Iowa vs. Northwestern

What once seemed like such a promising season for the Wildcats has turned to be the complete opposite. By losing five of their last six games, they have more than likely played their way out of an NCAA bid.  They have allowed at least 49 percent shooting against in their last six games. They are getting out rebounded by almost eight in Big Ten Games. They allow conference opponents to shoot 50 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent on three-point attempts.



 I know it seems as if nothing can go right for the 'Cats, but that is far from the truth.  John Shurna, Drew Crawford and Michael Thompson are still the leaders of this team and when the shots are falling, NU is hard to beat.  Four of the next five games (Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Penn State) are winnable and if the Cats can get close to that .500 mark and win a game in the conference tourney, that streak of never making it into the NCAA's might end.  But they will need Shurna (17 ppg), Thompson (14 ppg) and Crawford (12 ppg) to do what they do best: score.

Iowa is 10-15, 3-10. They sit just one game behind NU in the conference standings. The Hawkeyes own big three of Matt Gatens, Bryce Cartright and Melsahn Basabe aren’t as explosive as the triumvirate at Northwester, but are more than capable of getting the job done.

    

Basabe averages 10.5 PPG and his 7.0 rebounds per game rank sixth in the conference. He is also fifth in the Big Ten in field goal percentage. Cartright ranks third in the Big Ten is assists and averages 11.0 PPG. Gatens leads the conference making over 90 percent of his free throw attempts. At 12.5 PPG, he is the Hawkeyes leading scorer.  Prediction: Northwestern wins huge 80-65

Insight.com Bowl

Missouri vs. Iowa

   This matchup features teams going in different directions.  Iowa started the season ranked ninth and started the season 7-2, including a demolishing of then- fifth-ranked Michigan State.  But the Hawkeyes struggled down the stretch, losing their last three and struggling to defeat Indiana.  The Tigers, on the other hand, are on a three-game winning streak, one in which they have scored 35 points or more twice.

   Not only has Iowa had its problems on the field, but it has ended the season with some major off the field problems as well.  All-time leading receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was arrested on drug charges and therefore suspended by Coach Kirk Ferentz,  Then Adam Robinson, the team's leading rusher who had rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns was also suspended, he for failing to "comply with team expectations and policies."  The two backup running backs also left the team, leaving true freshman Marcus Coker as the starter.

   Luckily for Iowa, they still have quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who threw for 2,804 yards and 25 touchdowns, while throwing a career-low four interceptions.  With Johnson-Koulianos out, he will rely on St. Louis-native Marvin McNutt, who led the team with 51 grabs for 798 yards and eight touchdowns.  Coker rushed for 403 yards and two touchdowns in limited duty.

   But it'd not only the offense that the Tigers need to worry about.  The Iowa defense is quite stout itself being led by yet another St. Louis-native, defensive end Adrian Clayborn.  Clayborn has 51 tackles, including seven for loss and three and a half sacks.  The defensive backfield is also quite talented, led by Tyler Sash and Shaun Prater also were named first-team all-Big Ten. Sash was third on the Hawkeyes with 73 tackles and Prater tied for the team lead with four interceptions.

   Up to this year, Missouri had been known for its explosive offense.  Well this year, the Tigers have their best defense in years and it is paying off for them.  They are giving up only 15 ppg, which is fifth in the nation.  Linebackers Andrew Gachkar and Zaviar Gooden lead the team with 81 and 79, tackles, respectively, while six players have two interceptions and four more with one.  The team has forced 27 turnovers on the year.

   But that's not to say the Tiger offense hasn't been explosive.  The team is averaging 30 points per game and has become a more balanced offense this year.  While Blaine Gabbert has thrown for over 2,700 yards and 15 touchdowns, four Tigers, including Gabbert have rushed for 239 yards or more.  The team is led by De'Vion Moore who has run for 485 yards and eight touchdowns.

   After losing starters Danario Alexander and Jared Perry, everyone wondered who would step up to be the next in a recent run of great receivers.  Four receivers have 32 catches or more.  T.J. Moe leads the squad with 77 catches for 893 yards and six touchdowns.  Michael Egnew continues the line of recent Mackey Award finalists/winners and All-American tight ends after catching 83 balls for 698 yards and four touchdowns.

Prediction: Missouri 34, Iowa 21

Week 3 Preview

Georgia Tech (1-1) at North Carolina (0-1)

   This is a game featuring two teams who are both looking to get back on track.  Tech lost last week at Kansas and the Heels are trying to get back to their winning ways after suffering a heart-breaking loss to LSU in Week One.  The Jackets feature a nice 1-2 running punch in Josh Nesbitt and Anthony Allen.  The two spearhead an attack that is second in the nation in rushing yards per game with 332 yards per game.  Nesbitt leads the team with 163 yards and five touchdowns, while Allen averages nearly seven yards per carry.  North Carolina is led by quarterback T.J. Yates, who threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns.  Jheranie Boyd leads the team with six catches for 221 yards.  He had 12 catches for 214 yards as a freshman last season. 

