Pregame Postage: Week 12, Iowa
Here we go, yo! Here we go, yo!
This game is going to be a good one! I can just feel it! Moreso than even last year! That game was really only super exciting in the last part of the game. I think this one will be a battle for the entire 4 quarters, with multiple lead changes.
Iowa may have looked suspect the past 2 weeks, but make no mistake, this game is their final shot to make a statement before the calendar turns to 2011. It’s senior day, and the Hawks have nothing to lose. They are a different team at home (and I know lots of people write that about teams, but it really rings true for Iowa) and will leave it all on the field.
The question is, will the Buckeyes come out matching that effort, from the opening kick, or will they show up like the 1st halves of the PSU and Wisky games? Because if they come out lethargic and out of sorts, the day will be very long out in Iowa City.
What this game will come down to, IMO, is how both Buckeye lines react. Adam Robinson is not running for 100 yds. (Yea, I said it) Stanzi has seen the tape of how the OSU secondary is suspect. That’s where they will try to win the game. And the Hawkeye wideouts may be the best in the Big Ten. Respect. But how they handle the air attack is also dependent upon whether or not the Dline gets any pressure. For the love of all things Scarlet & Gray, if 4 can’t bring pressure, Heacock MUST dial up some blitzes and get some help in that department. Ricky Stanzi, with plenty of time to throw, will pick this defense apart. End of story.
On the offensive side of things, I’m not as concerned about the Hawkeye Dline as others. Yes, Clayborn is beastly, but for the most part, I thought last year’s Buckeye Oline did well against what was a better Iowa Dline. And the Buckeye Oline, in my opinion, is better this year. Yes, TP will probably get sacked a time or two, but I don’t think it’s the biggest factor in determining who wins. What goes on between TP’s ears is. If he stays within himself and is patient, without making any huge errors, the Buckeye offense should be ok. I don’t think they need to be stellar, just efficient.
So, having said that, here’s WHAT I WANT TO SEE:
- As tired you are of reading this, I’m tired of writing it, but there cannot be any Special Teams breakdowns. Hopefully we see them attack more like last week.
- On that note, Iowa was the beneficiary of a kickoff return for a TD. This Buckeye squad is due for one of their own. What would be better than this game? Food for thought…
- I am praying that the secondary steps up. When Stanzi’s hot, he’s virtually unstoppable. The corners cannot allow themselves to be picked on like Torrence was in the 1st half of last week’s game.
- Pressure, pressure, pressure. I don’t need sacks (although they’re nice) but Stanzi needs to be rushed and/or confused. He’s a vet so that’s a tall task…
- A healthy Buckeye running game. Boom doesn’t need to go for 100 yds (he probably won’t against this D anyway). He needs the help from TP’s legs, though. Hopefully this comes in the form of scrambles because called runs have been less than effective thus far.
- I don’t know what changed, but Basil’s kickoffs looked much improved last week. Maybe the bye week gave the staff a chance to tweak his form. Whatever it was, I hope he’s just as productive in Iowa City.
- Win the turnover battle. TP’s thrown a stinker these past 2 games, but they were essentially at the goal line. While I’d like to see him not do that today, he absolutely cannot flip the field and put the defense in a bad position.
- Hearing how Coach Tress laid into the team during halftime last week made me want to be a fly on the wall. I hope such a speech isn’t needed this week. The Buckeyes should know what’s on the line by now. If they don’t, then they really don’t deserve to win, now do they?
- Clean game with no injuries. The injury bug has been crazy this year (at both the college and pro level)! Here’s to a game without injuries!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
This all depends on which Buckeye squad shows up; the 1st half one or the 2nd half one. If the 1st half one shows up, and falls behind early, I don’t think they’ll be able to make up the difference and leave Iowa City with a loss. I don’t predict losses for the Buckeyes very often, but it could happen if they don’t storm out of the gates. Now, if they bring the heat all 4 quarters, then I honestly think it’s a comfortable win. (No, not a blowout). I’m think 24-21 or 27-21 with Iowa in striking distance until the very end.
REMEMBER THE TIME:
Go Bucks!
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