Here's what's on my radar this week:
1. Obviously we're not going to get too much concrete info on the state of Cade's soft tissue injury in the lead-up to a rivalry game like ISU, but what his practice status looks like will go a long way in setting expectations for his Saturday. Expecting him to be available for questions tomorrow.
2. Other than Cade, early indications are that health-wise, Iowa did all right on Saturday. Will update tomorrow on whether Nwankpa and Leshon Williams have returned to practice or if anyone's out.
3. A big, big Top 5 out of Cedar Rapids just dropped, as 4-star behemoth Nick Brooks has Iowa in the mix with Bama, Georgia, FSU and Tennessee. Iowa is very much a contender in this race, and very much motivated to keep him in-state (again).
4. The offensive line feels more cohesive, especially to the guys playing on it, but 36 rushes for 88 yards isn't the production anyone would hope for. Schematically, Iowa State will present a real challenge for the line, and after USU's success the Iowa blockers had better expect looks and stunts from ISU that aren't going to be on film.
5. Loved Eliot's feature on Deshaun Lee — talk about a guy who's ready for the moment. Kirk loved Deshaun's level of preparation for the game, which is one of the highest compliments he gives for defensive players. Trying to fit Jermari Harris back into the mix at CB feels like a good problem to have once Week 3 comes.
6. Nobody took much of the bait on Saturday in terms of talking about Iowa State — always funny to see coaches and players (and, ahem, a couple reporters) dance around saying a rival's name out loud, like if you say it into a microphone three times they appear like Candyman and your team loses by 30. These coaches respect each other enough that the teams play clean against each other (the "hate week" stuff is for the stands, and whoo boy is it there) but I expect a hard-hitting, physical game with exotics from both coaches.
What are you all hoping to learn this week?
1. Obviously we're not going to get too much concrete info on the state of Cade's soft tissue injury in the lead-up to a rivalry game like ISU, but what his practice status looks like will go a long way in setting expectations for his Saturday. Expecting him to be available for questions tomorrow.
2. Other than Cade, early indications are that health-wise, Iowa did all right on Saturday. Will update tomorrow on whether Nwankpa and Leshon Williams have returned to practice or if anyone's out.
3. A big, big Top 5 out of Cedar Rapids just dropped, as 4-star behemoth Nick Brooks has Iowa in the mix with Bama, Georgia, FSU and Tennessee. Iowa is very much a contender in this race, and very much motivated to keep him in-state (again).
4. The offensive line feels more cohesive, especially to the guys playing on it, but 36 rushes for 88 yards isn't the production anyone would hope for. Schematically, Iowa State will present a real challenge for the line, and after USU's success the Iowa blockers had better expect looks and stunts from ISU that aren't going to be on film.
5. Loved Eliot's feature on Deshaun Lee — talk about a guy who's ready for the moment. Kirk loved Deshaun's level of preparation for the game, which is one of the highest compliments he gives for defensive players. Trying to fit Jermari Harris back into the mix at CB feels like a good problem to have once Week 3 comes.
6. Nobody took much of the bait on Saturday in terms of talking about Iowa State — always funny to see coaches and players (and, ahem, a couple reporters) dance around saying a rival's name out loud, like if you say it into a microphone three times they appear like Candyman and your team loses by 30. These coaches respect each other enough that the teams play clean against each other (the "hate week" stuff is for the stands, and whoo boy is it there) but I expect a hard-hitting, physical game with exotics from both coaches.
What are you all hoping to learn this week?
