Michigan Writers Take on Iowa

  • After Iowa State won the Big 12, a Cyclone made a wonderful offer to We Will that now increases our match. Now all gifts up to $400,000 between now and the Final 4 will be matched. Please consider giving at We Will Collective.
    This notice can be dismissed using the upper right corner X button.

FriendlySpartan

Well-Known Member
Jul 26, 2021
5,602
6,081
113
37
My favorite Michigan blog is mgoblog and every week they do the write ups on various upcoming opponents. The iowa sections this year have all been gold but since they are playing this week it got a little more attention. Enjoy.

The Road Ahead​

Iowa (3-1, 1-0 B1G)​

Last week: Won at Rutgers, 27-10

Recap: As a result of a series of decisions I have made in my life ⁠— some good, some bad, some incomprehensible ⁠— I watched this game. The whole thing. It’s fine, really. I acknowledge my role in this. I place no blame, and I ask for no sympathy.

I don’t know what Iowa football is made of. It’s some bizarre combination of the Saw franchise-style torture porn, distilled Stockholm Syndrome, and whatever metal the One Ring from the Lord of the Rings was made from. One cannot look away, even though one knows this isn’t healthy. But despite its general stupidity and failure to meet even the basic standards of objectively mediocre football, Iowa will, several times per game, do something that will make you sit up and clap like a sea lion offered a mackerel. This game was no different; they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts, and doinked in a field goal to hit the historically low Over of 34.5. And I clapped. Oh how I clapped. Mackerel, please.

---------------------------

The brain is a funny machine. I spent the noon window lamenting the stuck-in-the-mud Michigan offense that only generated 34 offensive points and 463 yards at 7.0 yards per play. I then spent my evening marveling at the efficiency and, dare I say, explosiveness of the Iowa offense. A 42-yard pass play, mostly through the air! A drive featuring plays of 21, 11, and 20 yards in quick succession! Three consecutive drives that covered a combined 204 yards!

Then after the game I looked at the box score: 13 offensive points, 277 yards, 5.0 yards per play.

I fear I have been KirkPilled.

This team is as frightening as: Once more, for old times’ sake.

clip_image001

Fear Level = 5

Michigan should worry about:
Great, it’s not Night Kinnick. Night Kinnick FEELS worse. But Day Kinnick is just as evil:

In Iowa's last 6 home games against AP top-5 foes:
2008 vs. 3. Penn State, W 24-23
2010 vs. 5. Michigan State, W 37-6
2016 vs. 2. Michigan, W 14-13
2017 vs. 4. Penn State, L 21-19
2017 vs. 3. Ohio State, W 55-24
2021 vs. 4. Penn State, W 23-20
This week, No. 4 Michigan
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) September 26, 2022
Iowa is 5-1 in their last 6 home games against Top 5 teams, and only two of those games were night games. And we get Gus Johnson on the call. And Kirk Ferentz CLEARLY hasn’t used his one “remember and apply the lessons of the last 30 years of collective college football experience” card yet this season.

Michigan can sleep soundly about: Iowa is averaging 5.0 yards per target to their wide receivers. And with Keagan Johnson, one of the only two 4-star receivers on Iowa’s roster ⁠— missing from the depth chart this week, “Wide Receivers” will continue to mean “Arlan Bruce.” In the SDSU, Iowa State, and Rutgers games combined, Bruce had 21 targets. The rest of the receiving corps had a combined 6.

When they play Michigan: Hnnngggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg.

This week: vs. Michigan, Big Noon Saturday, FOX (Iowa +10.5)
 

GoHawks

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2009
3,027
1,605
113
Could be a rout. It's really going to be can Iowa's defense hold all day or not? Barring a defensive Or special teams Td's I can't see Iowa even mustering 10 points. So is it going to be 6 to 10 or 6 to 35 is the question? The Iowa run defense vs The Michigan rushing attack will be the key
 

Gonzo

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2009
23,176
25,250
113
Behind you
My favorite Michigan blog is mgoblog and every week they do the write ups on various upcoming opponents. The iowa sections this year have all been gold but since they are playing this week it got a little more attention. Enjoy.

The Road Ahead​

Iowa (3-1, 1-0 B1G)​

Last week: Won at Rutgers, 27-10

Recap: As a result of a series of decisions I have made in my life ⁠— some good, some bad, some incomprehensible ⁠— I watched this game. The whole thing. It’s fine, really. I acknowledge my role in this. I place no blame, and I ask for no sympathy.

I don’t know what Iowa football is made of. It’s some bizarre combination of the Saw franchise-style torture porn, distilled Stockholm Syndrome, and whatever metal the One Ring from the Lord of the Rings was made from. One cannot look away, even though one knows this isn’t healthy. But despite its general stupidity and failure to meet even the basic standards of objectively mediocre football, Iowa will, several times per game, do something that will make you sit up and clap like a sea lion offered a mackerel. This game was no different; they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts, and doinked in a field goal to hit the historically low Over of 34.5. And I clapped. Oh how I clapped. Mackerel, please.

