Really breaking down the Maryland game ... what are y'all thinkin'?

[Pepperman]

It's happened quite a bit. The fact that we failed to get extra pressure on Hornibrook ... and he passed with excellent efficiency against us ... and that was another factor that ultimately gave them the game.

That game against Wisconsin is making me more and more upset as time passes. I don't know if anybody agrees with me, or maybe "everybody" does, but Iowa absolutely gave that game away. I realize we can point to Wisconsin's running game that was plowing ahead for 6 yards a pop on first downs (*) and the fact that Hornibrook looked his best that day (*). But the Iowa offense also was moving the ball and did enough, EVEN with the mistakes, to have won that game.

(*) - when the punt return team blew it twice in the span of about 20 minutes of game time, it was really hard for Iowa's defense to regroup and get any adjustments figured out. Plus, the T.O.P. advantages that brought for Wisconsin.

What bothers me is the average fan that just looked at the score would think Wisconsin probably handled us that game. However, anybody that watched it and anybody that bothered to understand what happened in that game would correctly realize that Iowa actually "dominated" them and gave it away in horrific fashion.

 

[TKingpin]

I think one of the reasons that jNW plays so well against the Hawks is that they run an offense that can take advantage of what the Iowa defend gives you. They have the smarts and the patience to just take the short throws Iowa gives up because our CBs line up 7 yards off the LOS, and keep moving the chains down the field.

Most teams aren’t patient enough with that kind of offense and try to go for home-run passes. That usually plays into our hands, because the Defense is pretty good at keeping everything in front of them. We are VERY effective at defending the long passes this year because the DLine is so good at rushing the passer. This can cause hurried throws, which are usually bad, and even sacks ( and we are overdue for an Eppy strip sack).

From our visitors comments, I would say we have an advantage there.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

That game against Wisconsin is making me more and more upset as time passes. I don't know if anybody agrees with me, or maybe "everybody" does, but Iowa absolutely gave that game away. I realize we can point to Wisconsin's running game that was plowing ahead for 6 yards a pop on first downs (*) and the fact that Hornibrook looked his best that day (*). But the Iowa offense also was moving the ball and did enough, EVEN with the mistakes, to have won that game.

(*) - when the punt return team blew it twice in the span of about 20 minutes of game time, it was really hard for Iowa's defense to regroup and get any adjustments figured out. Plus, the T.O.P. advantages that brought for Wisconsin.

What bothers me is the average fan that just looked at the score would think Wisconsin probably handled us that game. However, anybody that watched it and anybody that bothered to understand what happened in that game would correctly realize that Iowa actually "dominated" them and gave it away in horrific fashion.

Wisconsin fans feel the same way about the 2015 game.

However, in contrast, those 2 special teams turnovers were completely UNFORCED! They were instances where brief lapses in fundamentals led to tragic outcomes (for the Hawks). When Groeneweg entered traffic near the sideline ... you better get that second arm on the ball. When a ball is more of a line-drive ... you make sure that you're communicating so you don't let yourself come in contact with the ball.

Chryst was obviously calling a more conservative game against Iowa ... because he knew how much of a killer turnovers would be. He only really had Hornibrook pass the ball when it was totally required OR when it was a safe break from tendency. The Badger OL played really darn well in that game ... but the Hawk defenders weren't nearly as sound in terms of gap integrity as they typically have been.

Through the game - the Hawks had to take more chances - but they paid off and, consequently, the Hawks looked like the better team throughout the entire game. Take away those 2 turnovers ... Iowa wins.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I think one of the reasons that jNW plays so well against the Hawks is that they run an offense that can take advantage of what the Iowa defend gives you. They have the smarts and the patience to just take the short throws Iowa gives up because our CBs line up 7 yards off the LOS, and keep moving the chains down the field.

Most teams aren’t patient enough with that kind of offense and try to go for home-run passes. That usually plays into our hands, because the Defense is pretty good at keeping everything in front of them. We are VERY effective at defending the long passes this year because the DLine is so good at rushing the passer. This can cause hurried throws, which are usually bad, and even sacks ( and we are overdue for an Eppy strip sack).

From our visitors comments, I would say we have an advantage there.

I agree ... although I'd also add that Northwestern is at their best when they can run the ball AND when they can stop the run. This year, they're having A LOT of difficulty running the ball ... and, while their run D is "okay" this year, it's not as good as it usually is.

Northwestern beat MSU because they were willing to be patient in the passing game ... and because MSU's Achilles heel is their pass-D this year. They had under 10 yards rushing ... and yet still managed to win that game!

