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[thunderstruck1]

Leistikow: What it will take for Iowa football to produce a shocking upset vs Ohio State

Chad Leistikow fields three Hawkeyes text-group questions to help preview Saturday's Iowa-Ohio State football matchup.

www.hawkcentral.com

Idk how Phil is going to play this one. Because if we stop the run and give up the pass, we still should be able to crunch it down in the red zone and the least amount of time their offense is on the field the better. Maybe we give up between the 20's and then lock it down after that? (plus we stand a bigger chance of turning them over if they start getting all pass happy) The more we hold their scoring drives to FG's probably the better. Plus as I have mentioned, we know almost nothing about their kicker, because he doesn't play much, so can he hit a 40 plus yarder in a big game? Even OSU fans have to be wondering that. This is all provided we can run the ball and keep the chains moving with long sustained drives. What do you guys think the plan of attack will be??

 

[hawkinarkansas]

I’d look no further than how Phil’s D performed last year against Mich, PSU and Tenn (2nd and 3rd team nonetheless) to get a feel for how the hawks will do Saturday. The best predictor of tomorrow is taking a look at the past.

 

[Clermonthawk]

Not to take anything away from OSU, but at this point, who have they played? I'm not saying we're going to win, but some of these stats that were put up against lesser competition, might be a little misleading. But that's why we play the games.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

I’d look no further than how Phil’s D performed last year against Mich, PSU and Tenn (2nd and 3rd team nonetheless) to get a feel for how the hawks will do Saturday. The best predictor of tomorrow is taking a look at the past.

I’m afraid you’re right. The secondary has not looked very good this year, and OSU is once again completely loaded on offense.

I’ll be out picking seeds at Heritage Valley for Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation so won’t be watching live, probably won’t need to watch the recording either.

 

[BrewHawk]

Howard doesn't impress me much. I think we take the Minnesota second half approach and really try to get in his face.

If we can't limit Henderson and Judkins, it won't matter.

I don't see our defense being left out on the field the way they were the last time we went to C'bus.

 

[BurgHawk87]

I’m afraid you’re right. The secondary has not looked very good this year, and OSU is once again completely loaded on offense.

I’ll be out picking seeds at Heritage Valley for Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation so won’t be watching live, probably won’t need to watch the recording either.

Thanks for your work. I'm a big fan of preserving natural areas/propagating future sites.

 

[littlez]

Not to take anything away from OSU, but at this point, who have they played? I'm not saying we're going to win, but some of these stats that were put up against lesser competition, might be a little misleading. But that's why we play the games.

Well they’ve been good for 50 years so not playing anyone for the first 3-4 games isn’t really going to matter. They’re absolutely loaded as usual. Our only chance is to somehow force 2-3 turnovers and get points off of them, either directly like a pick 6 or great field position and score. They’re going to score 24-28 pts at a minimum. Thats what they do. We will need to get that in order for it to be a competitive game.

 

[shanksit44]

Not to take anything away from OSU, but at this point, who have they played? I'm not saying we're going to win, but some of these stats that were put up against lesser competition, might be a little misleading. But that's why we play the games.

Don’t have a good feeling about this game.

 

[thunderstruck1]

I’m afraid you’re right. The secondary has not looked very good this year, and OSU is once again completely loaded on offense.

I’ll be out picking seeds at Heritage Valley for Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation so won’t be watching live, probably won’t need to watch the recording either.

Yeah I am working too. But I am not complaining either.

Howard doesn't impress me much. I think we take the Minnesota second half approach and really try to get in his face.

If we can't limit Henderson and Judkins, it won't matter.

I don't see our defense being left out on the field the way they were the last time we went to C'bus.

This right here is what I was driving at. If our offense can stay on the field, we will be fine. If not the only way to avoid a blowout is to defend the redzones with all we've got and let them have the middle of the field. We can pin them deep and if we can get them off the field, we might get a short field and we know we can hit 50 yard FG's. If we lock down in the other redzone where things are tighter and speed and such play less of a roll and force them into FG's, well that is not something they are used to. If our offense can not pull it's weight, we can not let our defense get gassed defending every inch on every play. So I think you have to trust the secondary to make a play and you have to stop the run and make them pass.

 

[IACub]

Went to the game in 2017 with my buddy. We basically got the tickets because no one really wanted to go, but still a good sized crowd. Before the game, he says, "If we get down by two scores, I'm leaving." When we went up two scores before halftime I jokingly asked if he wanted to leave. I believe, "F*** no!" was the answer. With under five minutes left in the game, Ohio State scored to bring it to a 24 point Iowa lead, and I still felt like we would lose. Hell, seven years later I still feel like we could lose that game.

To win this weekend, we need that same kind of energy and luck. We need win the turnovers and big plays battle. Also, Nate Stanley looked like Ben freaking Roethlisberger in that game. Cade McNamara needs to show up big time, and the playbook needs to be wide open. As soon as Ferentz tells Lester to pump the brakes, we're finished.

