Iowa State Vs. Iowa

[Clones21]

Sims is back and he will be out for blood. Watch out Iowa.

[CyForPresident]

DId ISU really do well against Spann or did the complete lack of a downfield passing game fail to test a group of inexperienced lbers. It's not like Spann wasn't impressive in a one dimensional attack. And I don't think you're following. I didn't claim the ISU's pass defense was bad. I claimed they were not tested because the qb was awful so the fact that they'll be better next week really isn't saying anything. It will still be their first game facing anyone that can throw the ball, just like Arnuad will be the first real test for Iowa's passing D.

And who claimed Iowa was going to fool anyone on offense? Well, besides you, I guess. Iowa out executes teams. LBs can focus on the run but the tes will get open. Hopefully, both teams open it up in the passing game a little next week because I get tired of watching ISU throw two yard passes out wide and watching Stanzi force the ball over the middle. I'm assuming both teams have some downfield looks they'll break out next week.

What I was getting at is that its better to be tested against the run preparing for Iowa than against the pass.

I would argue that ISU did get tested in the passing game too. Go back and watch the first NIU drive of the second half. NIU receivers were flying wide open down the field. It wasn't Colt McCoy, but it was enough to get the attention in the film room.

Either way, Iowa might as well played Central City today.

[Lyon309Cy]

Things are never as good as they appear in Iowa City, and nothing's ever so bleak as it seems in Ames. Iowa is not significantly more talented than we are, just more disciplined and better at winning. With the notable exception of Stanzi, they don't make many mistakes and they don't give you anything free. Whereas ISU has always had a habit of conceding a series or two (or a quarter). I'm not concerned about Stanzi, he'll always keep both teams in the game. It's Hampton that scares me a little. We miss enough tackles on our own and he could really make it hurt. They have some talent at WR, but they don't know how to use it, it doesn't fit their offense. Their TE's are not as good as they have been. And listening to the Rashawn Parker interview before the NIU game, all he could talk about was how active their TE's were. Our LB's are faster than they have been and should be able to keep the TE's more or less controlled. Both teams will string together no more than 2 drives of substantial length. The game will turn on whether ISU can hit a few big plays or if they turn it over trying. And that's the way ISU has to play it. If both teams play even, they beat us, we have to take a few more risks and hope the breaks go our way. I like the direction Rhoades is going, and I think he get us to that level of consistency sooner rather than later, but I'm not sure if it will be soon enough for this weekend.

[Sloup]

Here are my Keys to a Cyclone Victory, in order of my amount of concern.

1. Continue improving defensively against the run- Iowa has a decent passing game, but it won't be enough to completely outgun us. Their running game is their bread and butter, so we need to slow it down it as much as possible.

2. Punting- I know everybody is concerned about this, including myself. But I don't think it's fair to judge Kuehl based his first and only punt in an actual game time situation. It can and will improve, but it needs to be by a significant amount to give us some opportune field position against Iowa.

3. Use every tool in the offense- We need to catch this defense off guard a few times if we're going to get some big plays in. That means throwing to as many receivers as possible, do plenty of play action, throw in a trick play or two, and so forth.

4. No turnovers- A drive getting killed could be devastating to our offense in this high pressure of a situation.

I see a victory as being possible, more so than I did a week ago. However, it will be very hard.

Iowa 27
Iowa State 20

[cycloneman003]

god hawk fans are ******* me off... i cant ******* wait until saturday. you'll be in for a game. this is how i see things...

QB: I call this one a push honestly. AA and Stanzi are both very experienced QB's, while both very prone to the interception (AA has 26 career int's and Stanzi has 25). I'd say Stanzi is the better passer of the two, but AA does things running the ball that Stanzi is incapable of, and is an extremely tough tackle. Wash here.

RB: A-Rob (Alexander that is) gets the edge here. This isn't a knock on Iowa's RB's as much as the fact A-Rob is simply better. Adam is a solid back for Iowa, runs tough and is a hard tackle but I dont think he has the home run ability of A-Rob. After all Alexander has career long runs of 68, 67, and 63 yards. He can break the big one on any play. And please hawk fans... DO NOT give me this ******** about Jewel Hampton. The kid was good behind one of the best backs in the nation his freshman year, mostly in garbage time and has not played in an actual live game in 21 ******* MONTHS. I dont care how talented you are, you do not come off that long of a time with no real game experience and make a large impact.

