Impact of the State game on the Iowa game
If they didn't know it before, they know it now; there is a big difference playing away versus playing at home. The Wolverines could hardly have been in a worse predicament yesterday, playing the 1-3 Spartans in East Lansing. The Spartans played like it was the end of the world for them if they lost, they played like a team possessed. There isn't a team in the country that wants to beat us "personally" like the Spartans.
I'm sure it was loud in there yesterday, was anybody there to compare against the Big House noise? In any event, the crowd was hostile, the weather was hostile; it was a tough day.
Don't know what the weather is going to be like in Iowa next Saturday, but we do know it's going to be hostile, and we do know the Hawkeyes will be ready to play. I know the experience in East Lansing will serve them well in Iowa.
GO BLUE!!!
October 4th, 2009 at 1:23 PM ^
It is always tough for a young team to go on the road for the first time, especially when that road game is a rivalry.
I was a bit surprised on the crowd noise, they didn't really seem to really get loud until the end of the 4th when UM made their run to tie the game and it continued on into over time. But I was just watching it on TV
October 4th, 2009 at 1:48 PM ^
don't know why someone negged you. i was there and i was pretty surprised at the lack of energy in the stadium. aside from the student section, the stadium was only half full a few minutes before kickoff
October 4th, 2009 at 1:43 PM ^
I was there and their crowd was not that loud.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:54 PM ^
and yesterdays game. It definitely was not as loud as the Big House. Only at the end of the game it got really loud when Sparty won.
BTW, Always welcome to see Irish on the board
October 4th, 2009 at 2:02 PM ^
I think there'll be some similarities in atmosphere next week in Iowa; I'm guessing a night game at Kinnick is going to be much louder than Spartan Stadium sounded (on tv) yesterday.
I hope the State game has done a decent job of seasoning this young team to better prepare for away games, and tougher defenses in particular, but we'll see.
My only environmental concern is that fact that it's at night. I suppose Friday night HS games have given them experience, but they certainly haven't played in one lately. (or in a bowl game last year)
Maybe RR will turn off the lights in the practice facility to prep them for this night game?
.
(yes that was a bad joke)
October 4th, 2009 at 2:14 PM ^
I'm wondering more about what sort of adjustments the OC and DC will be making rather than the night game atmosphere. Still, if there's ever going to be a championship run for this team in the next few years they're going to have to be able to focus and play with intensity on the road in all sorts of environments. Might as well learn those lessons now.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:55 PM ^
They better figure out a way to give Tate (assumed starter) some time, AND run block, Iowa's D is leagues better than MSU's. I want to see Denard get snaps, but I don't want it to be because Tate gets carried off the field on a stretcher. I think Iowa's beatable, but enough with the last minute comebacks already.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:03 PM ^
My sense is that the weather wreaked at least as much havoc as MSU's defense. The offense had a number of plays that seemed to fall apart because somebody tripped downfield or missed a cut. Also, I've watched pieces of every MSU game this year (outside of Montana St.), and that is the best they've played defensively IME. My guess is that while Iowa will play tough, I doubt they will be as "up" for this game as MSU was.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:32 PM ^
that Iowa has only beaten UM once at home since 1985 (that was in 2003)......but the last 4 have been nailbiters.
Iowa will be very much be UP for Michigan, just as everyone in the league is UP for Michigan.
PS I've been to many games at MSU through the years, this was one of the more subdued crowds I can remember there in years.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:05 PM ^
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Iowa is going to be psych'd out of their minds for this game. They will be pumped and out for blood.
A buddy of mine is an Iowa grad...and they HATE Michigan. That said, I think the game in EL will serve us well. I look for Mich to play better and give the Hawkeyes a hell of a game.
Go Blue!