Wow. What a game. Thank goodness for the defense there in the 3rd quarter with their backs up against the wall the whole time. I can't believe how terrible Stanzi (and really the whole offense) played up until the 4th quarter. But that 4th quarter...wow. When was the last time Iowa scored 28 in a quarter? I'll have to look that up. That was crazy.
Well, the Hawks are 9-0 and the dream is still alive. It's been a crazy up and down day, and season for that matter. Once I collect my thoughts, I'll write up a better analysis. One last thing...I can't believe Iowa covered the spread (I think it was 17.5). Hopefully nobody watched that game and will just look at the final score when voting.
Archive page 99
Terrible First Half
What is going on? The Hawkeyes must be cursed. Fumbled punt? Check. Another fumble on a punt return? Check. Missed field goal? HUGE CHECK. Missed open receivers? Check. Shanked punt? Check. And that's not all that's gone wrong.
It's not time to panic yet. Iowa deferred for some reason (wind I guess) and get the ball to start the second half. A scoring drive would put the game close again. Stanzi is going to half to play better. The O-line definitely needs to play better. The defense cannot afford to give up another TD. Time for more great half time adjustments.
It's not time to panic yet. Iowa deferred for some reason (wind I guess) and get the ball to start the second half. A scoring drive would put the game close again. Stanzi is going to half to play better. The O-line definitely needs to play better. The defense cannot afford to give up another TD. Time for more great half time adjustments.
Game Day: Indiana
It's Halloween and the Indiana Hoosiers are in town. The last time Iowa hosted a Halloween home game was way back in 1987 against (that's right) Indiana. The Hawkeyes won that game 29-21 and went on to finish with a 10-3 record and a #16 ranking. A Halloween win this time would likely mean an even better record and ranking.
The need to know:
What: #4 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
When: 11:00 AM October 31, 2009
TV: ESPN
Thoughts on the game:
Injuries
Both teams this week have a lot of injuries to deal with. Iowa is obviously hurt by the injuries to Richardson and Robinson. Indiana has its own injuries to deal with mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Both backup DEs are likely out. They are also short in the secondary with 2 safeties and 2 cornerbacks with injuries. However, one corner, Donnell Jones is expected to start despite an elbow injury.
The Red Zone
Indiana has one of the best red zone defenses in the country. Opponents have only scored 71% of the time when inside the 20. By comparison, Iowa's opponents have scored 94% of the time. Of the 31 time the Hoosier have been backed up protecting their endzone, opponents have scored just 15 touchdowns and converted 7 field goals. That comes out to an average on just 4 points for each red zone trip. Again by comparison, Iowa's opponents average 4.7 points per red zone appearance.
The good news though, on the other side of the ball, Indiana has not been very good at punching it in for touchdowns. In their 27 red zone trips, they have come away with only 13 TDs (and 4 of those came against Akron).
The other good news is that, with Indiana's good red zone defense and poor red zone offense, there will likely be more field goals and Iowa has a decided advantage there. Murray is 14/18 and has made 6 straight. Indiana's kicker is 8/18 and has made only 2 of his last 6.
Hoosiers to keep an eye on
The need to know:
What: #4 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
When: 11:00 AM October 31, 2009
TV: ESPN
Thoughts on the game:
Injuries
Both teams this week have a lot of injuries to deal with. Iowa is obviously hurt by the injuries to Richardson and Robinson. Indiana has its own injuries to deal with mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Both backup DEs are likely out. They are also short in the secondary with 2 safeties and 2 cornerbacks with injuries. However, one corner, Donnell Jones is expected to start despite an elbow injury.
The Red Zone
Indiana has one of the best red zone defenses in the country. Opponents have only scored 71% of the time when inside the 20. By comparison, Iowa's opponents have scored 94% of the time. Of the 31 time the Hoosier have been backed up protecting their endzone, opponents have scored just 15 touchdowns and converted 7 field goals. That comes out to an average on just 4 points for each red zone trip. Again by comparison, Iowa's opponents average 4.7 points per red zone appearance.
