What it will take to beat Iowa this year

**twojman** · 08-06-2008, 03:41 AM

Originally Posted by Irresponsible

The bookies have us as a 14-point underdog. I'm not sure how they predict that because both teams have many unknowns, but I've found them to be good at what they do.

Generally they are, except for this series.

I think this has been the point spread for pretty much the last 20 years or so. How has that worked out? I think since 1998, there has been maybe 2 times Iowa was less than a double digit favorite against ISU. ISU was only a favorite once, if that. (2001?)

Since 1998 ISU has failed to cover the spread once I believe, 2003.

**lars4isu** · 08-06-2008, 03:41 AM

If we play tough we can win all of the preconference games. We need to talk about real issues like beating Kansas and Nebraska!

**scubapohl1** · 08-06-2008, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by Bobber

I say do the same thing we did last year!

Their quarterback is marginal and they've lose most of their runningbacks. The do have a seasoned offensive line which should help them.

I think they'll have a hard time scoring points, but unfortunatly I think we will too. This will be a defensive game and they've got home field advantage.

It will be a tough game to win, but I've seen us do it before in Iowa City first hand!

I wouldn't be to impressed by their returning O-line. They lost Dace Richerdson, one of their best from a line that gave up over 4 sacks a game and was last in the big 10 for sacks. Sadly, it reminds me of the O-line we had Bret's junior year. Lots of experience but still not good.

**pulse** · 08-06-2008, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Cy Hard

TWO WORDS: SHOW UP!

Nice! That's the first thing I thougt too.

**hoosman** · 08-06-2008, 06:56 AM

I'm worried about a punt block or a long return, 2nd half fatigue for our defense, and short crossing routes that get broken for long gains.

I am confident that our running game will be better than theirs, but we'll need a deep pass capability to keep their safeties honest.

If we do manage to win, there will be lynch-mobs in Iowa City demanding a coaching change.

**intrepid27** · 08-06-2008, 07:06 AM

This early in the season I expect a low scoring affair with neither team getting past 25. It sounds like we will have good depth at OL this year. Platoon them in and out and stuff it down their throats.

**cloneaholic** · 08-06-2008, 07:09 AM

From my perspective, there are two keys to beating Iowa:

1. First, make sure we are 2 and 0 going into this game, and those first two wins need to be convincing wins for our confidence.

2. Second, set the tone right at the start of the Iowa game that we are the more physical team - that's what Iowa is going to try to do. If we win this battle of toughness, I really like our chances. I think that's a big part of why we have beat them lately - we've punched them right in the nose at the beginning of each of those games and we never backed down the rest of the game.

**HandSanitizer** · 08-06-2008, 07:17 AM

What worries me for some reason is having a brand new long snapper. I don't know why, but its eating at me right now. There is nothing worse than having a 4th and 5 from your own 22 and having the ball snapped over your head. That's how you lose games your not supposed to lose.
I think we will have a better idea of our team after the first 2 games. If we have no problems with SDS and KS then I will like our chances better.

**cycloneryan** · 08-06-2008, 07:22 AM

Getting a good rush on Christensen and dominate them on run defense. Their offense is so predictable, if we take out their run game, game over.

**cyclonedcm** · 08-06-2008, 07:47 AM

stop the hawks running game and establish the run on offense... I think that our kicking game will win it for us...

**hobbsfan27** · 08-06-2008, 08:05 AM

1. Get a touchdown

**ISUFan22** · 08-06-2008, 08:28 AM

Same as in any other game.

- Control the clock
- Don't turn it over
- Gain plenty of yards on the ground
- Pressure the QB

**BryceC** · 08-06-2008, 08:33 AM

Agree with Cysball here - Christiansen does not throw the ball well on out patterns and he doesn't throw the ball well deep unless he has greatly improved. The things I think need to happen in order for us to be successful:

1. Play to stuff the run. The guys did a great job slowing the running game considerably last season. I think their passing game will be improved but as many have said Jake probably needs some time to throw.

2. Use Bibbs to hassle Moeaki all the time. The only games where Jake really looked like a Big 10 QB he got great production out of his tight end. This also goes to filling up the middle. He's great at connecting the short throws to the TE and RB's. His yards/attempt was only 6.13 and his yards per completion were only 11.46. Those are extremely low. 36% of his completions went to TE's and RB's. ISU needs to make him throw to the outside of the field and deep.

3. Get some sort of running game going. I don't think any RB is going to break 100 yards against Iowa but if we can churn out 35-40 carries among everybody I think that would go a long way.

4. Turnovers and special teams. Not exactly a strength the last two years.

**Phaedrus** · 08-06-2008, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by hobbsfan27

1. Get a touchdown

Do you really think they've improved that much from last year, that we'd actually need to score a touchdown to win?

**djkent01** · 08-06-2008, 08:36 AM

Spread the field on offense and take some shots over the top. Seems to me like Iowa has done well in recent seasons against game plans with an emphasis on between the tackle running. But once they're spread from sideline to sideline - and especially if they can be forced to cover deep - they're exposed.

And it's sounding like these will be two of ISU's strengths.