In contrast, PSU lost to MSU for the very reason that their passing game WASN'T patient. Of course, PSU also ran better on MSU than any other team has yet this year ... however, part of that I believe had to do with scheme ... I think that MSU tried to vary things a little so that it would be harder to exploit them in the passing game.

 

[paladinhawk]

I think this will be a much tougher game than most people would think it was going to be earlier.

I thought the same thing about the Indiana game. Stanley / this team appear to be on a roll.

I think we will kick the shit out of them.

With good run support from the LBs and DBS this is one of the few games I feel good about so far this year.

 

[desihawk]

Based on the md-mn video posted in another thread, Maryland RBs seem abnormally fast for their size (kind of like saquon barklay was.) just a random observation of course.

 

[grayhair81]

First of all, major thanks for the information!
This is not going to be an easy game. This is the kind of offense that gives Iowa trouble. I think back to Illinois in the Zook years. Spread the field and leave 1 or no LBs in the box, then the QB gets to choose his gap. Our D Line will need to play lights-out for the Hawks to win this.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

First of all, major thanks for the information!
This is not going to be an easy game. This is the kind of offense that gives Iowa trouble. I think back to Illinois in the Zook years. Spread the field and leave 1 or no LBs in the box, then the QB gets to choose his gap. Our D Line will need to play lights-out for the Hawks to win this.

Given the depth chart ... that suggests to me that Niemann might be medically cleared ... but that he's still not at 100%.

So the question will be ... what do the Hawks do? Do we play Wade, in anticipation of their run-heavy O .... or do we opt to keep Hooker at the hybrid OLB spot?

I'll be very curious to see how Phil schemes things.

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

Homecoming in Iowa City. The team is riding a tidal wave of momentum. I think the Hawks win by 17.

 

[JBJRFL]

Wisconsin fans feel the same way about the 2015 game.

However, in contrast, those 2 special teams turnovers were completely UNFORCED! They were instances where brief lapses in fundamentals led to tragic outcomes (for the Hawks). When Groeneweg entered traffic near the sideline ... you better get that second arm on the ball. When a ball is more of a line-drive ... you make sure that you're communicating so you don't let yourself come in contact with the ball.

Chryst was obviously calling a more conservative game against Iowa ... because he knew how much of a killer turnovers would be. He only really had Hornibrook pass the ball when it was totally required OR when it was a safe break from tendency. The Badger OL played really darn well in that game ... but the Hawk defenders weren't nearly as sound in terms of gap integrity as they typically have been.

Through the game - the Hawks had to take more chances - but they paid off and, consequently, the Hawks looked like the better team throughout the entire game. Take away those 2 turnovers ... Iowa wins.

And even with those two turnovers, had Stanley not overthrown a wide open receiver 15-20 yards downfield we would have had a first down and could have run out the clock.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

And even with those two turnovers, had Stanley not overthrown a wide open receiver 15-20 yards downfield we would have had a first down and could have run out the clock.

Wasn't that Hockenson? Yeah ... for whatever reason he got a little antsy on that pass and led him by way too much.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I'll tell you this ... I'm really happy that Niemann is back. Having a LB group comprised of Niemann, Welch, Jones, and Colbert ... that makes me pretty confident that we'll have a good shot of seeing quality LB play. Also, I love the flexibility we're afforded by still having Hooker packaged as the hybrid OLB too.

I'd add that I like the depth Wade gives us too ... and how he can supply us with quality snaps.

It definitely gives our D options ... and that will allow Phil to tweak things more to minimize possible mismatches (against us).

 

[FranklinHawk]

Thanks so much for the break-down!

I was checking out the experience on your OL ... I was floored by how much experience they have. You're totally right! On paper ... that OL looks like it ought to be a very dominant unit!

Anyhow, the Iowa DL better bring their A-game ... because they're playing against one of the better OLs they'll face this year.

The last time the Hawks played against a high-caliber OL (Wisconsin's OL) ... the Hawks couldn't consistently slow the run. The Hawks have to put things together ... or have to face the same difficulties.

Not sure I completely agree with this, particularly given Wisconsin has a running back that's been in the Heisman conversation. While the Hawks didn't necessarily stuff them, they held Taylor to almost 2 yard less than his season YPC numbers and outside of the 33 yard TD to end the game when Iowa was selling out at the LOS didn't allow anyone to really break loose. Against Taylor and that OL I'd say that's doing pretty well.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Not sure I completely agree with this, particularly given Wisconsin has a running back that's been in the Heisman conversation. While the Hawks didn't necessarily stuff them, they held Taylor to almost 2 yard less than his season YPC numbers and outside of the 33 yard TD to end the game when Iowa was selling out at the LOS didn't allow anyone to really break loose. Against Taylor and that OL I'd say that's doing pretty well.

