"To get its biggest win in Ferentz’s 23 seasons, Iowa needs more than being resourceful and resilient. It needs to be great," wrote Mike Hlas.
The Hawks are 13-4 with Spencer Petras the starting QB the past 2 seasons. Alex Padilla is 3-0 in the starting role. Both QBs have gotten a win in relief.
Iowa needs solid QB play on Saturday night. Positive reads, plays and error free football, unlike Rutgers that had one costly fumble in a 20-13 loss at Michigan. They did find a TD in passing game.
A fast start would be nice, but Iowa has been more of a 2nd quarter team, like the Iowa State game and the blowout game at Maryland. In any case, Tyler Goodson needs a game like Rutgers' Pacheco 20 carries, 107 yards, 5.3 yards per carry.
Maybe, it isn't Charlie Jones, but he is the senior leader. Spencer Petras needs to find balance against Michigan. Success on early downs, making game management ahead of the sticks important.
The line of scrimmage on Saturday night. Iowa needs a great game. The Hawkeyes don't need to be perfect. It's football, but resourceful and resilient can only get you so far.
Iowa-Michigan dating back to 40 years ago.
- 1981, Iowa won 9-7, and Michigan was the better team at end of seasons ranked #12 to Iowa #18, but Iowa won head to head and played in the 1982 Rose Bowl
- 1985, Iowa won the #1 vs. #2 game 12-10, and outright Big Ten title, but Michigan ended season #2, while the Hawkeyes finished #10 after another loss in Rose Bowl
Who wins the vertical game on Saturday night?
Iowa needs to neutralize and play solid on the line of scrimmage. Physical, smart football. Finding enough explosive plays, while neutralizing Michigan big plays in the game. Yes, a very tall order, but other teams played Michigan close and tight.
Iowa needs to find a way to take a lead, like 1997. But, finish and pull out the upset win, unlike 1997.
Look back over the last 40 years, beginning with that 10-7 win against Nebraska to kickoff Kirk Ferentz's first season, as an offensive line coach.
Michigan does have more experience in the offensive and defensive lines. Iowa has the better Back 7.
It is nearly time. For Iowa's last B1G fight, in what is clearly Iowa's biggest game, in 23 years under Kirk Ferentz and Phil Parker (DB coach/DC).
The Big Ten is very competitive. Iowa can win on Saturday night. They will have to have a great game together.
It has been a great ride in 2021. Like 2011, it is time to put Michigan at 11-2, with their 2nd loss against Iowa again. Michigan State was the first in 2011 and 2021, as it has been lately for the Wolverines.
Iowa is 9-9 under Kirk Ferentz against Top 10 programs, since 2008. It is time to raise the bar at Iowa. The Wolverines are a fitting match up, with Hawkeyes with 5 of last 7 wins. On Iowa, beat Michigan! 14-13, 24-16, 12-10, 9-7 .... so, how 'bout 19-17 or whatever seems to work in Indy!
