
To be honest, it seems that Penn State hasn't been playing with the urgency they did a year ago. Last year, we had a test in week two, against Oregon State, so we knew we had to be in top shape early in the season. This year it seems we've been complacent, as Daryll Clark has tried to force a few bad throws and has hung a couple deep balls, mistakes he simply shouldn't make against sub-par defenses. On the other hand, the offensive line has struggled, and it's tough to chalk that up to lethargy alone. It's not replacing the skill players that's been an issue, but picking up the pieces in the trenches after the graduations of 3 great linemen. Penn State's kept the book a little closed, using a more traditional passing offense than we'd expect. I'm preparing to see a few new wrinkles unleashed on Saturday, especially to get speedster Devon Smith, a 5'6, 140 pound true freshman who can FLY, the ball in space.
5. Looking at Penn State's schedule before the year I saw no way the team is worse than 10-2. Now 3 weeks in, it's still hard to find more than 2 losses, especially with Illinois and Michigan State's troubles. What is your prediction for the year, and will you be satisfied with anything less than a Big Ten Championship?
Honestly, coming into this season I saw Penn State at 11-1, and I really did think we were the best team in the Big Ten. And as bad as we've looked at times this year, I'm even more confident in my prediction. You can't tell me Ohio State looks like a world-beater either, after struggling against Navy and falling to USC. Michigan State? Lost to a MAC team. Illinois? Please. Iowa? You guys struggled with a 1-AA team. But the one game that scares me more than any other, as it did when the schedule came out, is our visit to the Big House on October 24th. Tate Forcier looks legit, and Michigan has been as impressive as any team in the conference so far in the season. We haven't won in Ann Arbor in years, and even though we should be the better team, Michigan just might have what it takes to beat us. A win wouldn't surprise me, but I just have a bad feeling about that game. Aside from the Michigan game, there isn't another game on the calendar that I'm really afraid of, and that includes Ohio State. 11-1 is my prediction, and though I'd be okay with 10-2, anything less is an abomination. I wouldn't mind a BCS at-large bid, though.
6. I know a couple of guys (Hawkeye fans of course) leaving for Happy Valley tonight. What should they expect when they get there? Will the crowd be hostile for a prime-time game...especially with the WhiteOut and College GameDay?
Well, the hatred for Iowa isn't normally what it is for Ohio State or Michigan, but with 12 hours of tailgating, and the events of a year ago fresh on everybody's mind, I'd tell them to wear a white T-shirt and shut up about being Hawkeye fans. As a whole, we tend to be a pretty nice fanbase, and while the student section might call you names, you won't get beer thrown on you or anything. The general rule for visiting Beaver Stadium, as it is anywhere, is to be gracious in defeat, and apologetic in victory. If Iowa [somehow] wins, and your buddies start celebrating in public, well, they should expect a confrontation.
7. Final score?
I think Penn State wins, but that Iowa gives us a hell of a game. Let's say 24-13, with the last TD coming in the last few minutes.
1. How big of a factor is revenge? Ferentz and Joe Pa both kind of down-played it in their pressers, but Clark has not been shy about the fact that he's had this game circled on his calendar since last year.
For the fans, and for a lot of our players, it's everything. Penn State had a chance to do something last year that we haven't in a while, and after we beat Ohio State, it looked like the path was clear. The loss to Iowa really caught us all a little off guard. Now, we feel like we have the same kind of chance, and I don't think it's as much revenge fueling the fire as it is the sense that we don't want to let Iowa ruin our chances again. Much like Michigan up until last year, Iowa's had our number, so that adds to the frustration, too. If we can't beat Iowa this year, it just expounds the failure of a year ago.
2. The offensive line, wide receivers, and secondary are all pretty inexperienced. What new player should the Hawkeyes look out for? And, on the flip side, what player really needs to step up this weekend?