WR/TE: Not being a homer here, but the edge definitely goes to ISU here I have to believe. Iowa has the best reciever of the lot with DJK, but doesnt have nearly the depth that ISU does. After DJK and McNutt their isnt a whole lot there for Iowa in my book. For ISU you have loads of depth. Darks is a very good posession reciever, Jake Williams makes the big plays when you need it the most, Sed and Money have athleticism off the charts and Lenz does some very good things in the slot. Its a deep, talented group. Then at TE iowa is breaking in new guys while ISU has the very versatile Collin Franklin. He has the size and strength to block well in the run game, very good hands and has show the ability to make plays after the catch rather than Catlett from last year who was a make the catch and fall down type TE. ISU may not have the best individual here, but definitely has better depth and all around talent.

OL: This is a tough one. I have to give it as a tie. ISU has the edge in experience, but looked shaky at times thursday night. Im not 100% sold on hicks and burris on the right side of the line. Lamaak, Alvarez and KO however are very formidable. Lamaak has picked up right where reggie left off last year and you know what you're getting day in, day out with him. Alvarez is very experienced and similar to Lamaak in that he may not blow you away, but he is very consistent. You know what you get. KO is the key here though. ISU may have gotten blow out of the water last year, but I can honestly say KO flat out dominated Adrian Clayborn. The all-american canidate was pancaked time and time again by KO. He's and absolute animal. Iowa's OL is very talented. There is a lot of ability there, but it's young. Thats what makes this a draw. The ISU OLine has a diffinitive experience edge over Iowa, although Iowa may posses more talent and better depth here.

Overall Offense: Edge goes to ISU.. not by a great amount, but they are a better offense. I think Tom Herman is definitely better than O'Keefe at managing a game plan. The key will be AA and Stanzi limiting mistakes. Iowa's secondary can be taken advantage of however so limiting errors in the passing game is huge for ISU, something AA hasnt proven he can do under pressure yet. For Iowa, they NEED to establish the run. ISU's secondary is talented, and has a knack for big plays. Ricky Stanzi is much better off play action than being a drop back passer.

DL: Definitely has to go to Iowa here. Clayborn is a beast, Klug is a beast, Binns is very good. They are a really really good group. ISU has experienced players in Parker, Bailey, Rump, Neal, etc but the talent isnt nearly the same. ISU's line has improved, especially at DT with Rump and Johnson turning their game up and McDonough getting healthy. They will hold their own against Iowa's OL. The key to the game will be seeing how hicks and burris hold up against Iowa's DL. I really do think KO with neutralize Clayborn again, and if that right side for ISU holds up, we're in for a great game. Iowa definitely gets the edge though.

LB: This is a tough call. I'll give Iowa an edge here, but not by a lot. Both teams are breaking in new starters, but in iowa's case they've been around a little longer. Iowa's LB are always great in run support, but at times can be picked on in the passing game. Week 1 wasnt a great chance to see how the new guys will fare, but there is no doubt that Iowa's LB's are always a tough/nasty group who play very hard and smart. What ISU has is tremendous physicality and athleticism at LB. Knott and Klein will be beasts at ISU. Both of them fly all over the field and are very athletic. I love what they bring to the table, but as just true sophomores they are subject to being out of position and just mistakes due to lack of experience. Tau'fo'ou is a fire plug out there. He plays hard, hits hard, and is smart. He lacks the measurables you like, but he plays tough all the time. Iowa gets the edge due to more experience and sure tackling, but no doubt that ISU's LB's will be all over the field.

DB: Another close call here, but the edge has to go to ISU barely and this is all because of one man coming back. David Sims. Bar none, he is the best defensive back in this game. Sash is a very good saftey, but Sims is an animal. He covers like a corner, hits like a linebacker and plays physical and smart. He's always in the thick of things and is a turnover forcing machine. For ISU they have the advantage of more experience at CB. Leonard Johnson is the best corner in this game IMO. Last year teams would throw away from as much as possible. The kid hits like a freight train (ask tony moeaki about that one) and is always capable of forcing turnovers. The great thing is though, that he had a trio of talented corners to play opposite him. Ter'ran benton is a very physical corner and has loads of experience at this level. Reeves may be small, but makes up for that with incredible speed and athleticism, and anthony young is another corner who showed a knack for the ball in juco and adds immediate depth. For the hawks, prater/castillo/hyde are a solid group of corners, but i think are rather susceptible to the big play. Hyde has talent but is inexperienced, same with castillo. Prater is good, but i think 2nd best in this game to LJ. Sash is a very very good saftey, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He is a very talented player, but lacks the athleticism of his counterpart for ISU in david sims. Greenwood is solid at the other saftey, i give him the edge over o'connell. both are smart tough players who dont make many mistakes, but greenwood is more experienced and athletic. Over all though, ISU has the edge.