The good news though, on the other side of the ball, Indiana has not been very good at punching it in for touchdowns. In their 27 red zone trips, they have come away with only 13 TDs (and 4 of those came against Akron).
The other good news is that, with Indiana's good red zone defense and poor red zone offense, there will likely be more field goals and Iowa has a decided advantage there. Murray is 14/18 and has made 6 straight. Indiana's kicker is 8/18 and has made only 2 of his last 6.
Hoosiers to keep an eye on
- DE Jammie Kirlew - Doesn't it seem like every week Iowa is facing some elite defensive end? Well today is no different and Kirlew is one of the best. He has 13.5 tackles for loss, is 4th on the team with 45 tackles, and has forced 5 fumbles.
- RB Darius Willis - He's been a little inconsistent and missed some time with injuries, but he's a threat to break a long run at any time (just ask Michigan or Northwestern). He averages 5.3 yards per carries and has run in 5 TDs.
- KR/CB Ray Fisher - Speaking of the ability to break one, watch out for Fisher. He already has 2 kickoffs returned for touchdowns. He averages 40 yards per kick return and 10 yards per punt return.
Watch I'm Watching on Halloween
There are some big games this weekend that will help shape the BCS picture and Iowa's chances to sneak in it. Iowa needs to move up in the human polls (obviously) and losses above them will certainly help. But the other thing (and the one thing the Hawks really have going for them) is the strength of schedule, and there are plenty of games this weekend that could help swing it further in Iowa's direction.
Big Ten Race:
There isn't much to watch here this week. It is really down to a 3 team race at this point, Iowa, Ohio State, and Penn State. Ohio State is playing out of conference against New Mexico State and should win big. Penn State is at Northwestern and shouldn't have any problems. The Big Ten picture probably won't change at all this week (next week is a big one).
National Championship Race:
#1 Florida vs. Georgia - 2:30 PM CBS
Florida has not exactly been dominant the past 3 weeks and has struggled in the redzone. Georgia hasn't been great either, though played LSU very tough. I've heard some people say that even if Florida loses this week but wins out, they would jump Iowa for the title game. I'm not sold on that Iowa and still think a loss here would help Iowa's chances greatly.
#3 Texas at #14 Oklahoma State - 7:00 PM ABC/ESPN2
This is the most important game of the weekend (and possibly the season) for Iowa's championship hopes (besides the games Iowa is involved in of course). Texas is the big obstacle assuming the SEC champion will be #1. Oklahoma State is the last tough game on the schedule for Texas, so I'm rooting for the Cowboys.
#5 USC at #10 Oregon - 7:00 PM ABC/ESPN2
Though Iowa is ahead of USC in the BCS, that is not the case in the human polls. A USC loss could help Iowa there, though Oregon would definitely get a big boost and may pass the Hawks. I think Oregon has the advantage in this game...they are at home, USC's defense hasn't been great the last couple of weeks, and Oregon is getting better every week since losing to Boise State week 1. This game also has big implications in who will play in the Rose Bowl and the winner could very well be Iowa future opponent.
#6 TCU vs UNLV - 3:00 PM VS.
TCU will win...but it could be a little bit of a let down game after a big win over BYU. A sloppy performance may hurt them in the rankings, so that's what I'm looking for.
#7 Boise State vs San Jose State - 2:00 PM ESPN360.com
San Jose State is really quite terrible, so if they keep it close at all it could hurt Boise State's image. Still, Boise State should win by 20+.
#8 Cincinnati at Syracuse - 11:00 AM ESPNU
Syracuse may put up a better fight than Louisville last week and Cincinnati is probably without Pike again. But, Cincinnati should win this one. I'd still like for Iowa to jump them in the human polls one of these weeks
Strength of Schedule:
For Iowa, Penn State beating Northwestern would be good and could push them into the top 10 since USC or Oregon will fall. The 2 B10 teams Iowa doesn't play, Illinois and Purdue, we want to lose, that will help Michigan's and Wisconsin's records respectively. Another Iowa State win would be big too as they play Texas A&M this week. Imagine if ISU won the Big 12 North...that 35-3 win on the road would look even better.
