SB Nation - Daniel Murray

All-Big Ten Awards Announced, Swept Once Again By Toto

Oops Pow Surprise — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:45 -0000

by Charlie Neibergall - AP

about 1 month ago: Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa. Northwestern won 17-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Good news, everyone!* The Big Ten announced its picks for the all-conference teams. Naturally, the offensive and defensive player of the year are both Terrelle Pryor. Okay, not true; he's not even honorable mention.

But there's plenty of actual good news. First, the devil media named Kirk Ferentz coach of the year, and here he is reminding them that they can go suck it and he hasn't forgiven them for the slights of the regular season.

Such language, Kirk!

As for the players, here's the link to the voting results. The media named Bryan Bulaga to the first team on offense, while the second team featured four of his friends from the line: Rafael Eubanks, Dace Richardson, Kyle Calloway, and Tony Moeaki.

On defense, the first team had a little more Iowa representation; Adrian Clayborn, Pat Angerer, and Tyler Sash all received their no-brainer merits. On the second team, Brett Greenwood and Amari Spievey. Iowa put eight players on the media's honorable mention team: Ryan Donahue, Broderick Binns, A.J. Edds, Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Karl Klug, Daniel Murray, Adam Robinson, and Ricky Stanzi.

Not surprisingly, the coaches had a slightly higher opinion of the Hawkeyes; here's the link to their voting results. Bryan Bulaga was named their offensive lineman of the year(!!!), an award the media doesn't give out. Bulaga is joined on the first team by Moeaki and Richardson, both of which are worthy selections. Calloway and Eubanks didn't make the second team--not sure why on Calloway--but Derrell Johnson-Koulianos snuck in on a three-player tie for second-team WR.

On defense, the coaches agreed with the media in putting Sash, Clayborn, and Angerer on the first team roster. They also added Amari Spievey; as coaches, they're more likely to know that the reason Spievey didn't have a ton of picks wasn't that he's not good at football, but that there's just no hope in throwing at him; Spievey was a machine this season, and we're starting to lose hope that he's got more than one game left in an Iowa uniform. A.J. Edds is the lone Hawkeye on the defensive second team.

For honorable mention, it's as follows:Christian Ballard, Kyle Calloway, Ryan Donahue, Brent Greenwood, Karl Klug, and Adam Robinson.

Full All-BXI teams and a few thoughts are after the break.

MEDIA

POS.	FIRST TEAM	SECOND TEAM
QB	Daryll Clark, Penn State	Mike Kafka, Northwestern
RB	Evan Royster, Penn State	Brandon Saine, Ohio State
RB	JOHN CLAY, Wisconsin	Ralph Bolden, Purdue
WR	Tandon Doss, Indiana	Blair White, Michigan State
WR	Keith Smith, Purdue	Zeke Markshausen, Northwestern
C	Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State	Rafael Eubanks, Iowa
G	Justin Boren, Ohio State	Jon Asamoah, Illinois
G	John Moffitt, Wisconsin	Dace Richardson, Iowa
T	Bryan Bulaga, Iowa	Kyle Calloway, Iowa
T	Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin	Dennis Landolt, Penn State
TE	Garrett Graham, Wisconsin	Tony Moeaki, Iowa
PK	Brett Swenson, Michigan State	Stefan Demos, Northwestern

POS.	FIRST TEAM	SECOND TEAM
DL	Adrian Clayborn, Iowa	Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
DL	Brandon Graham, Michigan	Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
DL	Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue	Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DL	O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin	Jared Odrick, Penn State
LB	Pat Angerer, Iowa	Ross Homan, Ohio State
LB	GREG JONES, Michigan State	Josh Hull, Penn State
LB	Navorro Bowman, Penn State	Sean Lee, Penn State
DB	Tyler Sash, Iowa	Brent Greenwood, Iowa
DB	Donovan Warren, Michigan	Amari Spievey, Iowa
DB	Sherrick McManis, Northwestern	Brad Phillips, Northwestern
DB	Kurt Coleman, Ohio State	David Pender, Purdue
P	Zoltan Mesko, Michigan	Jeremy Boone, Penn State

COACHES

POS.	FIRST TEAM	SECOND TEAM
QB	Daryll Clark, Penn State	Mike Kafka, Northwestern
RB	Evan Royster, Penn State	Brandon Saine, Ohio State
RB	John Clay, Wisconsin	Ralph Bolden, Purdue
WR	Eric Decker, Minnesota	Tandon Doss, Indiana*
WR	Blair White, Michigan State	Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa* Keith Smith, Purdue*
C	Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State	Rafael Eubanks, Iowa* Joel Nitchman, Michigan State*
G	Dace Richardson, Iowa	Jon Asamoah, Illinois
G	John Moffitt, Wisconsin	Justin Boren, Ohio State
T	Bryan Bulaga, Iowa	Rodger Saffold, Indiana
T	Dennis Landolt, Penn State	Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
TE	Tony Moeaki, Iowa	Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
PK	Brett Swenson, Michigan	Stefan Demos, Northwestern

POS.	FIRST TEAM	SECOND TEAM
DL	Adrian Clayborn, Iowa	Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
DL	Brandon Graham, Michigan	Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
DL	Jared Odrick, Penn State	Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DL	O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin	Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
LB	Pat Angerer, Iowa Linebacker	A.J. Edds, Iowa
LB	Greg Jones, Michigan State	Ross Homan, Ohio State
LB	Navorro Bowman, Penn State	Sean Lee, Penn State
DB	Tyler Sash, Iowa	Donovan Warren, Michigan*
DB	Amari Spievey, Iowa	Sherrick McManis, Northwestern*
DB	Brad Phillips, Northwestern	Brandon King, Purdue*
DB	Kurt Coleman, Ohio State	David Pender, Purdue* Jay Valai, Wisconsin*
P	Zoltan Mesko, Michigan	Jeremy Boone, Penn State

Okay. While we're quite happy that Bulaga got such high accolades for the season, we can't be alone in thinking that he was hardly the best lineman in Iowa City, much less the Big Ten. He was either on the sidelines or out of sorts for the majority of the season, and we still haven't seen the elephant-tusk-covered road grader from last season on display. He totally would have deserved a preseason OL of the year, but his performance over 2009 didn't merit such superlatives.

This is hardly a new development from these postseason lists, however; generally, the lists are crafted off of the preseason lists, and anybody whose knee blew out with more than four games left was excised and replaced by someone else. After all, Bulaga was only a second-team All-BXI player last season, even though he was by far the best lineman on the team in 2008. Seth Olsen, meanwhile, had the good fortune to be a first-teamer to start the year, so he was on the first team after 2008, despite a relatively blah senior campaign; we'd have put him about fourth on the list of Iowa linemen for 2009, behind the two bookends at tackle and Rob Bruggeman at center.