It's no surprise that those three positions are the least experienced at Penn State, and have drawn by far the most scrutiny. However, both the wide receivers and the defensive backs have performed admirably. Penn State's offense hasn't been as dynamic as it was a year ago, but we have a talented group of wide receivers whose best asset might be their size. And while Graham Zug is a prototypical possession receiver, Derek Moye has burst onto the scene as a big play receiver. He's 6'5, and has great speed, and he's been a home run threat over the first three weeks. Similarly, Penn State's defense is designed to take pressure off of the defensive backs, with a keep-everything-in-front strategy. The biggest weakness has been at safety, where Nick Sukay has struggled at times, and that's against the likes of Akron, Syracuse, and Temple. The big worry for most Penn State fans, though, has been the offensive line. We struggled to get any semblance of a run game going in the first two matchups, and even though we did last week against Temple, the pass protection struggled in its stead. Iowa's got a better line than any we've faced all year, and the offensive line needs to open up running lanes and protect Daryll Clark if we'll have a chance. Keep your eye on right guard Lou Eliades, #77, who's been the culprit on a lot of QB hurries.
3. The Penn State defense has been impressive so far giving up only 20 points in the first 3 games. How much of that is a result of poor opposing offense? Also, with Lee and Bowman's injuries, and an untested secondary, what is the defensive game plan for Iowa?
Well, Penn State's defense is for real. Even though the opponents haven't been up to snuff, you can see the makings of a great defense coming together. Sean Lee had been having a tremendous season up until now, and his status is still up in the air for Saturday. He's a real gamer, a tough player, and if there's any chance he can play, he'll give it a shot. He's been the main catalyst for the defense, as he has this preternatural ability to tell where the play is going. The defensive line has been great in stuffing the run, but pressure hasn't been too consistent on pass plays. It seems that every year Penn State is great against the run with a philosophy designed to contain, rather than shut down, a passing offense, and that's no different now. Expect a lot of nickel sets, very few blitzes, and a soft zone which should allow Ricky Stanzi to throw underneath for short gains. It's Penn State's defensive line, though, which should get enough pressure to not allow Stanzi to go through his entire progression before getting rid of the ball.
4. The offense hasn't exactly been wowing anybody this year. And last year, after the first couple of games, everyone was saying how the Spread HD was the best thing ever. Any cause for concern that margin in the first 3 games has not been what it was last year?
To be honest, it seems that Penn State hasn't been playing with the urgency they did a year ago. Last year, we had a test in week two, against Oregon State, so we knew we had to be in top shape early in the season. This year it seems we've been complacent, as Daryll Clark has tried to force a few bad throws and has hung a couple deep balls, mistakes he simply shouldn't make against sub-par defenses. On the other hand, the offensive line has struggled, and it's tough to chalk that up to lethargy alone. It's not replacing the skill players that's been an issue, but picking up the pieces in the trenches after the graduations of 3 great linemen. Penn State's kept the book a little closed, using a more traditional passing offense than we'd expect. I'm preparing to see a few new wrinkles unleashed on Saturday, especially to get speedster Devon Smith, a 5'6, 140 pound true freshman who can FLY, the ball in space.
5. Looking at Penn State's schedule before the year I saw no way the team is worse than 10-2. Now 3 weeks in, it's still hard to find more than 2 losses, especially with Illinois and Michigan State's troubles. What is your prediction for the year, and will you be satisfied with anything less than a Big Ten Championship?
Honestly, coming into this season I saw Penn State at 11-1, and I really did think we were the best team in the Big Ten. And as bad as we've looked at times this year, I'm even more confident in my prediction. You can't tell me Ohio State looks like a world-beater either, after struggling against Navy and falling to USC. Michigan State? Lost to a MAC team. Illinois? Please. Iowa? You guys struggled with a 1-AA team. But the one game that scares me more than any other, as it did when the schedule came out, is our visit to the Big House on October 24th. Tate Forcier looks legit, and Michigan has been as impressive as any team in the conference so far in the season. We haven't won in Ann Arbor in years, and even though we should be the better team, Michigan just might have what it takes to beat us. A win wouldn't surprise me, but I just have a bad feeling about that game. Aside from the Michigan game, there isn't another game on the calendar that I'm really afraid of, and that includes Ohio State. 11-1 is my prediction, and though I'd be okay with 10-2, anything less is an abomination. I wouldn't mind a BCS at-large bid, though.
6. I know a couple of guys (Hawkeye fans of course) leaving for Happy Valley tonight. What should they expect when they get there? Will the crowd be hostile for a prime-time game...especially with the WhiteOut and College GameDay?