Overall Defense: Iowa by a fair margin. The DL is way ahead of ISU and the LB's are more sure handed tacklers. IF the ISU front seven can hold their own in the run game, it opens up chances for a very opportunistic ISU secondary to make some huge plays. The key comes down to how well ISU's young linebackers fair. They will be all over the field, but the tackling needs to improve. If they run game is held somewhat in check and Stanzi has to throw, this is where ISU will make its move.

My prediction: If you've managed to sit through and read all this, now its time for the prediction! lol. I think that ISU's defensive front is definitely improved from last year and facing an OL that isnt as good as iowa's bunch last year, will be able to hold Robinson and Hampton in check forcing stanzi to beat ISU through the air. This is where the return of sims is huge. He's make a few big plays to get AA and the offense a chance to put some points up. I doubt Robinson and AA have a great day on the ground, but I see holes in that iowa secondary that can be exploited. I think AA limits the turnovers to maybe just 1 int in the game and is able to produce just enough. 21-17. Cyclones stun the hawks in kinnick. ISU's defense holds its own, and much like at nebraska last year comes up huge in the redzone. AA and company hold on to the ball and limit mistakes, doing just enough to push ISU over the top. Iowa may come into this one overconfident and that will bite them.

[Erik4Cy]

It won't be as lopsided as last year, but If I'm an Iowa fan, I would be feeling good about chances to win, but I would get mighty scared if the hawks start to turn the ball over...

[GoClones123]

I think the key here for us is to be patient. If our game plan is a healthy dose of A-Rob and some rythym passes to the flats and TE, we should look pretty good coming into the fourth quarter.

Norm does a pretty good job of disguising his DB's coverages, and that bit us last year.

Bottom line how well AA does will be the determining factor, if he has a great game, then we will probably win or come very close. If he implodes, then we probably can call it quits at half time.

[mwitt]

Assuming Arnaud doesn't think that Sash is on our team this year, we're going to need some good punts to be competitive on Saturday, and that worries me.

[Matt92x]

I agree. I don't understand why anyone joins message boards to teams other than the team their a fan of in any situation.

When I posted on a San Diego Chargers message board, there was a Bronco fan who had about 2,000 posts on the Chargers board. Go look at the Bronco message board he was a part of, and he only had 1,000 posts. Made no sense what so ever.

RING4CY
Starter



Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Cedar Falls
Posts: 968

Credits: 3,000,338
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Also funny you dug so far to nab him on something. Reminds me of a politicians background search.

[NotEss]

I am glad I came over here for a late night laugh. What a joke.

This is going to be a curb stomping. Iowa 42 ISU 10

[simesclone]

I am glad I came over here for a late night laugh. What a joke.

This is going to be a curb stomping. Iowa 42 ISU 10

Not even a close guess dust smoker. iowa may hang on because of the home field ref's advantage, but they do'nt impress me at all. I say iowa wins on a bad call towards the end of the game.

[NotEss]

Seriously, this game isn't going to be close.

I like that long winded post above with the comparisons at every position that somehow has Iowa (a team returning the vast majority of it's starters and best running back from a 11-2 BCS Orange Bowl winning team that finished #7 in the Nation) worse at almost every position when compared to Iowa State?

Seriously? Wow.

I mean, if you want to talk about Iowa State having a chance due to some massive stretch of mistakes, bad luck and turnovers, no problem, but to put Iowa behind at almost every position is just a flat out joke. At least be somewhat honest about everything.

Also, do you realize that you have only had ONE single season with more than 7 wins since 1978?

[hawkfan]

QB: I call this one a push honestly. AA and Stanzi are both very experienced QB's, while both very prone to the interception (AA has 26 career int's and Stanzi has 25). I'd say Stanzi is the better passer of the two, but AA does things running the ball that Stanzi is incapable of, and is an extremely tough tackle. Wash here.

RB: A-Rob (Alexander that is) gets the edge here. This isn't a knock on Iowa's RB's as much as the fact A-Rob is simply better. Adam is a solid back for Iowa, runs tough and is a hard tackle but I dont think he has the home run ability of A-Rob. After all Alexander has career long runs of 68, 67, and 63 yards. He can break the big one on any play. And please hawk fans... DO NOT give me this ******** about Jewel Hampton. The kid was good behind one of the best backs in the nation his freshman year, mostly in garbage time and has not played in an actual live game in 21 ******* MONTHS. I dont care how talented you are, you do not come off that long of a time with no real game experience and make a large impact.