Essentially, Bulaga won the award in 2009 for his play in 2008.

At the end of the day, this comes down to stats; there aren't any for linemen, despite the ill-fated attempt to get the "pancake" introduced about a decade ago (for this, we blame Orlando Pace). It's assumed that linemen are sure things, and that as long as they stay healthy, the narrative has stayed true. After all, without stats, most scribes have no time (or no idea) how to watch linemen individually.

Frankly, though it's a subjective stat, we'd love to see how linemen grade out per play (remember that Blake Larsen famously graded at 100% during his senior season at Atlantic; lord, had those knees survived...) Without having the means to undertake such an activity ourselves, we'd imagine that if you graded each Iowa offensive lineman, Kyle Calloway or Dace Richardson would probably be at the top.

If they're not, which is possible, then it would probably be the guy who didn't even get an honorable mention: Riley Reiff. He was stout in relief of Bulaga--hell, we're pretty sure O'Brien Schofield would not have batted Reiff around like a catnip mouse, unlike some Iowa linemen--and he basically forced his way into the starting lineup even before Big Dace went down. But since he wasn't even a projected starter, to say nothing of a preseason honoree, Reiff didn't have much of a chance for postseason mention. Shame, really; dude is legit, and he hasn't even filled out his frame yet.

As for the skill players, it's a little disappointing that Stanzi only made one honorable mention team. But we get how that can happen. Spievey only making second team in the media is flatly ridiculous. If he'd put together that same season in an Ohio State uniform, he'd be getting All-American talk.

Other than that, we don't have a ton of beef; Stanzi killed himself by leading the conference in interceptions when he went down to injury, and the rest of the offensive skill players were far too inconsistent or hurt to merit much consideration. Jeremiha Hunter not getting any honorable mention love is a little disconcerting, but the BXI was lo-ho-hoaded at linebacker this season; we're not quite sure whom we'd place him above. He'll get some love in 2010 if he stays healthy. Also--given the play of Jeff Tarpinian in relief--if Hunter stays healthy between now and next September, there's no position battle at weakside backer next season, right?

So, all in all, a fair list, even if the voting on offensive linemen is basically a year behind schedule. It's a year behind for everyone else, after all. Anybody else that you folks think got shafted? Did Marvin McNutt deserve a nod, or is he still a year away from recognition?

*/Farnsworth'd

Just an Upset: Northwestern Knocks Off Stanzi and Iowa Too, 17-10

hmlee — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:45:41 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Neibergall - AP

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Wow. What a finish. I think I finally know how Iowa fans have been feeling most of this season. Northwestern has had some memorable games this season - scares against Eastern Michigan and Miami(OH), come backs against Purdue and Indiana - but even through all of those, I think today's win against formerly undefeated Iowa qualifies as the most memorable of the year.

I was asked during the live game thread if Northwestern winning out (including the Iowa victory) would make this season a success. My reply was that unless it was combined with a bowl win against a decent or good team, the answer is no. As thrilling as this victory is, it's merely one great moment in a season full of disappointments.

But we can talk about that later. For now, let's just bask in the upset glow...

Once again during a Northwestern game I saw a starting quarterback taken down by injury and replaced by an ineffective backup. Except, this time, that injury came on the other side of the ball. The biggest news from this game, aside from the final score, was the injury to Ricky Stanzi.

The injury happened in the beginning of the second quarter. Pinned down on their own 6 yard line, Stanzi took the snap in the end zone to attempt a pass. The Iowa defense, for some inexplicable reason, failed to cover Corey Wootton who rushed in from Stanzi's right side and took him down. Stanzi fumbled the ball and Marshall Thomas fell on it for Northwestern's first TD of the game.

Stanzi didn't get up.

He managed to walk off the field, which probably saved a few emergency rooms in Iowa City from having a new crop of admits. The update during the middle of the game suggested that Stanzi, who did not return, suffered some sort of ankle sprain. There was no information on how soon he would return to play, but it's not likely to be a season ending injury.

That's pretty much the only good news Iowa fans can take away from this game, as their Big 10 title hopes are now threatened and their chance at the BCS title almost certainly eliminated, barring a few losses on the parts of Florida, Texas, Alabama, and Cincinnati.

Stanzi was replaced in the game by redshirt freshman James Vandenberg, a substitution that changed the script of the game. Vandenberg showed his inexperience in a big way and the upset was on.

Read how it happened, after the jump...

Graham takes a look at the Big 10 defenses going into Week 10...

I recap the disappointing collapse against Penn State in Week 9...

We knew going into this game that Northwestern had historically performed well against Iowa, winning three of their last four contests. Even so, Iowa was a special team this year and Northwestern was, well, not. Iowa's defense was legendary and despite major injuries to their running game and inconsistency under center, they always seemed to find some fourth quarter magic to overcome deficits and get to a 9-0 record on the season. The collision of these two sets of facts led me to be completely unsure of what to expect from this game. Fortunately, it all turned out better than I ever could have hoped for.

Oh, did I mention, Northwestern is also bowl eligible now? It might only be a trip to Detroit, but at least we'll be playing football in late December / early January.

This game, like so many others, started out on a down note for the 'Cats. Northwestern came out of the gate sluggish, giving up a touchdown on a Stanzi-McNutt connection only a minute into the game. After a three and out, Iowa followed up their TD with a 39 yard field goal by Daniel Murray to take a 10-0 lead. It seemed as though the 1st quarter score would be predictive of Iowa's record at the end of the game, and I would be forced to watch a rout.

Most of Northwestern's early offensive struggles were due to the limitations of Mike Kafka. Kafka, who returned himself form an injury suffered during the Penn State game, was almost completely immobile. He was still able to complete passes at his effective clip, but the story of Northwestern's offensive line is one of inability to hold the pocket for any length of time. Without Kafka's scrambling ability, Northwestern didn't seem to be able to get much going.

After the first series of the game, Kafka was replaced by Dan Persa, he of the complete ineffectiveness against the Nittany Lions. Persa performed much better today than he did last week... Despite completing only 5 passes for 37 yards during the entirety of the game, he managed to use his legs and speed to gain several first downs for the Wildcats.

It's almost funny, in a way. Northwestern had two limited quarterbacks in this game - one who could throw but not scramble, and the other who could scramble but not throw. If only we could have fused them into one super quarterback.

Persa's legs combined with those of Scott Concannon, who had another excellent game, to generate 126 rushing yards, more between the two of them than both quarterbacks threw for combined.

The running game is one of the stories of the day. Iowa, in a change from most of the season, just could not seem to prevent Concannon from breaking off large runs. They also had trouble with the quarterback sneak, with the Northwestern offensive line pushing for yardage in several 3rd-and-short situations.

