With Penn State coming to Iowa City this weekend many sports analysts say that this could be Penn State's last hurdle before rolling past their remaining opponents. Of course the Hawkeyes will be down after their defeat to the Illini so how long will they be able to hang on in this ball game? It is possible that they upset Penn State if the offense plays better but that could be a big IF. Penn State's defense is much tougher than the Illini's. The only positive is that the Illini have a similar offensive scheme like the Nittany Lions and the Hawkeye defense was able to pretty much shut down the Illini offense besides the final series where Illinois practically walked down the field. However, Penn State does have more playmakers than the Illini.
But what about their remaining opponents Indiana and Michigan State?
I don't think Indiana has a chance because for one they have to travel to Happy Valley. They have been way too inconsistent and there is no way their defense stops the Nittany Lion offense. Daryll Clark and Co. will have their way against Indiana.
Then there is the season finale against Michigan State which is also in Happy Valley. This could be tough with it being the Nittany Lions final home game of the season. They could be one win away from the National Championship and they will be heavily motivated to win. Michigan State however, is a veteran group that could take it to Penn State. If they are able to dominate time of possession with the running of Javon Ringer they have a chance. Hoyer will be forced to make plays but I think if Michigan State is able to pass to set up the run they could hang around for a while. Of course who knows if Michigan State's defense is capable of stopping Penn State's offense at all. Should be interesting.
Who do you think has the best chance of knocking off Penn State if anyone?
2 comments:
I think Iowa will give the Nittany Lions a good game for about a half, then the Lions superior talent will take over and they'll win the game by 10-14 points.
The only way Iowa has a chance of pulling off the upset is scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
It seems to me that we don't have a problem moving the ball to the opponent's 20, and then we stall and become too conservative and predicatable.
Here's a few keys to the game in my opinion(and I'll apologize in advance if it gets too long):
- most obviously we MUST score in the redzone, especially when we get inside the 10-yard line. It's like our play calling suddenly changes when we get inside there. Either that or our execution and timing of the play calls is lacking.
IF we get the ball inside the 20 we have to score.
- force turnovers. If we have any illusion of winning this ball game, we must play opportunistically. That's how upsets happen. We must force early turnovers, like we did last year, and then....
- We must capitalize on their mistakes. If we force a tunrover, we need to put points up on the board, or at least put field position on our side.
- LIMIT turnovers. I don't think we'll play turnover free ball. If we do I will REALLY like our chances. An interception or a fumble here or there is part of the game, but it can't become a constant theme like it did with Northwestern. We also can't afford to turn it over inside our own 35. That assure them of points, mainly because of their offensive power, but also because the referees seem to be a little slow throwing that flag for holding when our D-line is trying to get through and gets pulled by the shoulder pads to the ground. That's also been a constant this season. (or maybe I'm just noticing it more on the Jumbotron and on TV this year)
- Our WRs need to bring their A game.
I have no doubt that the OL will be up after last week's performance and why even bother asking if Greene will be up, but the WRs need to step up and have a big game for us if the Hawks hope to pull this one off.
Not only is it down-field blocking, but running better routes, not dropping catchable balls, no dumb penalties, things of that nature are what is needed from the WR corp.
I think Stanzi will be better this time around. I think he's gonna learn from his mistakes in the Illinois game and look to correct them against Penn State. Plus I think now is as good a time as ever for him to really show us what he's capable of. If the wide receivers do their job, it's gonna make Stanzi's job a whole lot easier and bring him a lot more confidence throughout the game.
- Finally, GREENE MUST STAY HEALTHY. That darn foot has hamstringed him at times and you can tell he doesn't get full force into his pads when he's fighting for extra yards because he can't put a good deal of weight on that ankle.
If Greene can keep from reaggrivating it too much, then the better chance we have of Greene putting on another show....as long as the OL shows up as well.
- And of course, STUDENTS BRING THE NOISE!!! :p
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