Groshek and Deal still had decent production ... and they're nowhere near being in the Heisman convo. Given the resources we were deploying to slow the run ... it opened us up to the pass. If we're going to do that, I would have hoped that we would have held Groshek and Deal to closer to 3 ypc. The fact that we didn't is more a testament to the Wisconsin OL manhandling our front-7 ... at least to some degree.

Ferentz himself mentioned how our D didn't play as well in that game as they usually do. I don't think that he was only referring to our play in coverage too ... I think that guys didn't squeeze gaps as well as they usually do ... nor did guys fill as well as we usually do. Lastly, tackling wasn't quite as good as usual either. Lots of things that our D had to clean up ... particularly if we want to field a team that can be competitive against ANYBODY!

 

[mrF6n6]

looking at conference only stats:

scoring offense
Iowa 35.7
Maryland 32.3
pretty even

scoring defense
Iowa 25.0
Maryland 20.7
Maryland decisive advantage

total offense
Iowa 434.3
Maryland 342.3
slight advantage Iowa

total defense
Iowa 355.0
Maryland 302.3
major advantage Maryland

rush offense
Iowa 137.7
Maryland 250.7
incredible advantage Maryland

rush defense
Iowa 121.0
Maryland 145.3
about the same

pass offense
Iowa 296.7
Maryland 91.7
little bit of an advantage for Iowa but with crazy winds forecasted for Saturday you can probably thrown these numbers out.

pass defense
Iowa 234.0
Maryland 157.0
amazing advantage Maryland

turnovers
Iowa has turned the ball over 6 times... and created 6 turnovers
Maryland has created 9 turnovers and only turned the ball over twice
scary advantage Maryland

this is gonna be a big time big game
the last time Iowa beat both Indiana and Maryland in the same season....
Iowa went to Indianapolis.

 

[Walleye70]

Hope #30 takes better angles on his one on one duties on sweeps etc as he lost his jock several times

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

looking at conference only stats:

scoring offense
Iowa 35.7
Maryland 32.3
pretty even

scoring defense
Iowa 25.0
Maryland 20.7
Maryland decisive advantage

total offense
Iowa 434.3
Maryland 342.3
slight advantage Iowa

total defense
Iowa 355.0
Maryland 302.3
major advantage Maryland

rush offense
Iowa 137.7
Maryland 250.7
incredible advantage Maryland

rush defense
Iowa 121.0
Maryland 145.3
about the same

pass offense
Iowa 296.7
Maryland 91.7
little bit of an advantage for Iowa but with crazy winds forecasted for Saturday you can probably thrown these numbers out.

pass defense
Iowa 234.0
Maryland 157.0
amazing advantage Maryland

turnovers
Iowa has turned the ball over 6 times... and created 6 turnovers
Maryland has created 9 turnovers and only turned the ball over twice
scary advantage Maryland

this is gonna be a big time big game
the last time Iowa beat both Indiana and Maryland in the same season....
Iowa went to Indianapolis.

I understand that you're trying to measure the expectations here ... and encourage a respect for Maryland. Your most significant warning that ought to be heeded is that Maryland's turnover margin really is SCARY! Besides ... you always should respect your opponent too.

Rather than exaggerating some of the contrasting numbers .... if I were you, I would have also mentioned how prepping for Maryland is a truly unique prep for the Hawks. However, in contrast, Maryland already played Michigan earlier ... and, in terms of style of play, Iowa and Michigan are pretty similar. Thus, in many respects, Maryland has a head start in terms of prep.

I'd also play up the difference in speed. Given how Maryland has recruited ... they ought to have a significant advantage in terms of speed over the Hawks. If Maryland screws up ... Iowa might get a big play ... but our inferior speed likely implies that it won't produce a score (at least, not automatically). In contrast, the margin for error for the Hawks gets further reduced ... you screw up, it can automatically equate to points for the Terrapins.

Also, the relative strength of schedule isn't too terribly dissimilar ... Maryland facing Michigan and Minnesota ... and that stacks up pretty comparably to Iowa facing Wisconsin and Minnesota. Although Michigan has the advantage over Wisconsin ... Maryland cannot hide the fact that they've also played Rutgers ... and they're arguably the worst P5 program in the nation.

Anyhow, the comparability in terms of strength of their conference slate lends some credibility in your recognition of the relative success of the Maryland D. 302 vs 355 yards on total D is a nontrivial advantage.