During the first half, Northwestern was helped by Iowa committing four turnovers. Two of these were interceptions (one from each QB) and two were lost fumbles. Despite these chances, Northwestern's hamstrung offense largely failed to capitalize, gaining only 14 points off all of the turnovers combined.

Northwestern's second touchdown was a nifty throw by Dan Persa to Drake Dunsmore, one of his few quality throws. That, along with a 47 yard field goal by Stefan Demos would comprise all of Northwestern's offense on the day.

But, it was enough.

Northwestern, in an almost mirror image of last week, entered the half leading 14-10. The third quarter was uneventful, a slug fast back and forth with the only play of note being a missed 46 yard field goal on a tough angle by Iowa's kicker Daniel Murray.

The fourth quarter was really where all the excitement happened - as it does in most Iowa games. The 'Cats started the quarter with Demos' aforementioned field goal to take a 17-10 lead.Iowa got the ball back but, between Brandon Wegher getting stuffed at the line on most run plays and Vandenberg overshooting his receivers, gave it right back to Northwestern after six plays.

This next drive featured perhaps the worst coaching move by Fitz I've seen all season. On 4th and 1 in their own territory, Northwestern simultaneously executed a perfect QB sneak for a first down and a timeout. The timeout wiped out the first down and forced Northwestern to punt. I'm not entirely sure what happened - it seems almost as though Fitzgerald panicked at the last minute and changed his mind, but the screw up was an incredibly bad break for the team.

Iowa managed to drive to midfield on their subsequent possession, but the game was almost ended by a Quentin Davie interception - except he couldn't hang on to the ball. Between that play and the botched fourth down conversion it felt as though the fates were aligning against Northwestern. Could they hold on? Would Iowa pull another rabbit out of their hat?

Fortunately, the answer was no. Kirk Ferentz had no more magic left. Northwestern ran down the clock to just over two minutes and Iowa, with no timeouts remaining, got the ball back for one last try. Vandenberg managed to gain a single first down before turning the ball over on downs as a result of several incomplete passes. After this, Northwestern took a knee and the victory.

Before I get into my complete impressions, a word about the officiating in the fourth quarter. There were several questionable non-calls, most for pass interference, on Iowa's last drive. I find this unfortunate, as I am always a believer in solid officiating - I'd rather not see the NCAA become the NBA, if you know what I mean. Personally, though, I don't think Iowa fans have a right to complain. Last week, Indiana was screwed out of at least two touchdowns and perhaps some pass yardage after questionable officiating. In that game, the breaks went Iowa's way, in this one they didn't. Perhaps it was referee karma.

So, what does this game all mean? Well, for Northwestern, as I mentioned above, it pretty much secures a bowl berth. It's not going to be a good bowl, and I won't really consider it much of an achievement after last year, but at the least we're not staying home in the winter.

Iowa has placed themselves behind the 8 ball for their conference championship and BCS hopes. If they manage to win out, their victory over Penn State guarantees a trip to Pasadena and a likely date with the Ducks. They can also still go to the Rose Bowl with another loss if Penn State comes back against Ohio State this afternoon. If, however, Ohio State wins out (including this afternoon) they will once again be Big 10 champions. Penn State could also secure the championship for themselves if they beat Ohio State this afternoon, AND defeat Michigan State and Indiana, AND Iowa loses to either OSU or Minnesota. Whew. Quite the muddled situation, eh?

As far as the BCS goes, Iowa is almost certainly shut out of the championship game. Their road was always difficult, given the dominance of Florida, Texas, and Alabama. Now it's almost certain that, barring everything in the rest of the season going right, they will be looking at the Rose Bowl as their best bowl option.

That's the way the situation looks right now but... you know what? I really don't care. I'm happy. This was an awesome game. I'm going to go enjoy the beautiful Chicago weather. See you next week for the Northwestern / Illinois rivalry game.

Go U! NU!

There's A Game On Saturday?: Sparty Till You Puke

Oops Pow Surprise — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:13:11 -0000

The pinnacle of musical accomplishment? In a word: YES.

Big game today, to put it mildly. Should Iowa pull off another win, they've essentially--depending on what happens to the Boys From Columbus between now--removed the second-most difficult roadblock to running the table. Tut and moan all you want about looking ahead, but the remaining opponents are a road test against OSU and three home games against teams with a combined 5-9 record against BCS conference competition. Not that it's ever safe to coast or anything, but those are becoming games where a loss is plainly inexcusable. No pressure

That all said, there is a game on Saturday, and it's hardly a lock that Iowa wins--Michigan State's favored by a point or two, depending on who you ask. But for just about the first time all season, we're feeling good about Iowa's chances. So good we're a little worried.

With Iowa on offense

Greg Jones. Greg Jones. Greg Jones Greg Jones Greg Jones. The driving force of this MSU defense, Jones is put into position to make plays time and time again, and he usually delivers; the linebacker boasts nearly 10 tackles a game, 7.5 TFL, and five sacks. If he gets into the backfield against Iowa's wishes very often, Iowa's offense will probably stall out often.

The reason, though, that we stress Iowa's intent on this one is that last week's halftime adjustments against O'Brien Schofield were a clinic in Coaching Adjustment Judo. So Schofield likes to crash the line? Okay, let's let him run himself out of a play then. Part of Stanzi's second-half success (11-13 passing) was that Schofield was too busy not running at Stanzi, instead doing what he--and the Iowa coaching staff--wanted to do. We'll see if Greg Jones falls into the same schematic traps or if his sheer force of talent will overcome. Probably a mix of the two.

The good news is, as Herr Doctor mentioned, MSU's pass defense against actual quarterbacks (sorry, Juice and Montana State Guy) is a little dodgy, to say the least. Okay fine--they're miserable, and this is about the best shape that Iowa's receiving corps has been in all season. Chaney's gone for the year, but Iowa has four capable wideouts and two tight ends playing out of their minds right now. If Stanzi doesn't end up with at least 240 and 2 TDs, something may have gone quite wrong. That or we pulled an OSU-Wisconsin and just scored on a bunch of returns instead, but that's totally implausible.

With Michigan State on offense

Kirk Cousins, he of the Iowa fandom, seems to be entrenched under center (though, whoopee! Keith Nichol plans to play through his injury, and that's when the MSU offensive momentum dies!), and he's a fine quarterback in his own right with a bevy of fine receivers. Blair White, who you'd never guess is white even though it's right there in his name, is the main target and someone jNW was hapless in trying to stop. Then again, they're just Northwestern. If MSU wants to have any success getting White the ball, they're going to have to do one of two things against Amari Spievey:

Throw to White over the top;
Get White lined up on the other side of the field.