Well, the hatred for Iowa isn't normally what it is for Ohio State or Michigan, but with 12 hours of tailgating, and the events of a year ago fresh on everybody's mind, I'd tell them to wear a white T-shirt and shut up about being Hawkeye fans. As a whole, we tend to be a pretty nice fanbase, and while the student section might call you names, you won't get beer thrown on you or anything. The general rule for visiting Beaver Stadium, as it is anywhere, is to be gracious in defeat, and apologetic in victory. If Iowa [somehow] wins, and your buddies start celebrating in public, well, they should expect a confrontation.
7. Final score?
I think Penn State wins, but that Iowa gives us a hell of a game. Let's say 24-13, with the last TD coming in the last few minutes.
Friday Night Recruit Roundup: 4
Touchdowns were the theme of the week for future Hawkeyes as many of them had multiple TD games on Friday. Coker had 2, Morris 3, Hoch 3, Vier 3...that is definitely promising.
Marcus Coker: DeMatha 45 - Friendship Collegiate 12
DeMatha started off the game scoring 24 unanswered points rolling over Friendship Collegiate. Marcus Coker followed up his huge week against Gilman with a modest 70 yards on 12 carries and scored 2 touchdowns.
Jim Poggi & Anthony Ferguson: Gilman 37 - Good Counsel 49
For the second week in a row the defense was not good enough as Gilman fell to Good Counsel. This highlight video shows Ferguson (#75) getting some good penetration on a few plays. I didn't see Poggi playing at all (#7 in cause I missed him). I've read rumors that he broke his shoulder, but then I also saw he was a game time decision. So it's likely not extremely severe, but I don't think he played.
Christian Kirksey & Don Shumpert - Hazelwood East 42 - Hazelwood West 61
The defending champs struggled yet again as Hazelwood East fell to rival West in a shoot out.
Andrew Donnal: Anthony Wayne 35 - Southview 42
Anthony Wayne got down early and was a comeback was ultimately thwarted by a late interception and Southview hung on to win by a touchdown.
Austin Vier: Ballard 42 - Saydel 0
Ballard racked up 437 yards of offense and only gave up 127 in a route over Saydel. Austin Vier had his best game of the season going 10 of 12 for 166 yards and 3 TD and 1 Int. (Maybe quarterback isn't out of the question after all...)
Mike Hardy: Kimberly 36 - Fond du Lac 23
Kimberly rallied against Fond du Lac scoring 22 fourth quarter points on the way to victory.
James Morris: Solon 40 - Tipton 0
Solon rolls over yet another opponent, beating Tipton by 40. Though Morris will be playing linebacker at Iowa, he been having an amazing time at running back in high school. On Friday he ran for 213 yards on 14 carries and had 3 touchdowns.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 42 - ADM 14
Harlan had no problems on Friday against ADM winning by 4 touchdowns. Hoch did his part rushing for 71 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Louis Trinca-Pasat: Lane Tech 21 - Curie 28
Lane Tech fell by only a touchdown against Curie.
Brandon Scherff: Denison 14 - LeMars 27
Though Denison went up 14-0 early, they were unable to stop a LeMars rally and fell 27-14.
Previous Recruit Roundup:
Marcus Coker: DeMatha 45 - Friendship Collegiate 12
DeMatha started off the game scoring 24 unanswered points rolling over Friendship Collegiate. Marcus Coker followed up his huge week against Gilman with a modest 70 yards on 12 carries and scored 2 touchdowns.
Jim Poggi & Anthony Ferguson: Gilman 37 - Good Counsel 49
For the second week in a row the defense was not good enough as Gilman fell to Good Counsel. This highlight video shows Ferguson (#75) getting some good penetration on a few plays. I didn't see Poggi playing at all (#7 in cause I missed him). I've read rumors that he broke his shoulder, but then I also saw he was a game time decision. So it's likely not extremely severe, but I don't think he played.
Christian Kirksey & Don Shumpert - Hazelwood East 42 - Hazelwood West 61
The defending champs struggled yet again as Hazelwood East fell to rival West in a shoot out.
Andrew Donnal: Anthony Wayne 35 - Southview 42
Anthony Wayne got down early and was a comeback was ultimately thwarted by a late interception and Southview hung on to win by a touchdown.