However, I'd also point to the Iowa's passing advantage over Maryland being every bit as impressive as Maryland's rushing advantage over Iowa. Besides, their running game has to face off against Iowa's run D. And our passing game has to face off against their pass D. (i.e. comparing Os is a moot comparison ... because it says nothing about the relevant match-ups)

You could try to make an argument about how Iowa and Maryland performed relative to a common opponent. However, if you carefully curate the data ... you realize that the comparisons are only marginally helpful. For instance, Maryland's performance against the Gophers helped the Gophers to shore-up their run D. Subsequently, the Gophers have played exceedingly strong run D against both Iowa and Ohio State! Similarly, it was clear that the Gopher's mistakes might also serves as lessons for the Hawks. Iowa will undoubtedly notice the impact that all of Maryland's motion and shifts can have ... and they'll have to game-plan accordingly in order to ensure that they defend the gaps correctly and consistently.

Also, Iowa has the benefit of the tape on how Michigan played Maryland. Apart from a special teams TD ... Maryland didn't do anything against Michigan until the game was essentially already over! Iowa can take some queues on how the Michigan passing game significant gashed the Terrapins in coverage. Obviously, Maryland will anticipate some counters ... but, even then, there is the question on whether they have answers for the mismatches that guys like Fant and Hockenson pose.

Anyhow, you pose some interesting points ... certainly ones that cannot be discounted off hand.

 

[Hawks4Life86]

looking at conference only stats:

scoring offense
Iowa 35.7
Maryland 32.3
pretty even

scoring defense
Iowa 25.0
Maryland 20.7
Maryland decisive advantage

total offense
Iowa 434.3
Maryland 342.3
slight advantage Iowa

total defense
Iowa 355.0
Maryland 302.3
major advantage Maryland

rush offense
Iowa 137.7
Maryland 250.7
incredible advantage Maryland

rush defense
Iowa 121.0
Maryland 145.3
about the same

pass offense
Iowa 296.7
Maryland 91.7
little bit of an advantage for Iowa but with crazy winds forecasted for Saturday you can probably thrown these numbers out.

pass defense
Iowa 234.0
Maryland 157.0
amazing advantage Maryland

turnovers
Iowa has turned the ball over 6 times... and created 6 turnovers
Maryland has created 9 turnovers and only turned the ball over twice
scary advantage Maryland

this is gonna be a big time big game
the last time Iowa beat both Indiana and Maryland in the same season....
Iowa went to Indianapolis.

How is a +92 for Iowa in O only a slight advantage, but a +53 for Maryland in total D a major advantage? You suck at this game.

 

[mrF6n6]

I understand that you're trying to measure the expectations here ... and encourage a respect for Maryland. Your most significant warning that ought to be heeded is that Maryland's turnover margin really is SCARY! Besides ... you always should respect your opponent too.

Rather than exaggerating some of the contrasting numbers .... if I were you, I would have also mentioned how prepping for Maryland is a truly unique prep for the Hawks. However, in contrast, Maryland already played Michigan earlier ... and, in terms of style of play, Iowa and Michigan are pretty similar. Thus, in many respects, Maryland has a head start in terms of prep.

I'd also play up the difference in speed. Given how Maryland has recruited ... they ought to have a significant advantage in terms of speed over the Hawks. If Maryland screws up ... Iowa might get a big play ... but our inferior speed likely implies that it won't produce a score (at least, not automatically). In contrast, the margin for error for the Hawks gets further reduced ... you screw up, it can automatically equate to points for the Terrapins.

Also, the relative strength of schedule isn't too terribly dissimilar ... Maryland facing Michigan and Minnesota ... and that stacks up pretty comparably to Iowa facing Wisconsin and Minnesota. Although Michigan has the advantage over Wisconsin ... Maryland cannot hide the fact that they've also played Rutgers ... and they're arguably the worst P5 program in the nation.

Anyhow, the comparability in terms of strength of their conference slate lends some credibility in your recognition of the relative success of the Maryland D. 302 vs 355 yards on total D is a nontrivial advantage.

However, I'd also point to the Iowa's passing advantage over Maryland being every bit as impressive as Maryland's rushing advantage over Iowa. Besides, their running game has to face off against Iowa's run D. And our passing game has to face off against their pass D. (i.e. comparing Os is a moot comparison ... because it says nothing about the relevant match-ups)

You could try to make an argument about how Iowa and Maryland performed relative to a common opponent. However, if you carefully curate the data ... you realize that the comparisons are only marginally helpful. For instance, Maryland's performance against the Gophers helped the Gophers to shore-up their run D. Subsequently, the Gophers have played exceedingly strong run D against both Iowa and Ohio State! Similarly, it was clear that the Gopher's mistakes might also serves as lessons for the Hawks. Iowa will undoubtedly notice the impact that all of Maryland's motion and shifts can have ... and they'll have to game-plan accordingly in order to ensure that they defend the gaps correctly and consistently.