That's about it, really; only the most masochistic of offensive coordinators would try to throw a hitch or curl at Spievey, and an in route over the middle is begging for a linebacker's helmet buried in White's sternum. This is all not to say that White will be completely shut down, mind you; he's a good receiver and he'll get his targets and catches. He won't really be effective, though, unless the MSU coaching staff get creative--and confusion over week-to-week creativity is what usually spawns game-day disasters.

As for the Michigan State rushing attack, it figures to suffer as badly as (maybe worse than) Iowa's will. With a torn ACL performing aggravated assault on Glenn Winston's season, the Spartans' top two tailbacks are true freshmen. Lead man is Larry Caper, who has yet to break 100 yards (hell, he's topped 63 once, a 95-yard effort against those poor, poor Illini) and who has not carried the ball more than 16 times in a game. If he tops 15 carries and 50 yards, A, we'll be surprised, and B, barring a big run, it won't be by much.

Also in the mix is Edwin Baker, who's taken snaps in precisely two games and has a decent amount of talent. Neither seem like the types who can gash Iowa and move the chains.

Special Teams

MSU might have the best kicker in the conference in Brett Swenson, but Daniel Murray isn't far behind. Punters Aaron Bates and Ryan Donahue are a wash on statistics, though Donahue has more ability to flip field position on a punt, so a slight edge there but nothing major unless Donahue uncorks a 65-yarder or three. Returners... ehh. Unlikely that they decide a game. All square here, really.

Prediction

So this game's probably going to come down to sustaining drives, limiting turnovers, and good coaching adjustments. Both teams should struggle with the first--though we like Stanzi against the MSU pass defense more than Cousins against the Iowa pass defense; MSU's likely to have problems with the second (Iowa's average turnover margin is about 2 per game higher than the Spartans'); last, a slight edge to Ferentz and the Hawkeyes on the third facet, not out of any disrespect to Dantonio, but just because this has been the staple of the Iowa season thus far. We're calling this one 23-10, maybe 14 or 17 points for the Spartans depending on how they perform in the red zone. This really should be an Iowa win, Vegas be damned, and we don't see a good matchup for MSU outside of rush defense. Should be close, should be fun. Hope the Spartans are ready for sixty minutes of hell, six seconds at a time.

The Takeaway: Wisconsin

Oops Pow Surprise — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:33:23 -0000

More photos » by Andy Manis - AP

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Sure, Iowa just choked the life out of the Badgers, 20-10. But how much do we really know? What was really important about beating Wisconsin? What does it all mean, Basil? The Takeaway has the answer.

"Thank you for getting with the program."

This week's theme: Frailty. No, we're not talking about the Bill Paxton thriller, we mean the actual condition of frailty and how it relates to last week's win for the Hawkeyes.

1) The frailty of 7-0: Iowa is now 7-0 for the first time in almost a quarter-century, and on the precipice of the most successful start to a season ever in school history (the undefeated, untied seasons of 1921 and 1922 were seven-season games, so... suck on that, Duke Slater). We are, quite literally, one game away from Iowa history.

And yet, it's come with three wins in which Iowa trailed in the second half, another where Iowa won by three points, and another still where Iowa won by just two. Their average margin of victory is calculated in microns. It's a strange and unexpected development for a team about whom, just eleven months ago, we wrote this:

The difference between 2001 and 2008 is salary. Just like 2001, this is the first time in a few years that Iowa has enjoyed a distinct physical advantage with their opponents, but they're coming up just short. In 2001, 7-5 was awesome. It was positive. It was "we're not getting beating by Western Michigan this year!"

The problem, of course, is that Kirk Ferentz isn't paid for growing pains anymore. And when you get a situation like this where Iowa hasn't won their last 8 games decided by three points or fewer, that starts to become an indictment of the head coach.

Going back as long as the seniors have been suiting up, the Iowa program has real, fatal trouble in close games. Coming into a game against a PSU team that's superior in both discipline and physical talent, that spells automatic loss this weekend. Don't let the 7.5-point line fool you--while Iowa's certainly capable of making the game competitive for all four quarters, there is very, very little to suggest they can come away from the game with an upset win.

Well then, times have certainly changed, haven't they? Even with a patchwork-at-times offense and a schizophrenic quarterback, Iowa has now won four straight games decided by three points or fewer. That those four games have come in a ten-game stretch is somewhat troubling, but as 2002 Ohio State proved, wins are wins.

We're also struck by the 2001/2008 corollary, which is proving itself true beyond our wildest imagination thus far in terms of W/L improvement. The specifics aren't quite there, as anybody who watched 2002 Iowa football can tell you, but it seems evident that the "2008 as a nostrum for the horror of 2005-2007" fits in nicely with where the 2001 season belong in the arc of Hawkeye history.

As allegories for the Wisconsin offense go, this was pretty bad.

2) The frailty of John Clay's lower body. First of all, thank God John Clay's okay, because we've never seen anyone get bent like that, then get up and continue playing football. We could have easily imagined a season-ending injury to any of four places--back, hip, knee, ankle--and not have been surprised. But lo and behold, Clay got up and kept getting at it. We're really going out on a limb here, but we say that's a good thing.

That all said, that man should not have played football for the rest of the day, because here's a breakdown of Clay's production before and after the injury:

Pre-injury: 12 rushes, 68 yards, 6 first downs
Post-injury: 9 rushes, 7 yards, 0 first downs

With Zach Brown nursing a concussion (and we hope he gets at least two more weeks of rest; the absence of symptoms DOES NOT EQUAL full recovery), Wisconsin had to choose between Clay and true freshman Montee Ball, who had rang up 5 carries for 21 yards and a 10-yard score on Iowa's defense. Incredibly (but only if you don't know who we're talking about), Bret Bielema chose Clay for the entire second half; Ball may as well have beaten the traffic home after halftime. Bielema must be proud of himself.

We may want to check Mr. Tolzien for a concussion as well. No, seriously, this looks really bad, like a Mortal Kombat finishing move.

3) The frailty of Scott Tolzein: Bucky's Fifth Quarter chalks the implosion of Wisconsin's offense up to Bielema's--ahem--debatable decision to insert Curt Phillips in at quarterback with the Badgers holding a 10-3 lead:

Holding a 10-3 lead (and the momentum) in the second quarter, UW took over at their own 26-yard line having just completed a 92-yard touchdown drive in which Scott Tolzien coverted 5-of-6 passing attempts for 67 yards. It appeared as if Tolzien had successfully rebounded from a shaky start at Ohio State last week, but in a shocking move, back-up quarterback Curt Phillips replaced Tolzien at quarterback and the UW offense went three-and-out for the first time all day.

Tolzien played from that point on, but the only time Wisconsin even got a whiff of the redzone was when the defense forced a turnover at the Iowa 25-yard line. Wisconsin didn't score a point there either.

