Hi again guys. It's been kinda quiet around here in regards to the upcoming game. Thought I'd pass along some final thoughts before heading out on vacation.
1. The more I've thought about this game, the less I like Iowa's chances against your very good defense. If we can get an inside power game going, especially with our decent RB Sargent (#10), I think we'll have a shot as it will set up play action. Also, TE Hockenson (#38) will have to make a few big plays as well. I expect the MSU D to go man on our wideouts, stack the box and bring a variety of blitzes to keep us off balance. QB Nate Stanley (#4) has to at least be competent and not make any huge mistakes. Mississippi native WR Brandon Smith (#12) has continued to improve as the season has worn on and might make a play or two.
2. I'm interested to see just how much your QB has improved throwing the ball. I know he had a good end to the season, but not sure he makes you guys two-dimensional enough to allow your running game to dominate vs a very good Iowa defense. I am impressed with your two RBs and know they will be a handful to contain as well. The Hawks do typically play the option well due to good discipline. Will be interesting to see if we can hang with your athletes.
3. Obviously, turnovers and special teams will probably play a role in the outcome as well. I love our kickoff return game ISM (#6), but not sure he will get opportunities with the strength of most kickers legs lately. He's not shy to bring the ball out of the endzone and gets 30 yards per KOR. Good speed and good moves. Usually, Iowa gets a lot of hidden yardage in the punting game, but this year was not a good year for that. Iowa's punter does both conventional punts (not very well) and rugby-style punts (better, but not great). MSU will need to be cognizant of where the ball is on those to avoid contact downfield with the low kicks.
4. In the last two games we had vs SEC teams (Tennessee and Florida), we had two different experiences. In the Tennessee game, they came out and blew our doors off with Hurd and Kamara being to good to contain. Just totally overmatched and nothing worked for Iowa. The Florida game was one of missed opportunities where we just couldn't get the ball in the endzone and eventually lost confidence and momentum and let the game get away in the second half. If our offense can't move the ball, we will have to get turnovers on D or things could get ugly. Again, not sold on our offense and we need to have our inconsistent QB have a good game. He can and if he does, we will be very competitive.
5. I'm gonna give two predictions because I have a really hard time saying my favorite team is going to lose. I do think it's going to be higher scoring than most think.
Heart prediction says Iowa 34 MSU 24
Head prediction says MSU 31 Iowa 17
Safe travels to those going to the game and hope to see Bulldog fans walk away with some respect for what I view to be one of the best run programs in the nation in Iowa. No question that I have enjoyed learning about your team and fanbase and have enjoyed what limited interaction we've had here. Best of luck next season!
1. The more I've thought about this game, the less I like Iowa's chances against your very good defense. If we can get an inside power game going, especially with our decent RB Sargent (#10), I think we'll have a shot as it will set up play action. Also, TE Hockenson (#38) will have to make a few big plays as well. I expect the MSU D to go man on our wideouts, stack the box and bring a variety of blitzes to keep us off balance. QB Nate Stanley (#4) has to at least be competent and not make any huge mistakes. Mississippi native WR Brandon Smith (#12) has continued to improve as the season has worn on and might make a play or two.
2. I'm interested to see just how much your QB has improved throwing the ball. I know he had a good end to the season, but not sure he makes you guys two-dimensional enough to allow your running game to dominate vs a very good Iowa defense. I am impressed with your two RBs and know they will be a handful to contain as well. The Hawks do typically play the option well due to good discipline. Will be interesting to see if we can hang with your athletes.
3. Obviously, turnovers and special teams will probably play a role in the outcome as well. I love our kickoff return game ISM (#6), but not sure he will get opportunities with the strength of most kickers legs lately. He's not shy to bring the ball out of the endzone and gets 30 yards per KOR. Good speed and good moves. Usually, Iowa gets a lot of hidden yardage in the punting game, but this year was not a good year for that. Iowa's punter does both conventional punts (not very well) and rugby-style punts (better, but not great). MSU will need to be cognizant of where the ball is on those to avoid contact downfield with the low kicks.
4. In the last two games we had vs SEC teams (Tennessee and Florida), we had two different experiences. In the Tennessee game, they came out and blew our doors off with Hurd and Kamara being to good to contain. Just totally overmatched and nothing worked for Iowa. The Florida game was one of missed opportunities where we just couldn't get the ball in the endzone and eventually lost confidence and momentum and let the game get away in the second half. If our offense can't move the ball, we will have to get turnovers on D or things could get ugly. Again, not sold on our offense and we need to have our inconsistent QB have a good game. He can and if he does, we will be very competitive.
5. I'm gonna give two predictions because I have a really hard time saying my favorite team is going to lose. I do think it's going to be higher scoring than most think.
Heart prediction says Iowa 34 MSU 24
Head prediction says MSU 31 Iowa 17
Safe travels to those going to the game and hope to see Bulldog fans walk away with some respect for what I view to be one of the best run programs in the nation in Iowa. No question that I have enjoyed learning about your team and fanbase and have enjoyed what limited interaction we've had here. Best of luck next season!