Around the country, the Virigina Tech loss last night hurts a variety of teams. Alabama's week 1 win looks a little less impressive. Georgia Tech's strength of schedule looks worse, and Miami looks like it was the most overrated team a few weeks ago. Actually the whole ACC is hurt by this loss, and I don't think we'll see any team ranked above the Hawkeyes now. (There will still a couple of AP voters that had a 2-loss VT above Iowa this last week, so probably some coaches/Harris voters too).
In the SEC, I think the Tennessee win over South Carolina would be good. Less top 25 teams on Alabama's and Florida's resumes would be good. In the Big 12 a big match up could be Kansas State (who is leading the B12 North) going to Oklahoma. Though, I expect Oklahoma to win big, a KSU win would seal Oklahoma's fate as a mediocre team this year and would make Texas' only big win look at lot less impressive. In the Pac 10, an Arizona State upset of Cal would be helpful. Cal's only losses so far were to Oregon and USC, so if Cal goes down again, it could hurt Oregon and USC.
This is all probably more thought than I need to put into it...things will work themselves out.
Big Ten Race:
There isn't much to watch here this week. It is really down to a 3 team race at this point, Iowa, Ohio State, and Penn State. Ohio State is playing out of conference against New Mexico State and should win big. Penn State is at Northwestern and shouldn't have any problems. The Big Ten picture probably won't change at all this week (next week is a big one).
National Championship Race:
#1 Florida vs. Georgia - 2:30 PM CBS
Florida has not exactly been dominant the past 3 weeks and has struggled in the redzone. Georgia hasn't been great either, though played LSU very tough. I've heard some people say that even if Florida loses this week but wins out, they would jump Iowa for the title game. I'm not sold on that Iowa and still think a loss here would help Iowa's chances greatly.
#3 Texas at #14 Oklahoma State - 7:00 PM ABC/ESPN2
This is the most important game of the weekend (and possibly the season) for Iowa's championship hopes (besides the games Iowa is involved in of course). Texas is the big obstacle assuming the SEC champion will be #1. Oklahoma State is the last tough game on the schedule for Texas, so I'm rooting for the Cowboys.
#5 USC at #10 Oregon - 7:00 PM ABC/ESPN2
Though Iowa is ahead of USC in the BCS, that is not the case in the human polls. A USC loss could help Iowa there, though Oregon would definitely get a big boost and may pass the Hawks. I think Oregon has the advantage in this game...they are at home, USC's defense hasn't been great the last couple of weeks, and Oregon is getting better every week since losing to Boise State week 1. This game also has big implications in who will play in the Rose Bowl and the winner could very well be Iowa future opponent.
#6 TCU vs UNLV - 3:00 PM VS.
TCU will win...but it could be a little bit of a let down game after a big win over BYU. A sloppy performance may hurt them in the rankings, so that's what I'm looking for.
#7 Boise State vs San Jose State - 2:00 PM ESPN360.com
San Jose State is really quite terrible, so if they keep it close at all it could hurt Boise State's image. Still, Boise State should win by 20+.
#8 Cincinnati at Syracuse - 11:00 AM ESPNU
Syracuse may put up a better fight than Louisville last week and Cincinnati is probably without Pike again. But, Cincinnati should win this one. I'd still like for Iowa to jump them in the human polls one of these weeks
Strength of Schedule:
For Iowa, Penn State beating Northwestern would be good and could push them into the top 10 since USC or Oregon will fall. The 2 B10 teams Iowa doesn't play, Illinois and Purdue, we want to lose, that will help Michigan's and Wisconsin's records respectively. Another Iowa State win would be big too as they play Texas A&M this week. Imagine if ISU won the Big 12 North...that 35-3 win on the road would look even better.
Around the country, the Virigina Tech loss last night hurts a variety of teams. Alabama's week 1 win looks a little less impressive. Georgia Tech's strength of schedule looks worse, and Miami looks like it was the most overrated team a few weeks ago. Actually the whole ACC is hurt by this loss, and I don't think we'll see any team ranked above the Hawkeyes now. (There will still a couple of AP voters that had a 2-loss VT above Iowa this last week, so probably some coaches/Harris voters too).
In the SEC, I think the Tennessee win over South Carolina would be good. Less top 25 teams on Alabama's and Florida's resumes would be good. In the Big 12 a big match up could be Kansas State (who is leading the B12 North) going to Oklahoma. Though, I expect Oklahoma to win big, a KSU win would seal Oklahoma's fate as a mediocre team this year and would make Texas' only big win look at lot less impressive. In the Pac 10, an Arizona State upset of Cal would be helpful. Cal's only losses so far were to Oregon and USC, so if Cal goes down again, it could hurt Oregon and USC.
This is all probably more thought than I need to put into it...things will work themselves out.
Recruit Roundup: Iowa Substate
Five future Hawkeyes were in action last night as the Iowa high school playoffs began with the sub-state round. Each of the commits move on with victories and will play again next Monday.
Austin Vier: Ballard 37 - Webster City 7
Ballard handled Webster City with relative ease and won its first ever playoff game. The Bombers really got the run game going compiling 296 yards. Austin Vier even made an impact running the ball with a 3 yard TD. He also threw for 74 yards going 5 of 9. The team goes on to face undefeated Clear Lake next Monday.
James Morris: Solon 48 – Mediapolis 12
Solon stays perfect with a win over Mediapolis. The team has now won 37 straight and is a game closer to winning the state title for the 3rd year in a row. James Morris scored 2 rushing touchdowns in route to a 212 yard night on 14 carries. Solon will play Mid-Prairie in the first round on Monday.
Brandon Scherff: Denison 14 – Glenwood 9
The Denison-Schleswig Monarchs were trailing 9-7 with just 40 second left and no timeouts remaining. But Denison found a way and scored on a 58 yard run to stay alive in the playoffs with a 14-9 victory over Glenwood. The Monarchs will play Bishop Heelan (Brandon Wegher's high school) next week.
A.J. Derby: City High 45 – Iowa City West 20
The Little Hawks had little problem defeating rivals Iowa City West last night. City High took an early 21-0 lead thanks to 2 A.J. Derby touchdown passes and a Derby touchdown run. Derby finished the night 6 of 15 for 123 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception. City High will play Dubuque Hempstead next.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 49 - MOC-Floyd Valley 7
Harlan had a huge first half and led 42-0 after the second quarter. MOC-Floyd Valley eventually scored in the 4th quarter, but the game was long over. Hoch caught a touchdown pass of 18 yards at the end of the first half.
Austin Vier: Ballard 37 - Webster City 7
Ballard handled Webster City with relative ease and won its first ever playoff game. The Bombers really got the run game going compiling 296 yards. Austin Vier even made an impact running the ball with a 3 yard TD. He also threw for 74 yards going 5 of 9. The team goes on to face undefeated Clear Lake next Monday.
James Morris: Solon 48 – Mediapolis 12
Solon stays perfect with a win over Mediapolis. The team has now won 37 straight and is a game closer to winning the state title for the 3rd year in a row. James Morris scored 2 rushing touchdowns in route to a 212 yard night on 14 carries. Solon will play Mid-Prairie in the first round on Monday.
Brandon Scherff: Denison 14 – Glenwood 9
The Denison-Schleswig Monarchs were trailing 9-7 with just 40 second left and no timeouts remaining. But Denison found a way and scored on a 58 yard run to stay alive in the playoffs with a 14-9 victory over Glenwood. The Monarchs will play Bishop Heelan (Brandon Wegher's high school) next week.
A.J. Derby: City High 45 – Iowa City West 20
The Little Hawks had little problem defeating rivals Iowa City West last night. City High took an early 21-0 lead thanks to 2 A.J. Derby touchdown passes and a Derby touchdown run. Derby finished the night 6 of 15 for 123 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception. City High will play Dubuque Hempstead next.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 49 - MOC-Floyd Valley 7
Harlan had a huge first half and led 42-0 after the second quarter. MOC-Floyd Valley eventually scored in the 4th quarter, but the game was long over. Hoch caught a touchdown pass of 18 yards at the end of the first half.