If one series of giving a backup some snaps (a stupid decision, even as Wisconsin came within a yard of converting a first down) is all it takes to shake Tolzien's poise, that's not a good sign. Nonetheless, here comes another split:

Pre-substitution: 7-9, 80 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 3 first downs (and one easy pass that bounced off a wide open Maurice Moore's hands in the end zone; Wisconsin would score on the next snap)
Post-substitution: 8-16, 63 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT, 3 first downs

That, sir, is a certified BITCHMAKING, and those gentlemen with puffy eyes are Austen Arnaud, Matt Scott, Daryll Clark, and Tate Forcier. They'd like to share their stories about how Iowa's defense ruined their day with you too.

4) The frailty at tight end: Tony Moeaki would be the most injury-fucked Iowa player in Ferentz's Iowa career--by a wide margin, even--if it weren't for fellow Wheaton-Warrenville alumnus Dace Richardson, both of whom are experiencing a wholly unlikely resurgence in this, their senior season. Moeaki is back and delivering the ass-kicking everybody expected for the last four years or so, recording his third touchdown in two weeks with a scintillating 24-yard reception (you can pretty much end the video after that, as the highlights are marred by excessive fan-woofing).

Meanwhile, Wisconsin was further hampered after their own weapon at TE, Garrett Graham, suffered his own game-ending injury with a concussion (again, one that we hope Bielema or any other college coach would treat with a month off). In that second half, the Badgers really had no chance, even as they led coming out of the break with the ball. Missing their best tailback and super-talented tight end? Who can bounce back from that? OH HO HO, WAIT A SECOND...

5) The mental frailty missing from the Iowa Hawkeyes, from the top down: For as much as Wisconsin's success depended on the health of Clay and consistency from Tolzien or smart calls from Bielema, Iowa never wavered, never panicked, never abandoned the aspects of their gameplan--well, unless we're talking about going for it on the 31-yard line. Let's keep going to Daniel Murray on that one, shall we?

The first and only picture we've ever saved as "awesome.jpg."

As has been pointed out by multiple members of our community, Iowa has an unshaking resiliency that has carried them this far through the season, whether it be from Ferentz not panicking in his gameplan (even ARRGH ARRGH ARRGH running Wegher on first down when we all know it means 2nd and 12), Ricky Stanzi not letting his STANZIBALLs get to him, or the defensive front seven not giving up after 20 minutes of pure Wisconsin beatdown in the rushing game (and let's be honest, that's what it was). But Iowa brings it for 60 minutes, six seconds of hell at a time, and nobody this season has stood up to the Hawkeyes and dished it back in greater amounts...yet.

There are five games between here and 12-0. The second-toughest remaining game looms this week. If Iowa wins, you absolutely must be on board with where this season's headed.

It's a strange situation, one in which a decidedly strong team have worked their way into a national championship scene that isn't ready for them (and probably vice versa) this season. Is Iowa's hold on the Top 10 frail? Perhaps, but not relative to the rest of the Big Ten.

Decidely unfrail, flu be damned.

Photo credits: The Iowa City Press-Citizen and Cedar Rapids Gazette

Arizona @ Iowa Preview

Smooty — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:41:39 -0000

More photos » by John Miller - AP

3 months ago: Arizona's head football coach Mike Stoops watches the game from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Arizona at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/John Miller)

Browse more photos »

Saturday is the first big road-test of the season for Arizona. The Cats travel to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes at famed Kinnick Stadium. There are plenty of story-lines surrounding this game: Mike and Mark Stoops return to their alma mater (where they played and coached); Matt Scott's first road game; Super-Tight-End Rob Gronkowski is out; both teams first game against a quality opponent; and Pac-10 vs. Big Ten bragging rights.

Matt Scott and the Wildcats should expect a loud, rowdy house Saturday afternoon. Kinnick holds over 70,000 people, and will be filled to the gills. The crowd may be a factor for Scott, who has not started a road game before.

How they got here:

Arizona is 2-0 (0-0), with victories over Central MIchigan (19-6) and Northern Arizona (34-17). The victory opening night over CMU has proven to be bigger than previously thought. The Chippewas went on the road last weekend and upset Michigan State.

Iowa is 2-0 (0-0), with victories over Northern Iowa (17-16) and Iowa State (35-3). The Hawkeyes escaped with the victory week one over UNI by blocking field goals on two consecutive plays! If you are an Iowa fan, I am sure you look at that as clear evidence of superior skill. If you are everyone else, you probably see it as a lucky win. Then, the Hawkeyes went to Iowa State and mopped the floor with the Cyclones. Okay.

When Arizona has the ball:

Iowa's defense has given up 137 rushing yards per game this season, including 56 yards last week to Iowa State's quarterback Austen Aurnad. There is a reason you have not heard of Aurnad. That 137 yards per game is not lost in a flurry of carries either. The Hawkeyes defense gives up a hefty 4.2 yards per carry. Arizona's offense is averaging 305 yards per game on 6.6 yards per carry. Nic Grigsby and the offensive line will be a huge factor in Saturday's game. Grigsby has rushed for 329 yards and three TDs this season. Matt Scott has chipped in 137 yards, and Keola Antolin has added 98 yards and one score.

Cornerback Tyler Sash leads the Hawkeyes in both tackles (20) and interceptions (3). Brett Greenwood, also a cornerback, is second on the team in tackles with 18, and two interceptions. Iowa is not effectively pressuring the quarterback. The Hawkeyes have only registered two sacks on the season. Granted, the pass defense picked off Iowa State five times last week. Iowa's defense gives up only 191 passing yards per game.

Matt Scott and Nick Foles will lead the Wildcats passing offense this week without tight end Rob Gronkowski and a banged up Delashaun Dean. Dean has had hamstring problems, and a concussion this season. He came back to practice this week and should contribute this Saturday. The Cats are only averaging 198 yards per game through the air, but up to this point have maintained a pretty vanilla offensive scheme. Look for Arizona to open up the playbook Saturday. Terrell Turner leads the team in receptions with 11, for only 101 yards. Next is David Douglas with seven catches for 65 yards. Where is Bug? The super-soph has only two catches this season to-date.

Arizona has dominated time of possession thus far. The Cats have held the ball 60% of the time. The Hawkeyes have had a slight time of possession advantage, averaging 30:45 a game.

When Iowa has the ball:

Iowa is the very definition of balanced attack. The Hawkeyes have run the ball 66 times this season, versus 71 passing attempts. This is not the old three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust Big Ten offense, but it is not exactly Run-n-Shoot either.