 

[bdcolt45er]

I’d look no further than how Phil’s D performed last year against Mich, PSU and Tenn (2nd and 3rd team nonetheless) to get a feel for how the hawks will do Saturday. The best predictor of tomorrow is taking a look at the past.

I would suggest the defense was largely fine in these games. You can't expect the defense to completely shut down top teams particularly when the offense is consistently turning the ball over. I think Michigan's longest TD drive was 12 yards. The offense has to contribute something for the defense to be effective.

 

[pistachio1999]

Beat the living tar out of Howard every chance we get.

 

[thunderstruck1]

Went to the game in 2017 with my buddy. We basically got the tickets because no one really wanted to go, but still a good sized crowd. Before the game, he says, "If we get down by two scores, I'm leaving." When we went up two scores before halftime I jokingly asked if he wanted to leave. I believe, "F*** no!" was the answer. With under five minutes left in the game, Ohio State scored to bring it to a 24 point Iowa lead, and I still felt like we would lose. Hell, seven years later I still feel like we could lose that game.

To win this weekend, we need that same kind of energy and luck. We need win the turnovers and big plays battle. Also, Nate Stanley looked like Ben freaking Roethlisberger in that game. Cade McNamara needs to show up big time, and the playbook needs to be wide open. As soon as Ferentz tells Lester to pump the brakes, we're finished.

I wasn't there, but I remember that day very well. Forcing them to pass increases the chances we can turn them over. Just can not give up yards after the catch. Which is concerning as I have seen guys go for the int and then not be in a position to tackle. So if our secondary does not try and force it and just let's it come to them, we should be ok. Like I said they can have the middle of the filed. As Phil said "we are pretty hard to run against" and if that holds true it sure increases our odds. Now if we can get ahead of them on the score board, look out!!!!

 

[the24fan]

Hawks have nothing to lose. Go in play loose and just ball. Everyone expects us to lose and tOSU has much more at stake. If Iowa can keep it close it will be interesting to see how tOSU deals with the pressure.

 

[jerbob36]

Wetjen is due for a td return*.
We will find a way to get a couple turnovers.
Two weeks is a long time to game plan.
They have better dudes.
We lose but cover.

*if they ever punt

 

[Greenway4Prez]

I would suggest the defense was largely fine in these games. You can't expect the defense to completely shut down top teams particularly when the offense is consistently turning the ball over. I think Michigan's longest TD drive was 12 yards. The offense has to contribute something for the defense to be effective.

There was a point in all those games where the ineptitude of the offense was just too much to overcome. We held PSU to 4 yards/play, which is exceptional. Problem was that they had 97 freaking plays.

Tennessee had two legit TD drives in the first half, kudos to them, but did nothing else until the pick 6 put the game out of reach definitively and the defense had reached their breaking point.

I said in another thread that if Iowa can be even in the TO battle and hold the ball for 3:00 per possession, then we can make it a respectable game. I’ll even revise that down to 2:30-2:45 per possession.

Defensively, I think we have to approach this like the PSU game in Kinnick where Saquon ran for a quarter mile, but we clamped down in the red zone where they ran out of room. If our secondary gets caught looking in the backfield, that’s no bueno.

 

[littlez]

Hawks have nothing to lose. Go in play loose and just ball. Everyone expects us to lose and tOSU has much more at stake. If Iowa can keep it close it will be interesting to see how tOSU deals with the pressure.

That’s what we do. Let it all hang out. Old Kirk!

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

If we play Kirkball and try to control clock and play not to make mistakes, the doors will come off early.
He has to let Lester call plays to try and win rather than to try and not lose.

 

[Old Uncle Teddy]

Well they’ve been good for 50 years so not playing anyone for the first 3-4 games isn’t really going to matter. They’re absolutely loaded as usual. Our only chance is to somehow force 2-3 turnovers and get points off of them, either directly like a pick 6 or great field position and score. They’re going to score 24-28 pts at a minimum. Thats what they do. We will need to get that in order for it to be a competitive game.

I disagree. Brutus as been a Blue Blood for more like 80 years. Iowa's record, all time so this might have started in the 19th Century, is 15-67-3. It's silly to think Iowa is likely to win but certainly not to hope for the best. Iowa has a much better offense. The D needs to generate some turnovers.

 

[littlez]

I disagree. Brutus as been a Blue Blood for more like 80 years. Iowa's record, all time so this might have started in the 19th Century, is 15-67-3. It's silly to think Iowa is likely to win but certainly not to hope for the best. Iowa has a much better offense. The D needs to generate some turnovers.

Didn’t I say we needed turnovers?

 

[ObeseMuffins]

Knock Howard out of the game.

 

[93hawkeye]

Coach Phil is a genius, but he's not a magician. 2022's result is on my mind. OSU had a better QB that year, but the talent gap is still huge.

 

[Iron Doc]

Pray that no one gets hurt.

 

[mvhomerl]

If we play Kirkball and try to control clock and play not to make mistakes, the doors will come off early.
He has to let Lester call plays to try and win rather than to try and not lose.

This. If you're gonna go down, go down swinging.