Also, Iowa has the benefit of the tape on how Michigan played Maryland. Apart from a special teams TD ... Maryland didn't do anything against Michigan until the game was essentially already over! Iowa can take some queues on how the Michigan passing game significant gashed the Terrapins in coverage. Obviously, Maryland will anticipate some counters ... but, even then, there is the question on whether they have answers for the mismatches that guys like Fant and Hockenson pose.

Anyhow, you pose some interesting points ... certainly ones that cannot be discounted off hand.

of those data points that I shared... my interpretation of that data may vary from somebody else's interpretation... but the data is still the same.
I admit I might skew my interpretation to make it seem a little more intriguing... but for me... the single most intriguing factor come Saturday might be the wind...

I remember that 2009 game against Indiana and that was crazy windy... and Ricky Stanzi threw 5 interceptions... all before the 4th quarter IIRC

if we have a tough time throwing the ball.... we might have a tough time running the ball...

and if Maryland is better at running the ball than Iowa is... we could be in trouble.

I'd say our strength on Defense right now is defending the pass.
if we're giving up 7 yards per run... its going to get uncomfortable.

I'd rather us blow this team out of the water... but I don't think anybody should be expecting this..

Maryland has very talented players with a lot of speed... and they have a very aggressive defense...
I think this will be a real challenge for Brian Ferentz and the Iowa offense.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

of those data points that I shared... my interpretation of that data may vary from somebody else's interpretation... but the data is still the same.
I admit I might skew my interpretation to make it seem a little more intriguing... but for me... the single most intriguing factor come Saturday might be the wind...

I remember that 2009 game against Indiana and that was crazy windy... and Ricky Stanzi threw 5 interceptions... all before the 4th quarter IIRC

if we have a tough time throwing the ball.... we might have a tough time running the ball...

and if Maryland is better at running the ball than Iowa is... we could be in trouble.

I'd say our strength on Defense right now is defending the pass.
if we're giving up 7 yards per run... its going to get uncomfortable.

I'd rather us blow this team out of the water... but I don't think anybody should be expecting this..

Maryland has very talented players with a lot of speed... and they have a very aggressive defense...
I think this will be a real challenge for Brian Ferentz and the Iowa offense.

My concern with the passing game is that Maryland's "problem" in pass-D largely deals with coverage between the hashes. While that COULD play to Iowa's advantage ... on a windy day, it could encourage Nate to throw the ball with a little extra mustard ... I know, that is what I would do. The problem is that that increases the odds of a tipped pass ... and that could increase the chances of an INT.

On the flip side ... Iowa players ought to be much more familiar with how the wind conditions affect this within the confines of Kinnick. Thus, that serves as a possible advantage for the Hawks. Whereas, that consideration is decidedly a disadvantage for Maryland.

It's worth noting that Maryland's YPCs are highly skewed by the big runs. If the Hawks can limit the big runs and tackle well ... and play sound, gap-assignment football ... it's possible that the Hawks could severely limit Maryland's O.

If Maryland's running game is slowed ... and the wind conditions make their passing game even more sketchy ... could that not be a definite advantage for the Hawks?

 

[David1979]

Despite Maryland having some big play guys at RB, they are still only the 61st most efficient offense in the country. So as long as Iowa plays D like they have been all season, I don't see a problem. Iowa just needs to not turn the ball over and this should be a comfortable win.
Side Note: Iowa's offense is not the 22nd most efficient offense in the country. And that is after the bad first two games.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I'd say our strength on Defense right now is defending the pass.
if we're giving up 7 yards per run... its going to get uncomfortable.

I'd say that one of the strengths of our D is our pass-rush. However, I'm not certain that I'd go so far as to say that the strength of our D is defending the pass. After all, Iowa beats Wisconsin (even with those bloody turnovers) had we defended against the pass better! We're still painfully young in the back-seven ... but we're also promisingly talented too. However, the youth/inexperience has led to plenty of easy completions to WRs and TEs this season.