Arizona has given up a paltry 70.5 yards per game on the ground. Wildcat opponents average 3.6 yards per carry and have found the endzone on the ground only once so far this season. Middle linebacker Vuna Tuihalamaka leads the Cats with 12 total tackles, and also has added an interception. Cornerback Devin Ross is second on the team in tackles (11), and will look to shut down Hawkeye reciever Trey Stross. Iowa averages 139 yards per game rushing, with a respectable 4.2 yards per carry. The Hawkeye's leading rusher is Adam Robinson, who has 132 yards on 27 carries and one touchdown. Iowa is without injured starting running back Jewel Hampton.

Arizona's pass defense has held opponents to 133.5 yards per game. Impressive when you consider that includes holding star quarterback Dan LeFevour under 200 yards. Trevin Wade has picked up where he left off last year. Wade has picked off two passes this season. The Arizona pass defense has only sacked the quarterback three times this season. Iowa's quarterback Ricki Stanzi is averaging 219.5 yards per game passing, and has five touchdowns versus only two interceptions. The Hawkeyes passing attack has spread the ball around the field. 12 different players have caught a pass this season. That number is misleading however, as only three players have caught more than five balls, and tight end Tony Moeaki has caught 11 passes for 26% of all passes completed. Clearly Moeaki is Stanzi's favorite target and will need to be shadowed down the field.

Special Teams

Arizona's kicker Alex Zendejas has made 4-6 field goals this season. Zendejas' long is 37 yards. Punter Keenyn Crier has three punts that average 41 yards, and a long of 55 yards. On kickoffs, Zendejas has already recorded three touchbacks on the season.

Iowa kicker Daniel Murray is 1-2 this year on field goal attempts. His lone field goal was a 39 yarder. Punter Ryan Donahue has punted nine times, for a 41.1 average, and long punt of 57 yards.

Arizona has a decisive advantage in kick returns. As a team, the Wildcats average 29.6 yards per return. The Hawkeyes average a mere 18.2. Iowa's kick coverage has been excellent thus far, however, limiting opponents to 17.5 yards per return. Something has to give here.

Overall

The numbers indicate that neither team has excelled so far this season passing the ball, and Iowa has not exactly been a prolific rushing attack either. Neither team has faced an opponent this season that matches each others caliber. This game should be a turning point for both programs. Can Arizona stop a balanced attack? Can Iowa keep a legitimate rushing attack in check? The peripheral numbers seem to edge towards Arizona, but Iowa has one huge advantage. Kinnick. If Matt Scott, or Nick Foles, turn the ball over, Kinnick will be in a frenzy. Arizona's best (and only) shot at winning this game will be to control the clock, keep the crowd out of the game, and keep turnovers to a minimum. The first quarter will probably be an emotional, fast-paced 15 minutes. After that, the Cats should look to settle down, and keep that crowd off its feet.

It's Not Plagiarism If You Link To It Is Talking About Practice. Not a Game. Practice.

Hawkeye State — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:19:26 -0000

Because Every Day is Kids Day. Some significant news out of Saturday's "Kids Day" open practice:

The Walking Wounded. Brace yourselves: Jewel Hampton's knee is bothering him again. Hampton didn't practice Saturday and, while he was in attendance and walking the sidelines with nothing more than a sleeve on the knee, Morehouse notes he wasn't moving well. We have yet to hear anyone claim Hampton will miss any playing time as a result of the injury, but this is the third time in 6 months that he's injured the same knee and missed practice time.

Now that you are sitting down, it's time for part 2: Bryan Bulaga didn't practice either (though he ran sprints), and Kyle Calloway didn't scrimmage (though he took part in pre-scrimmage drills). Bulaga hurt his knee earlier in the week, though it doesn't sound serious. Calloway has been out through most of camp with runner's knee; again, the injury probably isn't any more a threat to his playing time than a 6-pack and a scooter.

As if that wasn't enough, Brandon Wegher, Colin Sandeman, Chris Rowell, Steve Bigach, Marty Hopkins, Conor Boffeli, and Scott Covert didn't suit up. The first four of those are expected to play (Wegher is unofficially the frontrunner for kick and punt returner). The others aren't likely to factor into this season. Of course, one of the many things Kirk Ferentz took from his days with Belichick is notorious secrecy on the injury front; there isn't much information on any of these.

Fun With Depth Charts. Well, that was inevitable: Christian Ballard has moved to defensive tackle, making way for Broderick Binns to start at defensive end. This would be wholly unsurprising if defensive line coach Rick "Here Comes The Polish Cavalry" Kascenski hadn't lied to everyone for 6 months about the possibility of moving a defensive end to tackle. Expect the press to have a field day with this one, and by that I mean the press will participate in a 100-yard dash, then drink juice boxes provided by the coaching staff and watch Schoolhouse Rock until they can go home at 3:00.

In other news, Morehouse is declaring the backup quarterback battle over, with James Vandenberg as the winner:

Vandenberg is the No. 2 QB. During the two-minute drill, the No. 2 unit flopped badly. Vandenberg was given a second chance to make something happen, showing the reps aren’t even with him and Wienke.

As an untrained observer, I though Vandenberg looked far more game-ready, though both he and Wienke spent most of their time running from defensive linemen who had broken through the makeshift second-team offensive line. Also, despite a clear improvement in leg strength by Trent Mossbrucker, it looks like Daniel Murray's inexplicable Svengali-like hold on the placekicking job has held up through the summer. Ferentz mentioned after the practice that Mossbrucker might redshirt if he doesn't win the job, which would be smart.

Miscellaneous, et cetera, other. Dochterman provides some video (I took some pictures from the stands, but there's a reason why I'm not a photojournalist; my pictures show nothing). Bohnenkamp finds that the players are getting used to the field turf (which looks great). Amari Spievey is a sure thing. The other corner spot? Not so much. Jeremiha Hunter might as well be 40, because he's certainly a man.

Alcohol Fascism, Thy Name is Goldy. Minnesota really knows how to build atmosphere: Students with an alcohol-related offense will be Breathalyzed before being allowed into Legendary Historic TCF Bank Stadium (and, yeah, that's what we're going to call it from now on):

When the TCF Bank Stadium opens in less than two months, the University of Minnesota plans to implement a system to deter alcohol-related problems by administering breathalyzers to prior offenders.

The program, called "Check BAC" - as in blood alcohol content - is just one of the many steps the University and police are taking to prepare for the inevitable trouble that will come with bringing football back to campus. University police have been travelling around the Big Ten looking for advice on alcohol enforcement and traffic control to get ready.

Check BAC is modeled after a University of Wisconsin-Madison program. If a student is caught for underage consumption or ejected from the stadium for public intoxication, they are automatically enrolled in the program. If the student comes back to a game that same season, they will be required to provide a breath sample on a portable breath tester.