   Georgia Tech wins if...it can control the time of possession and play its stingy defense while running their attack to perfection.

   North Carolina wins if...it can continue to overcome the loss of six defensive starters.  Al Groh, GT's new defensive coordinator, has been known to shut down the Heels so how they respond will be something to look for.


Arizona State (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)

   This will be the first true test for the Sun Devils, as they travel to the always-tough Camp Randall Stadium.  Their offense is led by the quarterback-running back combo of Steven Threet and Cameron Marshall.  Threet, a Michigan transfer, has completed 47-of-70 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns, but has also thrown three interceptions.  Marshall has 14 carries for 132 yards and four touchdowns.

   The Badgers come into the game after defeated UNLV and San Jose State in their first two games.  Despite being known for their running game, quarterback Scott Tolzien has put up some impressive passing stats, completing 30-of-42 passes for 388 yards and one touchdown.  The team already has two players, John Clay and Montee Ball, who have rushed for over 100 yards.  Clay leads the team with 260 yards and four touchdowns, while Ball has 110 yards and two scores.

   ASU wins if...it can continue to throw the ball around.  The Wisconsin defense is tougher than the Devils' first two opponents, but if Threet is on the same page with his receivers, they may be able to pull the surprise.

   Wisconsin wins if...it rushes the ball like it has been.  The Sun Devils have given up 149 rushing yards per game to two FCS schools, so if the Badgers are on their game, it might be a long day for the ASU defense.


Clemson (2-0) at Auburn (2-0)

   The game at Auburn not only marks the first true test for the Tigers, but also starts a rough stretch of games, where four of five teams played in bowls and either are or have been ranked this year.  The offense has been pretty balanced between the passing game and the running game.  Quarterback Kyle Parker has thrown for 283 yards and four touchdowns.  The rushing load has been split amongst Jamie Harper, Andre Ellington, Roderick McDowell and Daniel Barnes.  Ellington leads the way with 133 yards and three scores.

   Cameron Newton has come in and run this offense in perfection.  The quarterback has thrown for 322 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for 241 and two more.  His rushing total is almost 100 more yards than the next leading rusher.

   Clemson wins if...it contains the Auburn rushing game and gets a balanced game from all their players.  Shut Newton down and you have a good shot at the win.

   Auburn wins if...they shut down the Clemson rushing game, which averages nearly 230 yards per game.  If Auburn's own rushing attack is on, it might also be a long day for their opponents.  Either way, look for a shootout.


Iowa (2-0) at Arizona (2-0)

   The Hawkeyes are coming off of a big win against in-state rival Iowa State and are only giving up seven points per game.  Ricky Stanzi seems to be on a mission, completing 71 percent of his passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns.  He has been aided by a running game anchored by Adam Robinson.  Robinson has 265 yards and four touchdowns on the year, while averaging seven yards per carry.

   The Wildcats come into the game undefeated as well, and have one of the most prolific defenses and offenses in the country.  The team is second in points allowed per game, with four per game and is averaging 47 points per game good for 12th nationally.  The team is led by quarterback Nick Foles, who has completed 83 percent of his passes for 579\4 yards and three touchdowns.

   Iowa wins if...their defense is able to shut down the Arizona passing game, which is eighth nationally.The Wildcat defense hasn't really been tested, so it's up to the Hawkeyes to give them a good battle.

   Arizona wins if...Foles continues to sling the ball around.  The defense, ones of the best in the nation, will have to stop the balanced attack of Iowa

College Previews: Iowa

   The final results of the 2009 season were an 11-2 overall record and a second place Big Ten (6-2) finish. The Hawkeyes finished in the Big Ten’s upper division for the eighth time in nine years. The 11 wins equal the most (2002) wins ever by an Iowa team. Iowa finished seventh in the final rankings of both major polls. It was Iowa’s highest season-ending rank since 1960 (third). And, Iowa has now won successive January bowl games after an Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech.

   Offense - Iowa brings back six starters from last year's squad, including quarterback Ricky Stanzi.  The team averaged 23 points per game, eight more than their opponents.

   Stanzi has passed for 4,373 career yards to rank sixth on Iowa’s all-time list. Last season he was 171-304 for 2,417 yards and 17 touchdowns.  He will have to cut down on his interceptions, however, as he threw 17 in 2009.  Sophomore James Vandenberg (6-3, 212) replaced Stanzi following the ankle injury he suffered in the team's first loss of the season vs. Northwestern. His performance in the overtime loss at Ohio State and
the season ending win over Minnesota were impressive as he completed 42 of his 87 passes and had two touchdowns.

