Hawkeyes vs Purdue 11/9/13

Recap:  The defense came to play and did a solid job of shutting down Wisconsin's run game for 3 quarters. They were just on the field too long and Wisconsin scored a couple late.  The downfall for Iowa was the offensive game plan.  Running the big back to the outside against a faster defense was not very effective.  We also didn't see enough of the Tight Ends in the passing game, especially with multiple TE sets.  It appeared that this was clearly a week that Greg Davis was out coached.

On to Purdue. This one is big. Not just because some idiot from Purdue was insulting to Nile Kinnick and the military on a day Purdue plans to celebrate veterans, but because this game would clinch bowl eligibility.  After only winning 4 games last year, I believe that a 6 win Hawkeye team clinches a bowl game. That extra 3 weeks of practice will be huge going into next season. Oh, and this is the protected "rivalry" game for the Hawkeyes.

On offense, I we will see a return to a heavy running game in the 1st half.  Iowa will jump out to a solid lead in the first half, up 21-6.  Then in the second half, the unfortunate trend of the season will continue.  One team will make adjustments and the other team will not.  Purdue will score a couple of times late, but it won't be enough for them to catch up. Iowa will hold on to win 27-20.

It won't be pretty, but in the end the Hawkeyes will be bowl eligible.

Hawkeyes vs Wisconsin 11/2/13

Last week's recap: It was a high anxiety game as the Hawkeyes continued their trend of leading at half and then trying to lose the game. In the end, the held on for the win and the cover (for those who care about those type of things).  They have surpassed last year's win total and are one game from bowl eligible.

This week they face a tough Badger team. Obviously the Badgers have a run heavy offense. For most of the season, that has been the strength of the Hawkeyes defense.  Strength against strength and I think the Hawkeyes from seven is up to the challenge.  I don't think they will completely shut down the run game, but they will stay solid near the goal line.  They will allow Gordon into the endzone once, but that will be all for TD's allowed.

Can the Hawkeyes move the ball offensively? Wisconsin has been tough against the run this season, but not exceptional against the pass.  I think a return to the Ohio St offense could be in order. They will struggle against the run, but will have just enough to keep the defense honest for the Tight Ends to get over the top. The Hawkeyes will get 120 rushing yards for the game. Not bad, but not enough to dominate.  This game will be dominated by the TEs.  They will get the ball moved solidly between the group of them for 180 yards receiving.  The receivers will add in another 120 has Rudock throws for 300 yards today.  

The Hawkeyes will get a lead early and go into half time up 10-3.  The second half will be low scoring as well, but the Hawkeyes hold on for a 16-13 victory. 

Go Hawks and see you at Kinnick!