Let’s start with the startling ‘Bad’ news…
The Spartans are the dubious owners of a 7 game losing streak at Iowa City that dates back to 1989. 1989? Do you remember where the heck you were in 1989? Ha-neither do I. But all good things must come to an end and, in my opinion, so will this dubious streak commencing on Saturday.
If you have never been to Iowa City, it is every bit as disarming as Lincoln, Nebraska. Located in the middle of the heartland…Iowa fans arrive at Kinnick Stadium by rail via the Hawkeye Express…their fans come to the game attired in ‘Black & Gold’ striped ‘bib’ overalls and extend the obligatory All America greeting…’welcome to Iowa’…’gosh, you guys sure have a good team’…’I wish our Defense was as good as yours’…’I hope you guys take it easy on us today’. Ha-don’t buy it….they don’t mean it.
And just like Nebraska…Football is the only game in town (other than the legendary Iowa Wrestling team) and with that mindset, the fans would just as soon rip your heart out and pin you to the mat while happily cheering…‘Go Hawks’!
So, what should we expect? Here’s a simplistic analysis:
The Spartan fortunes are about to change. While the Hawkeyes are always well coached…they have deficiencies and a lot of new pieces on both sides of the ball. The biggest mismatch is Iowa’s inconsistent offense which is ranked #61 in the country at 391 yards per game (#59 Pass & #64 Rush)…and that Offense will go ‘head to head’ against the Spartans dominating #2 ranked Defense (#2 Pass & #17 Rush).
What happened against Minnesota you ask? In my mind, the Spartans were emotionally spent after emotional wins against Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin and a loss at Nebraska but yet managed to win against Minnesota in spite of a shaky performance. But, the Spartans won’t be emotionally unprepared when they arrive in Iowa City. Watch for the Spartans dominating Defensive line…that has the most sacks in the Big Ten…to get after James Vandenberg who is a lot less mobile than Braxton Miller, Denard Robinson or Russell Wilson.
Let’s be honest, if the Spartans win this game…the Defense will set the tone but, it doesn’t mean the Spartan Offense is incapable of contributing. The Spartans passing offense is generating 237 yards per game and should live up to those numbers inasmuch as Iowa’s #70 ranked passing Defense is yielding more than 233 yards per game. The important thing for the Spartan Offense (no surprise) heroics are not required…just be efficient and DON’T turn the ball over!
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