   The Hawkeyes began 2009 spring practice with sophomores Jewel Hampton and Jeff Brinson the top two contenders for the starting slot. Hampton was injured during the summer and Brinson played sparingly, because of injuries, in three games (one rush for seven yards). The Iowa running back situation was thin the rest of the season with redshirt freshman Adam Robinson, true freshman Brandon Wegher and senior Paki O’Meara left to carry the load. Robinson and Wegher also suffered injuries during the 2009 season that forced each to miss at least one game. But, the result turned in by the two freshmen was impressive. Robinson rushed for 834 yards, scored five touchdowns and had a 4.6 yards per carry average. Wegher rushed for 641 yards and a freshman record eight touchdowns.

   Senior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was a second team all-Big Ten selection last year. He, along with junior Marvin McNutt, will be Iowa’s number one receivers.  Johnson-Koulianos led the way with 45 catches for 750 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 16.7 yards per catch.  McNutt started five games, caught 34 passes for 674 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season as a wide receiver.  He had previously been a quarterback.  Listed behind McNutt are sophomore Keenan Davis and senior Paul Chaney, Jr. Davis caught four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman. Chaney was injured and missed the final seven games of the 2009 season. He caught seven passes for 50 yards before the injury.  They will be looking for a replacement at tight end after Tony Moeaki graduated.  He caught 30 balls for 387 yards and four touchdowns last season.

   Defense - As usual, the defense was quite good last year.  They surrendered a mere 15 points per game and had 21 interceptions, fifth-most in the nation.

   The defensive line looks to be the strongest unit on defense, as it brings back all four starters, including All-American candidate defensive end Adrian Clayborn.  He had 70 tackles last year, including 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He also forced four fumbles.  Anchoring the starting end spot on the other side of the line will be junior Broderick Binns. He had 63 tackles in 2009.  Seniors Karl Klug and Christian Ballard are the returning starters at defensive tackle. Ballard has career tackles. Klug had 65 tackles last year, along with 13 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Ballard also had nine tackles for loss.

   Gone from last year's linebacking unit is first team all-American Pat Angerer (258 career tackles) and all-Big Ten outside linebacker A.J. Edds (226).  Senior Jeremiha Hunter is Iowa’s lone returning starter at linebacker. The all-Big Ten candidate has 25 career starts and started all but the Minnesota game last year. He was Iowa’s second leading tackler in 2009, for the second straight year, with 89 tackles.

   The defensive backfield returns three of four starters in 2010.  The 2009 pass defense was rated first in the Big Ten after allowing only 153 yards a game. That figure ranked fourth in NCAA statistics. The team’s 21 interceptions ranked second in the Big Ten and fifth nationally.  Senior Brett Greenwood returns at the free safety position. A second team all-Big Ten selection, he had 55 tackles and three interceptions last year.  Tyler Sash returns at strong safety. He was named third team 2009 all-American by the Associated Press and first team all-Big Ten. Sash was Iowa’s third leading tackler with 85 tackles. He intercepted a team leading six passes.  One cornerback spot should be anchored by Shaun Prater. He totaled 41 tackles and two interceptions last year.

   Recruiting - The Hawkeyes bring in 21 student-athletes in its 2010 class, including four linebackers.  Only seven of the recruits are on the offensive side of the ball.  Linebacker Christian Kirksey comes in after having a monster senior season.  He finished his senior campaign with a whopping 163 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.  Defensive back B.J. Lowery comes in after putting up impressive numbers in his senior season as well.  His senior season saw him in on 128.5 tackles and four interceptions.  Jim Poggi comes in as a linebacker after putting up huge numbers as a senior too.  His 2009 season saw him collect 137 tackles, 12 sacks, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions.  C.J. Fiedorowicz comes in trying to replace Moeaki at tight end.  Coincidentally, both are Illinois products.  He had 44 catches for 921 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior. 

   Schedule - The Hawkeyes face seven of their 12 opponents at home in 2010.  The Hawkeyes open with four of their first five games at home. Eight of the 2010 opponents appeared in bowl games last year. Three of the four non-conference games will be played in Iowa City.  They start out with home games against Eastern Illinois and rival Iowa State before traveling to Arizona.  The team then faces Ball State before starting Big Ten play by hosting Penn State.  The PSU game is followed by a bye week and a trip to Michigan.  The last six games of the year including road games at Northwestern, Indiana and Minnesota, while home games are against Ohio State, Michigan State and Wisconsin.  So the team's three biggest conference games (Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State) are all at home.