If they are underage and have alcohol in their system, they will not be allowed entry into the game. Even if they are of age, depending on their level on intoxication, they might not be admitted into the stadium.

As if it weren't enough, UM will also build gameday atmosphere by cracking down on the one thing that didn't exist at the Metrodome: tailgating. Fortunately, the Minnesota legislature (motto: "Thank God we got rid of Ventura") made sure they didn't go overboard:

The University has also created specific tailgating rules that outline where and how tailgating will be acceptable. Earlier this year the University went to the state Legislature hoping to gain authority to create and enforce their own criminal ordinances, which would allow University police to create specific laws that pertain to tailgating.

The bill was not passed, so any violations of the University's tailgating rules will be a civil matter and will involve the Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity for University students.

Of course, these Draconian measures only apply to students attending Minnesota games. I'm sure both of them will be royally pissed.

Footnotes:

We aren't the only team with injuries: PSU wideout linebacker Pat Mike Mauti tore his ACL, leaving the Lions even lighter at receiver linebacker. Also, OSU-nee-Michigan lineman/resident crybaby douchebag Justin Boren was injured when he tried to force his giant neck into an undersized shirt and was struck in the eye by the flying top button (OK, I made the last part up, but he's hurt and that picture is ridiculous).
Clone Chronicles makes its predictions for the upcoming season. The conclusion?

But what do you expect when your "first opponent is a 1-AA cupcake" analysis draws HEY WAIT A FUCKING MINUTE YOU'RE IOWA STATE responses from the thriving North Dakota State online community?

Assume the Position 2009: Special Teams

Hawkeye State — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:25:52 -0000

It's about that time again. For the next three months, BHGP will be previewing this year's Iowa Hawkeyes, position-by-position. Naturally, as the earth revolves around the sun, things will change. Therefore, we're starting with the position where we are most certain, and ending with the position of which we are least certain. To date:

1. Quarterback
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Safety
4. Linebacker
5. Tight End
6. Running Back
7. Defensive End

Tonight: Special Teams

What did you expect, a punt?

In this space last year, we lamented the apparent downfall of Iowa special teams, which had devolved from "game-changing" to "barely mentionable" over the past 3 seasons. Gone were players like Sean Considine and Ed Hinkel, guaranteed to provide a spark on special teams when necesary. Consistency in the kicking game had long since left the station, slowly eroded over the course of Kyle Schlicher's career and hitting bottom with the two-headed Murray/Signor terrormonster in 2007. We hoped special teams would improve, if only because they couldn't possibly get worse.

Turns out the Reneissance was here, and we didn't even see it coming.

Two special teams plays set the tone for the 2008 season. Andy Brodell's punt return touchdown againt Iowa State announced the resurrection of the punt return team and ensured Iowa wouldn't endure another early-season hiccup against the Cyclones. Daniel Murray's field goal clinched the biggest Iowa win in over a decade and set off a string of wins that built confidence for 2009. It was the beginning of the resurrection; hopefully, it continues this year.

The Punter

Ryan Donahue (#5, 6'3", 180, Junior) - It's too bad Donahue doesn't have a name like a space alien; he might actually get the respect he deserves. No offense to Mesko, who is quite good, but Donahue's numbers compare favorably with the Space Emperor: Fifty punts for an average of 41.6 yards, 19 downed inside the 20 to 7 touchbacks, and improving consistency. Those statistics (aside from the number of punts, which is out of the punter's hands) are nearly identical to Mesko's numbers as a sophomore. He's improved drastically over his first two years, from shankapotomus as a freshman to all-conference as a sophomore. Two more years of improvement and a name change, and we might have something.

The Kickers

Daniel Murray (#1, 5'10", 185, Junior) - If you were within a mile of Kinnick Stadium or a block of a pro-Hawkeye household on November 8, you probably heard screaming. No, not after the field goal (though there certainly was screaming after the field goal). The screaming began before the field goal, when Ferentz benched a kicker who was 13/15 for the season in favor of a walk-on who missed a 35-yard attempt against Pitt and hadn't kicked a field goal since. Five minutes later, all was forgotten in a soccer slide and a sea of humanity, and the oft-maligned Murray entered the Rob Houghlin wing of the Iowa football hall of fame.

There is no denying Murray has the stronger leg. He handled the kickoffs throughout the season, and kicked every long field goal Iowa attempted. In fact, despite beating out Murray for the placekicking spot by week 5, Mossbrucker didn't attempt a field goal over 39 yards last season, and Murray repeatedly showed he had the leg - if not the accuracy - to get the ball to the goalposts from over 50 yards. If that range outweighs his long-documented placement problems, Murray will probably retain the top line.

Trent Mossbrucker (#8, 6'0", 220, Sophomore) - How Mossbrucker lost the starting job last season remains a mystery. When he split field goal duties with Murray early in the season, Mossbrucker proved to be more consistent than his competitor. After Murray's miss against Pitt, the race was effectively over. Mossbrucker made 8 of 9 attempts in his 5 weeks as the undisputed starter. The longest of these field goals was just 35 yards, however, and a shank from 30 yards against Illinois eventually cost Iowa a road win. We're left to wonder if the coaches' lack of confidence in Mossbrucker's leg led to the ill-fated 4th and 2 from the Michigan State 21 that cost Iowa another.

As we said last season, Ferentz would not have burned a scholarship on Mossbrucker if he was confident in Murray, and there is still a chance that Mossbrucker takes the top line eventually. Building a little leg strength over the offseason would certainly go a long way toward that goal.

The Punt Returner

Colin Sandeman - When Brodell went down injured four games into the 2007 season, Sandeman assumed the duties as punt returner. He filled in during garbage time last season, as well. His experience dictates his position here. His stats leave us hoping the position goes to someone else. Sandeman averaged only 7.7 yards per return as a freshman, and an even more benign 6.0 last year. There has been talk from the staff of the need for more yardage from the kick return team. If Sandeman eventually is the punt returner, let's only hope the staff's focus extends to the punt returner, as well.

The Kick Returners, We Think (Actually, We Have No Idea)

Paki O'Meara - He returned two kicks last season for a total of 31 yards, but he's sitting at the top of the most recent depth chart. PAKIBOMB is a special teams dynamo, but probably not the answer for a better kick return game.

Paul Chaney, Jr. - Returned kicks as a freshman to mixed results. Didn't do much of anything as a sophomore, either as a receiver or a returner. I would normally believe he's on his way out, but Ferentz has repeatedly praised the leap forward his sprinter made during spring track. If his newfound commitment extends to the football field, he's too fast to not find a spot. With receiver stacked, the most likely place would be as a kick returner.