You have to remember that the Hawks have started 2 true freshman at CB over the past 2 games! While those guys have performed admirably ... I wouldn't exactly say that their play as been the strength of the D! Furthermore, if you look in terms of production ... UNI's Dunne, Wisconsin's Hornibrook, Minnesota's Annexstad, and Indiana's Ramsey have all produced ABOVE their season averages in terms of passing yardage when facing our Hawkeyes. This is further evidence that defending the pass is still a "work in progress" for our Hawks!

I hope that I can also say that the strength of our DL will also help power us to be an even better run D. We'll see if they can help make it that way ...

 

[BigDelHawk]

Does the fact that Iowa put some Jet sweeps and misdirection into their scheme against Wisconsin help us prepare more easily?

 

[mrF6n6]

My concern with the passing game is that Maryland's "problem" in pass-D largely deals with coverage between the hashes. While that COULD play to Iowa's advantage ... on a windy day, it could encourage Nate to throw the ball with a little extra mustard ... I know, that is what I would do. The problem is that that increases the odds of a tipped pass ... and that could increase the chances of an INT.

On the flip side ... Iowa players ought to be much more familiar with how the wind conditions affect this within the confines of Kinnick. Thus, that serves as a possible advantage for the Hawks. Whereas, that consideration is decidedly a disadvantage for Maryland.

It's worth noting that Maryland's YPCs are highly skewed by the big runs. If the Hawks can limit the big runs and tackle well ... and play sound, gap-assignment football ... it's possible that the Hawks could severely limit Maryland's O.

If Maryland's running game is slowed ... and the wind conditions make their passing game even more sketchy ... could that not be a definite advantage for the Hawks?

well, thats just it... I think... regardless of the wind... if Iowa can stop the run... its all over for the Terrapins... they are the worst passing team in the Big Ten...

91.7 yards per game

if I'm Phil Parker... I load up against the run... make Maryland beat us with the passing game.

I think this is the greatest attribute with the Iowa Hawkeye football team... and that is we are balanced on both sides of the ball... leaving us the flexibility to run the ball.. or to pass the ball... and conversely... to stop the run... or to stop the pass.. not all teams are built like this.

I'm no expert by any means... but... I think it would be interesting to see Stone and Hooker at the safety positions... and 3 linebackers underneath...
I love Jake Gervase... but for this game... I wonder if Stone and Hooker would be better suited to stop the Maryland run game... I could be wrong.

I believe our defense is fundamentally sound when it comes to stopping the run... but we don't want our guys one on one with their ball carriers.
quickness on Defense will be a greater key than straight ahead speed.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

well, thats just it... I think... regardless of the wind... if Iowa can stop the run... its all over for the Terrapins... they are the worst passing team in the Big Ten...

91.7 yards per game

if I'm Phil Parker... I load up against the run... make Maryland beat us with the passing game.

I think this is the greatest attribute with the Iowa Hawkeye football team... and that is we are balanced on both sides of the ball... leaving us the flexibility to run the ball.. or to pass the ball... and conversely... to stop the run... or to stop the pass.. not all teams are built like this.

I'm no expert by any means... but... I think it would be interesting to see Stone and Hooker at the safety positions... and 3 linebackers underneath...
I love Jake Gervase... but for this game... I wonder if Stone and Hooker would be better suited to stop the Maryland run game... I could be wrong.

I believe our defense is fundamentally sound when it comes to stopping the run... but we don't want our guys one on one with their ball carriers.
quickness on Defense will be a greater key than straight ahead speed.

Strong team-D and swarming to the ball will be key. However, equally important is to be disciplined ... because over-pursuit of the ball on misdirection plays can lead to big gainers (and potentially TDs for Maryland's O).

I remember that back in 2014 ... Minnesota exploited what they learned from Iowa's run keys ... and they killed us on the edges and on misdirection plays. I sincerely hope that we've learned our lesson ... and that our guys play with great discipline and with great leverage (both in terms of physical leverage ... and in terms of leverage within the D).

 

[FranklinHawk]

Groshek and Deal still had decent production ... and they're nowhere near being in the Heisman convo. Given the resources we were deploying to slow the run ... it opened us up to the pass. If we're going to do that, I would have hoped that we would have held Groshek and Deal to closer to 3 ypc. The fact that we didn't is more a testament to the Wisconsin OL manhandling our front-7 ... at least to some degree.

Ferentz himself mentioned how our D didn't play as well in that game as they usually do. I don't think that he was only referring to our play in coverage too ... I think that guys didn't squeeze gaps as well as they usually do ... nor did guys fill as well as we usually do. Lastly, tackling wasn't quite as good as usual either. Lots of things that our D had to clean up ... particularly if we want to field a team that can be competitive against ANYBODY!