---------------------------

The brain is a funny machine. I spent the noon window lamenting the stuck-in-the-mud Michigan offense that only generated 34 offensive points and 463 yards at 7.0 yards per play. I then spent my evening marveling at the efficiency and, dare I say, explosiveness of the Iowa offense. A 42-yard pass play, mostly through the air! A drive featuring plays of 21, 11, and 20 yards in quick succession! Three consecutive drives that covered a combined 204 yards!

Then after the game I looked at the box score: 13 offensive points, 277 yards, 5.0 yards per play.

I fear I have been KirkPilled.

This team is as frightening as: Once more, for old times’ sake.

clip_image001

Fear Level = 5

Michigan should worry about:
Great, it’s not Night Kinnick. Night Kinnick FEELS worse. But Day Kinnick is just as evil:


Iowa is 5-1 in their last 6 home games against Top 5 teams, and only two of those games were night games. And we get Gus Johnson on the call. And Kirk Ferentz CLEARLY hasn’t used his one “remember and apply the lessons of the last 30 years of collective college football experience” card yet this season.

Michigan can sleep soundly about: Iowa is averaging 5.0 yards per target to their wide receivers. And with Keagan Johnson, one of the only two 4-star receivers on Iowa’s roster ⁠— missing from the depth chart this week, “Wide Receivers” will continue to mean “Arlan Bruce.” In the SDSU, Iowa State, and Rutgers games combined, Bruce had 21 targets. The rest of the receiving corps had a combined 6.

When they play Michigan: Hnnngggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg.

This week: vs. Michigan, Big Noon Saturday, FOX (Iowa +10.5)
I to am an Petras fan, your to dumb too recognize there ability too grow QBs. Petras four Heisman!

Iowa's offense, specifically QB, OL, and OC, is beyond dismal. Go ahead and find an appropriate adjective if you can. Nothing would be out of bounds.

But him saying "they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts" is just stupid and uninformed. The pick-six by DeJean was a pretty amazing play, both the over-the-shoulder interception itself and the run back.
 

Jer

Opinionated
Feb 28, 2006
22,290
19,810
10,030
I to am an Petras fan, your to dumb too recognize there ability too grow QBs. Petras four Heisman!

Iowa's offense, specifically QB, OL, and OC, is beyond dismal. Go ahead and find an appropriate adjective if you can. Nothing would be out of bounds.

But him saying "they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts" is just stupid and uninformed. The pick-six by DeJean was a pretty amazing play, both the over-the-shoulder interception itself and the run back.
Yeah, I know people like to say Iowa just gets lucky, but some of it is legit hard work by the defense. I do think Iowa catches a ton of breaks overall, but I also give their defense proper respect.

But I do sometimes question if God as HAWKEYES tattooed on his belly.
 

Clark

Well-Known Member
Jun 24, 2009
17,614
3,698
113
Altoona
Could be a rout. It's really going to be can Iowa's defense hold all day or not? Barring a defensive Or special teams Td's I can't see Iowa even mustering 10 points. So is it going to be 6 to 10 or 6 to 35 is the question? The Iowa run defense vs The Michigan rushing attack will be the key

I mean, I guess but the actual key is will Iowa be able to actually move the ball enough to a) score enough points to win and b) not have the defense on the field for 50 minutes.

If the offense is bad (which is the norm this year) everything else just determines how bad the loss will be.
 

Gunnerclone

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
68,593
68,504
113
DSM
Could be a rout. It's really going to be can Iowa's defense hold all day or not? Barring a defensive Or special teams Td's I can't see Iowa even mustering 10 points. So is it going to be 6 to 10 or 6 to 35 is the question? The Iowa run defense vs The Michigan rushing attack will be the key

If I were coaching against Iowa I would only throw about 15 times (or less depending on how the running game is going), max protect on every punt, and don’t put a returner back when receiving a punt. Gives Iowa’s best offense (their defense and ST) less chance of scoring.

Michigan might be able to just purely out-talent them though.
 

GoHawks

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2009
3,027
1,605
113
I to am an Petras fan, your to dumb too recognize there ability too grow QBs. Petras four Heisman!

Iowa's offense, specifically QB, OL, and OC, is beyond dismal. Go ahead and find an appropriate adjective if you can. Nothing would be out of bounds.

But him saying "they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts" is just stupid and uninformed. The pick-six by DeJean was a pretty amazing play, both the over-the-shoulder interception itself and the run back.
You could hear the crack of the quarterbacks pads just as he released ball too.
 

GoHawks

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2009
3,027
1,605
113
I mean, I guess but the actual key is will Iowa be able to actually move the ball enough to a) score enough points to win and b) not have the defense on the field for 50 minutes.

If the offense is bad (which is the norm this year) everything else just determines how bad the loss will be.
I can tell you right now and I'm sure you already know this that Iowa will not move the ball, and Michigan will absolutely control the ball.
 