Brandon Wegher - Has been told by the coaches he could well be returning kicks this season. Given that statement, the lack of returners on the returning roster, and the hype surrounding the Sioux City Heelan product, that's probably enough to make him a favorite.

Jewel Hampton - He's on top of the depth chart right now, but (unless the staff is completely comfortable with Jeff Brinson at halfback) it would be suicide to send your starting halfback - the only player on your team with significant experience in the backfield - to get speared by kamikaze kickoff teams filled with underclassmen looking to make a name for themselves and get some playing time. Quite frankly, Ferentz is nowhere near that crazy.

Armchair Quarterbacking With The Rivalry, Esq - Iowa v. Penn State

grahamfiller10 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:39:53 -0000

Matchup - 9-0 Penn State @ 5-4 Iowa

Date - November 9, 2008

Game Score and Time - PSU 23, Iowa 21, 0:42 mark of the 4rd quarter

Capsule - Ricky Stanzi was having a Tom Bradyesque 2nd half, with 127 yards passing and two touchdown drives against the Big 10's best defense, but the Nittany Lions held a slim lead in the closing minute. Thanks to the now infamous pass interference penalty on 3rd and 15 and some clutch throws by Stanzi, the Hawkeyes were only a field goal away from pulling a huge upset.

Down - 3rd and 6, ball rests at the Penn State 25.

Play Call - Iowa's play calling, always conservative under Ferentz, lends itself to these situations, one would think, but the options here are numerous. Dive middle for no gain to set up a 41 yard field goal by Daniel Murray on a windy day...Run off tackle with Greene (like they did all year so successfully) for a possible first down or to avoid any chance for turnovers...Roll out Stanzi to give him the throwaway option or a safe, short pass...But I mean, God Almighty, don't throw the ball down the field or take a sack while sitting on the Upset of the Year, you can't take risks...Plus the Penn State defense has spent the entire drive in the Iowa backfield hurrying Stanzi. Some helpful stats to consider:

Stanzi's stats so far: 14-24, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 3 Sacks

Greene's stats: 28 carries, 117 yards

Iowa's 3rd down conversion at home % in 2008? 7th in the conference.

Penn State's road passing defense in 2008? 1st in the conference.

Murray's stats up to this point in 2008? 1 for 3, with a long of 44 against Maine. No attempts since a miss v Pitt.

Discussion of what actually happened in the Comment section...Like you don't know...

Poll

What play do you run?

QB kneel down/sneak to set up in the middle of the field.

3 votes

Dive to Greene, set the ball in the middle.

31 votes

Rollout pass, allow for throwaway option or for a QB run.

58 votes

Straight drop back, get the first down and a much easier FG.

16 votes

108 votes | Poll has closed

The Takeaway: Penn State

Oops Pow Surprise — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:30:05 -0000

Sure, IOWA JUST BEAT PENN STATE, 24-23. But how much do we really know? What was really important about BEATING PENN STATE? What does it all mean, Basil? The Takeaway has the answer.

This was not a fluke. It was an upset, eight whole points, but it wasn't a fluke. A "fluke" would be where kicks were missed, passes were dropped in the end zone, or other wildly improbable, directly-scoreboard-influencing strokes of bad luck befell a certain team (and quit fucking whining, BSD, this is a penalty every single time). That didn't happen. Penn State caught a case of the Iowas and couldn't do much in the red zone, and Iowa did the most they could with their limited forays into Penn State territory. They earned the win, fair and square.

That earning, by the way, came in the trenches. Adrian Clayborn might have had the best stats on the line, but there isn't a single member of that defensive line who didn't come up huge, even against the best offensive line they've faced all year. Penn State was effective on the ground, and Iowa almost gave up their first 100-yard rusher of the year (is that a more impressive streak than Greene's 100-yard mark? Discuss).

Paging Dr. Awesome, you're wan--what? Shonn Greene could be a doctor some day. You don't know.

Meanwhile, PSU DT Jared Odrick was a monster. "Five tackles and a sack" doesn't adequately describe the nightmarish havoc he wrought on Iowa's ground game. Yes, Greene got his 100 yards, but he needed damned near all of the 28 carries to get them; his longest run was his first TD of the game from 14 yards out. That Iowa matched up as well as Penn State did is an awesome testament to the quality of the lines this year.

Stanzi is the Manzi. It was thought that Iowa would need to play a perfect game to beat Penn State, since Penn State never beats themselves. And Stanzi certainly wasn't perfect; his turnovers led to 10 easy PSU points. But damned if he doesn't have ice water in his veins when it matters. The week prior, he guided Iowa to 15 fourth-quarter points to tie the Illinois game. Now, it's two more scoring drives in the final frame, this time against a solid PSU defense.

Would it be nice if Iowa averaged more than 11 points in the first three quarters of their six close games (ISU, Pitt, just Northwestern, MSU, Illinois, PSU)? Erm, yes. But although he exhibits a typical inconsistency for a first-year starter, when he plays with a sense of urgency, the Iowa offense rolls, and that is why Iowa still hasn't really been outplayed yet this season.

It's time to give the defensive secondary a lot of credit. Yes, we have complained endlessly about The Human Torched, Brett Greenwood, and it would ring false if he were actually very good (he's not). Further, just looking at the most basic of stats, Iowa gives up nearly 192 yards per game through the air, which is a pedestrian 42nd best in the nation. So why bring it up?

Oh, them.

Because of the vaunted/dreaded Bend But Don't Break defense, Iowa's pass efficiency defense is much better. The Hawkeyes have given up just six touchdowns through the air all season long, while picking off 17 passes. The result is an anemic 98.46 passer rating for opponents on the season, good for 9th best in I-A. Oh, just for comparison's sake, Jake Christensen's rating last year was 116.9.

Sure, there's room for improvement. For example, despite the fact that nearly every one of their opponents has been playing from far behind for most of the second half, USC has given up two passing touchdowns this year. That is not a typo. They give up a paltry 128 yards per game through the air. But USC has far superior athletes, plus they let FS Taylor Mays have a loaded pistol on the field, and usually all he has to do is point it at a quarterback and he throws the ball away. Usually. (RIP Jake Locker)

The point is, save one moment of total horror against Illinois, nobody has gotten behind the Hawkeyes secondary this season; considering the fact that the team is better set up to stop the run (again, no 100-yard rushers all year, and none looming), it's safe to say this defense's yearlong performance, just like last Saturday's, has been fucking awesome.

Cheers to you, boys.

(Photo credits: Stanzi celebrating, John Schultz/QC Times; Greene TD, Andrea Melendez/The Register; Stanzi passing, Matthew Holst/IC Press-Citizen; AJ Edds and Broderick Binns, Chris Donahue/HawkeyeSports.com; Murray celebrating, Chris Donahue/HawkeyeSports.com)