The Big game is just one day away. Saturday Morning the Hawkeyes will travel to Ames to face the Iowa State Cyclones. Both teams are coming off dominant victories Iowa 24 to 3 over Wyoming and Iowa State 42 to 17 over UNI. Here are some thoughts on the match up Saturday.
Offensively Iowa will likely look to establish the run early in the game. With Stanley making his 1st career road start in a tough environment it will be important to get the run game going. The biggest positive for the Hawks is James Daniels is back at Center after missing last week's game. The running game should have a better output then last week. Iowa State is inexperienced on the Defensive Line so expect the Clones to stack the box to try and stop the run. The best part of the Iowa State defense is their secondary.
The Play action pass should work pretty well this week. I expect Iowa State to really stack the line of scrimmage which should open up opportunities for Iowa to hit some plays down the field. Also Iowa didn't run any screens vs Wyoming expect that to change this week. One of the keys will be if Iowa can get Noah Fant matched up on Iowa State's linebackers. I also think Matt Vandeberg will be more involved in the offense this week after just 2 catches last week. Iowa only threw 15 passes last week but I think Stanley will have to throw more passes this week. The other key match up offensively is Iowa's offensive line vs Iowa State's Defensive line. I expect Iowa to be able to control the line of scrimmage which should open up lanes for Wadley to have a huge day.
Defensively Iowa will get the return of Manny Rugamba at corner after being suspended last week vs Wyoming. Iowa State is a pass first team even though they showed the ability to run a little bit vs Northern Iowa last week. David Montgomery is a talented running back but Iowa's defense should be prepared to stop the run. I think this week we could see the Dime and Nickel formation's. Which as much as Iowa State will want to spread the field Iowa might need an extra corner. Jacob Park is a talented quarterback and he definitely has some weapons to work with. The match up of Iowa's secondary vs the ISU wide receivers will be one of the big factors. Does Joshua Jackson follow Allan Lazard or will they keep Rugamba and Jackson on each side of the field? Just like last week tackling in space will be very important for Iowa. The match up of Iowa's linebackers against Iowa State's Slot receivers will also be a key. The other key will be if Iowa can get pressure on Park so he can't pick apart the defense.
Special teams is always important and so far Iowa has looked good on special teams with Recinos going 1 for 1 on FG. He's also boomed kickoffs for touchbacks. Turnovers also will be very important if Iowa has 4 turnovers again it likely won't end well. Iowa State's defense came up with 2 Pick 6's and had 3 Interceptions vs UNI. They always say teams improve the most from week one to week 2 so we'll see if some of the younger players take steps forward. Also will the receivers step up? Nick Easley had a strong game vs Wyoming can he have a repeat performance? Will we see Brandon Smith for the 1st time in his career? Does Ihmir Smith Marsette play after fumbling on his only play last week?
Overall I think Iowa should be able to run the ball effectively which could open up the play action for some big plays down the field. I think this will be a close game until the 4th quarter but Iowa will wear down the Iowa State defense. This could be the game we really see Wadley break out again he will get at least 25 touches combined through the run and pass game. Will Wadley be able to make some plays out of the slot this game. I see a score of 31 to 17 Iowa Victory. I guess we will have to wait and see what the real result is tomorrow. Thanks for Reading and Go Hawks.
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