Gonzo

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2009
23,176
25,250
113
Behind you
I can tell you right now and I'm sure you already know this that Iowa will not move the ball, and Michigan will absolutely control the ball.
I to am an Petras fan, your to dumb too recognize there ability too grow QBs. Petras four Heisman!

I think we legitimately have a shot at setting a new collegiate record for three-and-outs in a single game.
 
  • Like
Reactions: algonacy

Jer

Opinionated
Feb 28, 2006
22,290
19,810
10,030
With Iowa's schedule this year, they could legitimately be 9-3 with 2 of the 3 losses by like 30+ points. Of course they always find a way to keep Michigan and OSU close or even win, but I like to think this year will be different.
 

Clark

Well-Known Member
Jun 24, 2009
17,614
3,698
113
Altoona
I can tell you right now and I'm sure you already know this that Iowa will not move the ball, and Michigan will absolutely control the ball.

yeah, I got $50 on Michigan -10.5 so that kinda sums up how I think this game will go.

My point is, if Iowa can't move the ball, stopping Michigan from running the ball just changes the margin of defeat from 30 points to maybe 14 points.
 

GoHawks

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2009
3,027
1,605
113
If I were coaching against Iowa I would only throw about 15 times (or less depending on how the running game is going), max protect on every punt, and don’t put a returner back when receiving a punt. Gives Iowa’s best offense (their defense and ST) less chance of scoring.

Michigan might be able to just purely out-talent them though.
Michigan is too talented I think like you said. A team like Rutgers should absolutely of done something like that
 

BillBrasky4Cy

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 10, 2013
15,239
27,679
113
I to am an Petras fan, your to dumb too recognize there ability too grow QBs. Petras four Heisman!

Iowa's offense, specifically QB, OL, and OC, is beyond dismal. Go ahead and find an appropriate adjective if you can. Nothing would be out of bounds.

But him saying "they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts" is just stupid and uninformed. The pick-six by DeJean was a pretty amazing play, both the over-the-shoulder interception itself and the run back.

Yeah dude that was a great pick by Cooper and a phenomenal run back. I don't know if there is another team in the country that flips into blocking mode after they secure an interception like Iowa does.
 

isucy86

Well-Known Member
Apr 13, 2006
7,747
6,287
113
Dubuque
Could be a rout. It's really going to be can Iowa's defense hold all day or not? Barring a defensive Or special teams Td's I can't see Iowa even mustering 10 points. So is it going to be 6 to 10 or 6 to 35 is the question? The Iowa run defense vs The Michigan rushing attack will be the key
I feel we know who Iowa is. Elite defense and offense that won't score more than 14 points. So special teams and forcing Michigan turnovers will be critical to Iowa winning. But I think the Hawks can win if they score 17pts. Their defense is that good.

I realize the national media loves Michigan based on their ranking. But I think Michigan has a lot to prove this Saturday as Michigan's offense hasn't seen a defense close to Iowa's.

Not sure who's going to win. But I think the O/U on this game is about 27 pts.
 

GoHawks

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2009
3,027
1,605
113
yeah, I got $50 on Michigan -10.5 so that kinda sums up how I think this game will go.

My point is, if Iowa can't move the ball, stopping Michigan from running the ball just changes the margin of defeat from 30 points to maybe 14 points.
O yes, that was kinda my key to the game. I was strictly talking about margin of defeat.
 

iahawks

Well-Known Member
Sep 7, 2012
11,247
7,929
113
The game will either mirror last year's Big Ten Championship Game or be another slugfest. I'm expecting a repeat, but holding out hope Iowa can somehow muddy it like they are known to do. Going to take a monumental effort by the defense to pull this one off.
 

AuH2O

Well-Known Member
Sep 7, 2013
10,957
16,693
113
I to am an Petras fan, your to dumb too recognize there ability too grow QBs. Petras four Heisman!

Iowa's offense, specifically QB, OL, and OC, is beyond dismal. Go ahead and find an appropriate adjective if you can. Nothing would be out of bounds.

But him saying "they score two defensive touchdowns on Rutgers gifts" is just stupid and uninformed. The pick-six by DeJean was a pretty amazing play, both the over-the-shoulder interception itself and the run back.
The fumble was pretty much a run of the mill guy getting tackled and the ball pops out. Gift is a little bit much.

The DeJean play was incredible and begs the question why not get a package on offense for him. He is a better playmaker than anything they have on that side of the ball. Bruce is fine, Johnson is fine if healthy, and Brecht looks like a pitcher.
 

Jer

Opinionated
Feb 28, 2006
22,290
19,810
10,030
It will be interesting to see how good Michigan really is. The blew out the early teams but they were the worst teams in the country. They struggled against a decent but not great Maryland team. Iowa will struggle to score on Offense but can probably slow down Corum to some degree.

I think Michigan is Top 8, not sure if they're Top 4 yet. We'll know if they can win by 14+ on Sat
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdolson27