Iowa's D is tough but.....
I got to watch that Iowa game last week against Arkansas State as well as their game against Northern Iowa (which they won 17-16). While their defensive front seven appears capable of stopping the run completely, like ZERO rushing yards against, they look like they can be passed on, particularly with 5-15 yd routes rather than going for the long bombs (because Forcier won't have a ton of time, their d-line is in fast). When Iowa got hit up for a bunch of little dink and dunk passes they ditch a linebacker and go to nickel and dime for coverage and don't seem THAT great at it. Makes me wonder.
Further, their offense isn't that great. Other than smacking around a bad Iowa State team they haven't put up more than three TD's against anyone.
Can't help but wonder if Iowa is ready to be upset if we can find a way to get Forcier some time to throw.
October 8th, 2009 at 5:11 PM ^
but M needs to execute.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:21 PM ^
I like our chances against anyone if our offense executes well.
October 8th, 2009 at 5:11 PM ^
I thought I noticed that if the guards could keep the stretch plays going, along with TE help, running could occur. A lot of the teams they've played run it up the middle more than we would (Penn State). ASU and N Iowa run stretch a bit more along with short passes. Key to success?
October 8th, 2009 at 9:48 PM ^
We're almost certainly going to have to continue rolling the pocket for Tate. Our OL most likely will get handled in pass protection.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:20 PM ^
...is to shut down the run game first and foremost, prevent the big play and allow the 5-10 yard passes with the idea that a college offense typically can't execute this for the entire length of the field, plus things get a whole lot tighter in the red zone, which makes it tough to convert down close.
The other thing we've seen is that the Iowa defenders really look to punish the receivers once they catch the ball. Later in the game drops start to happen due to the receivers looking for the hit rather than the ball. The DBs we have right now probably aren't as big of hitters as we've had in the past, outside of Sash, who is pretty darn solid.
It's all about assignments and physicality. Occasionally, there has been a breakdown or two in coverage, but that's a rare exception. I will say that we've seen a bit more blitzing out of the Hawks this year due to the ability of our CBs to play man coverage. Spievey really is a good one (despite getting torched the first play of the Penn St. game) and Prater on the other side is a good one too. Lowe and Castillo are not nearly as talented, but have filled in pretty adequately when they've been asked to.
I don't think you'll see the blitzing this game with an attempt to keep Forcier in the pocket. Whether or not he can make good reads and deliver the ball accurately will determine if your offense will be successful. I've been impressed with the kid so far, but I don't think he's played a defense the quality of Iowa's either. Should be one heck of a ballgame.
Thanks for the discussion this week and I'm sure I'll see some of you up in Iowa City on Saturday. Safe travels.