I guess we can just agree to disagree. Maryland thrives on big plays in the rush game, we didn't give up any to a team with a very good OL and a Heisman contender at RB. That game was certainly not lost by the defense, special teams (turnovers) and (lack of) red zone efficiency cost us the win.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I guess we can just agree to disagree. Maryland thrives on big plays in the rush game, we didn't give up any to a team with a very good OL and a Heisman contender at RB. That game was certainly not lost by the defense, special teams (turnovers) and (lack of) red zone efficiency cost us the win.

I don't entirely disagree with you ... but I really like Iowa's D and I think that they were capable of playing better against the Badgers. Ferentz is on record saying that the D didn't play their best either.

You're right that the Hawks limited Taylor to his lowest YPC of the season (tied with what he got against BYU) ... and his OL played significantly better against Iowa than they did against BYU.

I think that the current Hawk D is capable of living up to an elite standard ... but they're not there yet. But I think that they can if they keep on grinding away at it!

 

[Suterman]

Again, if we are going to have a great year, we don't lose this game...CAN'T lose this game. If we do it's probably another ho-hum 7 or 8 win season. Iowa has a really good team this year and we will handle the Terps fairly easily. Continue with your hand wringing and fretting.

 

[nu2u]

pass offense
Iowa 296.7
Maryland 91.7
little bit of an advantage for Iowa but with crazy winds forecasted for Saturday you can probably thrown these numbers out.

Are you serious? That's a Grand Canyon difference in comparative pass offense, more than 200 yards per game difference.

..... and Iowa's average really doesn't completely reflect how much they have improved through the air recently - 314 yards/4 TDs vs. MN and 320 yards/6TDs vs. Indiana.

Iowa has nearly as many yards passing in just the last two games than Maryland in all 6 of their games so far. Stanley has more pass completions than Hill has pass attempts..... and more than twice the total yards gained 1437 - 654.

I can only assume that your "little bit" comment was an attempt at comedy.

 

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

Is it me or does Maryland’s lines seem super short and bulky?



QUOTE="ghostOfHomer777, post: 5789076, member: 13920"]We know that Maryland had been recruiting like gang-busters for a good number of years ... so the talent-level is most certainly there. If you watch highlights of their play from this year ... they most certainly have some excellent speed at the skill positions.

Also, their D seems like it can be hit or miss ... when it's hitting ... they look awful tough. They seem better at defending the run than the pass. Thus, I could see the match-ups being pretty similar to what we saw against the Gophers ... at least relating to their D versus our O. In other words, I could definitely see them slowing our running game. However, if they slow our running game ... will it be at the expense of defending the pass?

If you see how Maryland fared against Michigan ... Michigan's TE, Gentry, torched them. I don't think that it is hyperbole to fairly state that Iowa's TEs are not only better ... but there may be a decent margin (which is saying something since Michigan has a high-quality duo).

Maryland's O is obviously centered around its running game. Kasim Hill is a quality QB ... a strong kid (a 230 lb QB!) ... he's only be sacked 9 times. However, he's also a pretty young QB. To me, it seems like a pretty tough situation for a young QB to play well in Kinnick against an Iowa D that seems to be improving by the week.

Maryland's O tends to make their hay via the big play ... and Phil Parkers D tends to make its hay by preventing the big play. Maryland has talented guys running the ball ... and some highly touted guys on their OL ... but their passing game is still more than a little under-developed. We're talking about a passing game that is averaging 120 yards per game ... with a 53.4% completion percentage.

You could point to Maryland's victory over Texas .... but that was also a game where Texas had around 100 yards in penalties, 3 turnovers, AND the game was AT Maryland.

I think that Maryland is capable of giving the Hawks one heck of a tussle ... but if the Hawks can approach the game with a laser-sharp focus ... and play smart, tough, and physical football ... the ball they're known to play ... then I really like Iowa's chances in this game![/QUOTE]

 

[mikesright]

Iowa wins big. Iowa’s strength is taking one dimensional teams to the woodshed. Especially run first teams. The Wisconsin game was more about the circumstances than revealing weakness. We played them as well as Michigan did on defense, but giving them extra possessions via turnovers on special teams gave them a gift TD and allowed their OL a huge TOP advantage against our first stringers, not to mention limited our offensive opportunities by the number of possessions and poorer field position.

Wisconsin is also the type that you want to get ahead of them so that their comparable weakness in their passing game is exposed once they can’t be as balanced in playcalling. It also took their best OL in school history to get it ultimately won.