WR/TE: Not being a homer here, but the edge definitely goes to ISU here I have to believe. Iowa has the best reciever of the lot with DJK, but doesnt have nearly the depth that ISU does. After DJK and McNutt their isnt a whole lot there for Iowa in my book. For ISU you have loads of depth. Darks is a very good posession reciever, Jake Williams makes the big plays when you need it the most, Sed and Money have athleticism off the charts and Lenz does some very good things in the slot. Its a deep, talented group. Then at TE iowa is breaking in new guys while ISU has the very versatile Collin Franklin. He has the size and strength to block well in the run game, very good hands and has show the ability to make plays after the catch rather than Catlett from last year who was a make the catch and fall down type TE. ISU may not have the best individual here, but definitely has better depth and all around talent.

OL: This is a tough one. I have to give it as a tie. ISU has the edge in experience, but looked shaky at times thursday night. Im not 100% sold on hicks and burris on the right side of the line. Lamaak, Alvarez and KO however are very formidable. Lamaak has picked up right where reggie left off last year and you know what you're getting day in, day out with him. Alvarez is very experienced and similar to Lamaak in that he may not blow you away, but he is very consistent. You know what you get. KO is the key here though. ISU may have gotten blow out of the water last year, but I can honestly say KO flat out dominated Adrian Clayborn. The all-american canidate was pancaked time and time again by KO. He's and absolute animal. Iowa's OL is very talented. There is a lot of ability there, but it's young. Thats what makes this a draw. The ISU OLine has a diffinitive experience edge over Iowa, although Iowa may posses more talent and better depth here.

Overall Offense: Edge goes to ISU.. not by a great amount, but they are a better offense. I think Tom Herman is definitely better than O'Keefe at managing a game plan. The key will be AA and Stanzi limiting mistakes. Iowa's secondary can be taken advantage of however so limiting errors in the passing game is huge for ISU, something AA hasnt proven he can do under pressure yet. For Iowa, they NEED to establish the run. ISU's secondary is talented, and has a knack for big plays. Ricky Stanzi is much better off play action than being a drop back passer.

DL: Definitely has to go to Iowa here. Clayborn is a beast, Klug is a beast, Binns is very good. They are a really really good group. ISU has experienced players in Parker, Bailey, Rump, Neal, etc but the talent isnt nearly the same. ISU's line has improved, especially at DT with Rump and Johnson turning their game up and McDonough getting healthy. They will hold their own against Iowa's OL. The key to the game will be seeing how hicks and burris hold up against Iowa's DL. I really do think KO with neutralize Clayborn again, and if that right side for ISU holds up, we're in for a great game. Iowa definitely gets the edge though.

LB: This is a tough call. I'll give Iowa an edge here, but not by a lot. Both teams are breaking in new starters, but in iowa's case they've been around a little longer. Iowa's LB are always great in run support, but at times can be picked on in the passing game. Week 1 wasnt a great chance to see how the new guys will fare, but there is no doubt that Iowa's LB's are always a tough/nasty group who play very hard and smart. What ISU has is tremendous physicality and athleticism at LB. Knott and Klein will be beasts at ISU. Both of them fly all over the field and are very athletic. I love what they bring to the table, but as just true sophomores they are subject to being out of position and just mistakes due to lack of experience. Tau'fo'ou is a fire plug out there. He plays hard, hits hard, and is smart. He lacks the measurables you like, but he plays tough all the time. Iowa gets the edge due to more experience and sure tackling, but no doubt that ISU's LB's will be all over the field.

DB: Another close call here, but the edge has to go to ISU barely and this is all because of one man coming back. David Sims. Bar none, he is the best defensive back in this game. Sash is a very good saftey, but Sims is an animal. He covers like a corner, hits like a linebacker and plays physical and smart. He's always in the thick of things and is a turnover forcing machine. For ISU they have the advantage of more experience at CB. Leonard Johnson is the best corner in this game IMO. Last year teams would throw away from as much as possible. The kid hits like a freight train (ask tony moeaki about that one) and is always capable of forcing turnovers. The great thing is though, that he had a trio of talented corners to play opposite him. Ter'ran benton is a very physical corner and has loads of experience at this level. Reeves may be small, but makes up for that with incredible speed and athleticism, and anthony young is another corner who showed a knack for the ball in juco and adds immediate depth. For the hawks, prater/castillo/hyde are a solid group of corners, but i think are rather susceptible to the big play. Hyde has talent but is inexperienced, same with castillo. Prater is good, but i think 2nd best in this game to LJ. Sash is a very very good saftey, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He is a very talented player, but lacks the athleticism of his counterpart for ISU in david sims. Greenwood is solid at the other saftey, i give him the edge over o'connell. both are smart tough players who dont make many mistakes, but greenwood is more experienced and athletic. Over all though, ISU has the edge.

