For the second time this year, Iowa finds themselves in the spotlight as they take on another high profile opponent in Penn State. We all know this.
We have also come to know the formula that Iowa seems to typically employ when it comes to these "bubble games".
When it works, it gives Hawk fans some of the great moments in recent program history. When it doesn't, it leaves us with some of the more heartbreaking or disappointing moments, and it usually means an opportunity for a big win or a shot to play for or win a championship lost, hence "bubble game".
But it's not just a "bubble game" for that reason. It's the way in which the game is played as well. The ultra defensive struggle, keep-everything-close-to-the-vest, hit a few big plays and have it come down to the last nail-biting possession type of game is what Iowa usually finds themselves in against these opponents that would qualify as bubble games.
Not all games like this are low-scoring, but more or less played as if Iowa is floating through the air in a bubble, trying to reach their destination, while carrying a 50 lb open box of needles in each hand. As long as they stay inside the bubble, they reach their destination just fine. But for every little mistake or fumble or interception or broken coverage that's like a nail falling out of the box, until finally one of those nails ends up landing just right.....and the bubble bursts and we fall into the pit of defeat.
I could list off all the games Iowa has had since this has been a thing, but I'm sure most of you can guess which ones qualify anyways.
To shorten a long story, and get to my point, though.........last year's game against Ohio State was just the second time that Iowa decided that "hey, maybe we don't need to play this game in a bubble to win."
Iowa went WAY against their traditional formula for a team like Ohio State and it ended up being one of the most shocking wins in program history.
While today's game would not fall into that category, I think it would benefit Iowa greatly to take the exact same approach, and not treat this game like every mistake matters (which is how the Wisconsin game was played), but rather every play is an opportunity. Every play is a chance to put points on the board, and we're definitely gonna need to considering what their offense can do in a hurry. Sure, it sounds simple, and we've all wondered why Iowa couldn't play like they did against Ohio State in every game, but each game can take on a life of its own.
But this is one of those games where we need to lay it all out there and go for broke, rather than clenching our butts during each play hoping something good happens as opposed to the end of the world via one lame mental error.
But really, I just want to see us beat Penn State.
We have also come to know the formula that Iowa seems to typically employ when it comes to these "bubble games".
When it works, it gives Hawk fans some of the great moments in recent program history. When it doesn't, it leaves us with some of the more heartbreaking or disappointing moments, and it usually means an opportunity for a big win or a shot to play for or win a championship lost, hence "bubble game".
But it's not just a "bubble game" for that reason. It's the way in which the game is played as well. The ultra defensive struggle, keep-everything-close-to-the-vest, hit a few big plays and have it come down to the last nail-biting possession type of game is what Iowa usually finds themselves in against these opponents that would qualify as bubble games.
Not all games like this are low-scoring, but more or less played as if Iowa is floating through the air in a bubble, trying to reach their destination, while carrying a 50 lb open box of needles in each hand. As long as they stay inside the bubble, they reach their destination just fine. But for every little mistake or fumble or interception or broken coverage that's like a nail falling out of the box, until finally one of those nails ends up landing just right.....and the bubble bursts and we fall into the pit of defeat.
I could list off all the games Iowa has had since this has been a thing, but I'm sure most of you can guess which ones qualify anyways.
To shorten a long story, and get to my point, though.........last year's game against Ohio State was just the second time that Iowa decided that "hey, maybe we don't need to play this game in a bubble to win."
Iowa went WAY against their traditional formula for a team like Ohio State and it ended up being one of the most shocking wins in program history.
While today's game would not fall into that category, I think it would benefit Iowa greatly to take the exact same approach, and not treat this game like every mistake matters (which is how the Wisconsin game was played), but rather every play is an opportunity. Every play is a chance to put points on the board, and we're definitely gonna need to considering what their offense can do in a hurry. Sure, it sounds simple, and we've all wondered why Iowa couldn't play like they did against Ohio State in every game, but each game can take on a life of its own.
But this is one of those games where we need to lay it all out there and go for broke, rather than clenching our butts during each play hoping something good happens as opposed to the end of the world via one lame mental error.
But really, I just want to see us beat Penn State.