Maryland doesn’t have the talent to do that on offense, and even with the wind I just don’t see Stanley, who has 11 career interceptions, being so loose with the ball when they are on defense. The better defense usually wins these games and our D is 5th best in the country despite the mistakes the last few games we’ve had. Kirk and co will make it a point to be careful with the playcalling to protect the football, and I do expect a grinder of a game in the end. This team is better than you think at running the football though too. It will be a 28-3 type of game and I think as long as we aren’t handing out gift turnovers, we could potentially shut them out. They really don’t threaten in the passing game.

 

[cheerscoach]

That game against Wisconsin is making me more and more upset as time passes. I don't know if anybody agrees with me, or maybe "everybody" does, but Iowa absolutely gave that game away. I realize we can point to Wisconsin's running game that was plowing ahead for 6 yards a pop on first downs (*) and the fact that Hornibrook looked his best that day (*). But the Iowa offense also was moving the ball and did enough, EVEN with the mistakes, to have won that game.

(*) - when the punt return team blew it twice in the span of about 20 minutes of game time, it was really hard for Iowa's defense to regroup and get any adjustments figured out. Plus, the T.O.P. advantages that brought for Wisconsin.

What bothers me is the average fan that just looked at the score would think Wisconsin probably handled us that game. However, anybody that watched it and anybody that bothered to understand what happened in that game would correctly realize that Iowa actually "dominated" them and gave it away in horrific fashion.

The punt return team blew it 3 times in my opinion. You're forgetting the fair catch at the 3 yd. line right before the half. Call a time out before they were punting, let it go into the endzone and then you have a minute an a half of time with one timeout from the 25 to score some more points before half. Yes, we GAVE that game away. But that's football.

 

[chuck285]

Homecoming in Iowa City. The team is riding a tidal wave of momentum. I think the Hawks win by 17.

I love them to win but being realistic I'd love to bet on this 17 points you're giving

 

[chuck285]

The only thing that scares me about Maryland is "How the hell did they beat Texas"? I know they suck but they are in the top 25 just like us.

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

This is a good game to prep for the even more difficult games that lie ahead. Somebody above said it well, the Maryland strengths match our strengths and our strengths are stronger. They have a good but inconsistent O line. We have a better and more consistent and deeper D line. The last few weeks have shown Iowa to have some play makers. Maryland will pull its D up to stop the run and/or contain the TEs. This will be another high scoring game. I'm thinking Iowa in the high 30s-law 40s and Maryland at mid 20s to low 30s.

This should be a fun but comfortable win.

 

[Birky]

The only thing that scares me about Maryland is "How the hell did they beat Texas"? I know they suck but they are in the top 25 just like us.

Maryland won the turnover battle 3-0.

 

[unoHawkeye]

How is a +92 for Iowa in O only a slight advantage, but a +53 for Maryland in total D a major advantage? You suck at this game.

And +200 in pass offense is a “little bit” of an advantage for Iowa

 

[hexumhawk]

If our offense shows up and we get up on them early, goodnight. I like our D against their scheme.

 

[desihawk]

Special teams will also be key. Their return guy is better than stefon Diggs was. Not sure if I have my facts right (I could be wrong) but in the game against MD that we lost, Diggs torched us on returns. Genuinely speedy teams like this have been known to give Iowa fits, so glad this is in Kinnick.

 

[mrF6n6]

Special teams will also be key. Their return guy is better than stefon Diggs was. Not sure if I have my facts right (I could be wrong) but in the game against MD that we lost, Diggs torched us on returns. Genuinely speedy teams like this have been known to give Iowa fits, so glad this is in Kinnick.

that is the other interesting component to this game...
they are saying there will be 30 mph wind gusts during this game....
that probably means we won't be able to kick the ball out of the end zone.
which would mean Maryland will have opportunities to return kicks...

and Maryland has a decisive advantage in kick returns during conference play so far...
Maryland averages 27.4 yards per kick return with 1 touchdown so far this year...
meanwhile Iowa has no touchdowns on kick returns and average 34.0 per return.

also.... I hope our punt game doesn't get all screwy... especially in this one...
Maryland averages a booming 41.4 yards per punt to Iowa's measly 37.6 yards per punt...
pretty scary stuff if you think about it.

another determining factor will be penalties...
Maryland has been penalized 31 times in 3 games...
which mean they are probably committing a penalty on every play... just not getting called for it.... this would explain why folks say Maryland is extremely aggressive on defense.

so this will be an opportunity for the Refs to stick it to the Hawkeyes....
and one more thing.. people on twitter are saying its an Iowa thing to lose a game like this... and they expect Maryland to upset the Hawkeyes.

this thing has got my blood pressure rising already.