Overall Defense: Iowa by a fair margin. The DL is way ahead of ISU and the LB's are more sure handed tacklers. IF the ISU front seven can hold their own in the run game, it opens up chances for a very opportunistic ISU secondary to make some huge plays. The key comes down to how well ISU's young linebackers fair. They will be all over the field, but the tackling needs to improve. If they run game is held somewhat in check and Stanzi has to throw, this is where ISU will make its move.

My prediction: If you've managed to sit through and read all this, now its time for the prediction! lol. I think that ISU's defensive front is definitely improved from last year and facing an OL that isnt as good as iowa's bunch last year, will be able to hold Robinson and Hampton in check forcing stanzi to beat ISU through the air. This is where the return of sims is huge. He's make a few big plays to get AA and the offense a chance to put some points up. I doubt Robinson and AA have a great day on the ground, but I see holes in that iowa secondary that can be exploited. I think AA limits the turnovers to maybe just 1 int in the game and is able to produce just enough. 21-17. Cyclones stun the hawks in kinnick. ISU's defense holds its own, and much like at nebraska last year comes up huge in the redzone. AA and company hold on to the ball and limit mistakes, doing just enough to push ISU over the top. Iowa may come into this one overconfident and that will bite them.

The two bolded paragraphs are so full of blatant homerism it is laughable. No one for Iowa after DJK/McNutt? Give me a ******* break. Keenan Davis, Colin Sandeman, and Don Nordman (Along with Paul Chaney Jr.) have all looked like game breakers at times. This is maybe the deepest Iowa has EVER been at WR. Further, at TE, Iowa has so much more depth than ISU it is unbelievable. Iowa's #2 TE yesterday had a career high in catches/yards. The group of Reisner, Herman, Derby, CJ Fiedorowicz is MUCH deeper than anything ISU can offer. It is one thing to say ISU has a better 1/2 punch at starter...but to try and justify your statement by saying ISU is "deeper" really shows you know nothing about Iowa's team (or ISU's for that matter).

So, ISU's DB's get the edge because of one man coming back, huh? Yet Iowa, who has a preseason All American at SS, AND returns their #1 CB (who we didn't have in week 1), doesn't get an edge? Again...what a joke. Most of the national pundits rated Iowa's DB unit in the top 10 nationally....for some reason I never saw ISU in those rankings. It is laughable to say ISU has a better DB unit then Iowa....hell, your justification for it is that David Sims is better than Iowa's All American? Haha. Whatever.

[simply1]

Seriously, this game isn't going to be close.

I like that long winded post above with the comparisons at every position that somehow has Iowa (a team returning the vast majority of it's starters and best running back from a 11-2 BCS Orange Bowl winning team that finished #7 in the Nation) worse at almost every position when compared to Iowa State?

Seriously? Wow.

I mean, if you want to talk about Iowa State having a chance due to some massive stretch of mistakes, bad luck and turnovers, no problem, but to put Iowa behind at almost every position is just a flat out joke. At least be somewhat honest about everything.

Also, do you realize that you have only had ONE single season with more than 7 wins since 1978?

Please use the word seriously in every paragraph in the future, I mean seriously how can I take you seriously if you don't qualify the seriously serious parts of your post.



Seriously.

[GoClones123]

This is always funny to hear people talk about last years accomplishments! And the national pundants (unless your from the SEC or Texas) spend about 4 minutes of research on your team, hence why they cant say Ferentz correctly and they automatically pick ISU last in the Big 12 North.

I think this game, since they bumped it up in the schedule is really unpredictable. Usually we have 2 or 3 games to analyze our teams and the opponents team. But this year we had A game against a lesser opponent, vanilla play calling, and key personnel from both sides either hurt or suspended....its a crap shoot.

Both sides had issues that you could see, ISU seemed to do alot of arm tackling (reminded me of a Chizik team), and Iowa's offensive line had issues with pass protection and keeping Stanzi comfortable. However, it was only one game, alot can change in a week.