Austin Vier: Ballard 42 - Saydel 0
Ballard racked up 437 yards of offense and only gave up 127 in a route over Saydel. Austin Vier had his best game of the season going 10 of 12 for 166 yards and 3 TD and 1 Int. (Maybe quarterback isn't out of the question after all...)
Mike Hardy: Kimberly 36 - Fond du Lac 23
Kimberly rallied against Fond du Lac scoring 22 fourth quarter points on the way to victory.
James Morris: Solon 40 - Tipton 0
Solon rolls over yet another opponent, beating Tipton by 40. Though Morris will be playing linebacker at Iowa, he been having an amazing time at running back in high school. On Friday he ran for 213 yards on 14 carries and had 3 touchdowns.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 42 - ADM 14
Harlan had no problems on Friday against ADM winning by 4 touchdowns. Hoch did his part rushing for 71 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Louis Trinca-Pasat: Lane Tech 21 - Curie 28
Lane Tech fell by only a touchdown against Curie.
Brandon Scherff: Denison 14 - LeMars 27
Though Denison went up 14-0 early, they were unable to stop a LeMars rally and fell 27-14.
Previous Recruit Roundup:
Grades For Iowa: Arizona Game (Special Teams)
I'm just wrapping up my grades here for the Arizona game. The offense and defense both did very well on Saturday (especially the defense), but the special teams also had a large part in the victory.
The Special Teams
Kicking/Punting: A+
Ryan Donahue is the best punter in the nation. He had 4 punts over 50 yards including a 62-yarder and 2 downed inside the 20. His play over the weekend earned him a co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award (marking the 3rd week in a row that a Hawkeye has earned PotW recognition.
Murray also had a good day accounting for 1/3 of the Hawkeye's total points by kicking 2 field goals (20 and 40 yards) and 3 PATs. He also handled kickoff duties and had particularly nice placement on one that fell between the returner and the blockers that Iowa almost recovered.
Return Game: C
Both sides of the return game, in coverage and actually returning the ball were somewhat mediocre on Saturday. Punt coverage was good as always, thanks mostly to Donahue, but the kickoff coverage was scary. Arizona almost broke one that ended up going for 42 yards and one the day (besides the one "pooch" kick off) the Wildcats averaged 29.2 yards per return.
On punt returns, I think the coaches have found the man for the job. Chaney had a very nice 24 yard return that set up a field goal. I think he'll probably be handling kickoff returns too. He got a shot later in the game after a very bad decision by Speivey to bring the ball out of the endzone. Overall it was a poor showing though, averaging only 15.3 yards per kickoff return.
Special Teams as a Whole: B
Donahue has been excellent this season, and Murray has only missed a 48 yard field goal (which is very excusable). If we get the return game figured out, which I think Chaney can be that guy, then I think special teams can be a real advantage for Iowa this year.
The Special Teams
Kicking/Punting: A+
Ryan Donahue is the best punter in the nation. He had 4 punts over 50 yards including a 62-yarder and 2 downed inside the 20. His play over the weekend earned him a co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award (marking the 3rd week in a row that a Hawkeye has earned PotW recognition.
Murray also had a good day accounting for 1/3 of the Hawkeye's total points by kicking 2 field goals (20 and 40 yards) and 3 PATs. He also handled kickoff duties and had particularly nice placement on one that fell between the returner and the blockers that Iowa almost recovered.
Return Game: C
Both sides of the return game, in coverage and actually returning the ball were somewhat mediocre on Saturday. Punt coverage was good as always, thanks mostly to Donahue, but the kickoff coverage was scary. Arizona almost broke one that ended up going for 42 yards and one the day (besides the one "pooch" kick off) the Wildcats averaged 29.2 yards per return.
On punt returns, I think the coaches have found the man for the job. Chaney had a very nice 24 yard return that set up a field goal. I think he'll probably be handling kickoff returns too. He got a shot later in the game after a very bad decision by Speivey to bring the ball out of the endzone. Overall it was a poor showing though, averaging only 15.3 yards per kickoff return.
Special Teams as a Whole: B
Donahue has been excellent this season, and Murray has only missed a 48 yard field goal (which is very excusable). If we get the return game figured out, which I think Chaney can be that guy, then I think special teams can be a real advantage for Iowa this year.