 

[doughuddl2]

Travis Justice just said OSU has a $20 million dollar payroll on WHO radio.

Frick, no chance. When do you just start turning off the TV on Saturday?

 

[mvhomerl]

Travis Justice just said OSU has a $20 million dollar payroll on WHO radio.

Frick, no chance. When do you just start turning off the TV on Saturday?

When the game is over, or I run out of beer.

 

[hexumhawk]

Travis Justice just said OSU has a $20 million dollar payroll on WHO radio.

Frick, no chance. When do you just start turning off the TV on Saturday?

I think it is closer to 30 mil.

 

[swihawk]

Don’t have a good feeling about this game.

Don't have a good feeling about an unranked Iowa going into a top 5 team home environment like the horseshoe?

Don't blame you. I always expected a loss in this game. Most teams do.

 

[herkhatescy]

I’d look no further than how Phil’s D performed last year against Mich, PSU and Tenn (2nd and 3rd team nonetheless) to get a feel for how the hawks will do Saturday. The best predictor of tomorrow is taking a look at the past.

And all those games you just mentioned Iowa's offense gave up the ball on the short end of the field and the defense was on the field 3/4 of the game.

 

[swihawk]

Coach Phil is a genius, but he's not a magician. 2022's result is on my mind. OSU had a better QB that year, but the talent gap is still huge.

We had one of the worst offenses in football. We didn't go into that game with a top 10 running attack. This offense with last years defense = much tighter results.

 

[Ladell-hawk]

Travis Justice just said OSU has a $20 million dollar payroll on WHO radio.

Frick, no chance. When do you just start turning off the TV on Saturday?

Yes, they apparently have more nil than any team in the country. That would make beating them that much sweeter.

 

[pistachio1999]

If we play Kirkball and try to control clock and play not to make mistakes, the doors will come off early.
He has to let Lester call plays to try and win rather than to try and not lose.

You win by controlling field position and the clock. You eat the hell out of it. Score 1 more point them then by the time the final second ticks away.

 

[thunderstruck1]

What I like about this game is we are the exact opposite as them and when opposites collide it is usually a pretty good show. We have arguably the best LB group in the nation, they have freshman. We have all american TE's and they have TE's (I am sure they are good but I haven't heard of them) We have an OL that has played together for years, they patched one together with Nil money. (fact most of their offense is patched together with nil thru the portal. We are exact opposites. We have a team and they have an assembly of players.

 

[HawkDoggy]

What I like about this game is we are the exact opposite as them and when opposites collide it is usually a pretty good show. We have arguably the best LB group in the nation, they have freshman. We have all american TE's and they have TE's (I am sure they are good but I haven't heard of them) We have an OL that has played together for years, they patched one together with Nil money. (fact most of their offense is patched together with nil thru the portal. We are exact opposites. We have a team and they have an assembly of players.

"We have all American TEs".

LMAO. No we don't. Try to do better.

 

[thunderstruck1]

"We have all American TEs".

LMAO. No we don't. Try to do better.

"

Current Draft Projection and Summary​

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Lachey grades out as a top-75 prospect, and one of the top TE talents in the class. Although he’ll be an older rookie, "
Well if he is a top TE prospect, he certainly is not far from being all american, now is he??

 

[Old Uncle Teddy]

Didn’t I say we needed turnovers?

I only disagreed with the 50 years part. Humor-get it now?

 

[HawkDoggy]

"

Current Draft Projection and Summary​

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Lachey grades out as a top-75 prospect, and one of the top TE talents in the class. Although he’ll be an older rookie, "
Well if he is a top TE prospect, he certainly is not far from being all american, now is he??

Read your comment. You said we have all american TEs. Lachey won't be an all american and neither will Ostrenga this year. I'm just pointing out that your commentary is false and/or wishful thinking. Don't be mad.

 

[thunderstruck1]

You win by controlling field position and the clock. You eat the hell out of it. Score 1 more point them then by the time the final second ticks away.

Yeah but we also need to be a little aggressive. We can't line up and do what we always have, not that we are, but still we kind of need to be unpredictable. So it helps that there is not a ton known about Lester's playbook, because we are going to have to do and execute some different stuff then what we have seen. Everyone seems to think that our defense can hang with them for awhile, so we need to try and score early and often.

 

[thunderstruck1]

Read your comment. You said we have all american TEs. Lachey won't be an all american and neither will Ostrenga this year. I'm just pointing out that your commentary is false and/or wishful thinking. Don't be mad.

I don't get mad.

 

[BioHawk]

I’d look no further than how Phil’s D performed last year against Mich, PSU and Tenn (2nd and 3rd team nonetheless) to get a feel for how the hawks will do Saturday. The best predictor of tomorrow is taking a look at the past.

I'm with you here but our secondary has proven to be alarmingly vulnerable to biting on play action or something that allows someone to get over the top for a huge play. Maybe they have fixed it because it is probably more of a mental thing than a physical thing but they will have to be perfect tomorrow to have a shot at this. We won't catch their receivers if they get ahead of our defensive backs.