After missing the last two home games due to flag football requirements I'm very excited to make my return to Kinnick Stadium today. Still not sure what the weather is going to provide but hopefully we stay dry, even if it stays cool. I have no problem with a high in the 60's. The fans will pack it in regardless of the weather because this game could really determine what type of season we are looking at. Even though Michigan St appears to be down this year, win this game and Iowa is still a good possibility for the 8 wins I predicted. Lose this game, and it will be tough to get bowl eligible.
The determining factor in whether Iowa wins or loses this game is Iowa's offense. We know both teams have strong defenses. Which teams defense is stronger is the wrong question though. Iowa's D will limit Michigan St. all day and hold Sparty to 13 points. MSU doesn't appear to have that bell cow back that will try and wear down Iowa this year and their QB play has been less than exceptional. I think Iowa will hold them to less than 250 yards of total offense. We will be hearing a lot of 3rd down bells today.
When Iowa has the ball is a little more uncertain to me. This should be by far the toughest defense to date. How will the Iowa line do against a stronger D? I expect pretty good still. Although we probably won't get the 250 yards rushing and 450 yards of total O that we've been enjoying lately, the Iowa offense will clearly win this battle. We will see about 25 - 30 carries for Weisman today and he will end up with 125 yards and a TD. The other RB's will pile on another 70 as we see a little of Daniels again this week with Bullock.
The passing game is going to be a little up and down I think but at the end of the day it will look acceptable as Rudock will compile just over 200 yards and a couple of TD's. One of those TD's will be another long TD pass to Damond Powell. DP won't have a lot of receptions, but when he gets it he makes it count. One of the tight ends will get the other reception. I'm guessing CJF, but you never know which ones will be in there near the goaline.
In addition to the three touchdowns, Michael Meyer will boot in a couple of field goals for Iowa to take a 27-13 win. After that, prepare for everyone's unrealistic and over the top expectations as Iowa heads into their bye week. Now get up and get ready to tailgate!
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