We have to stop Barkley as our first priority.

[Hawk68]

By the way, I am proud to say this is my 65th year since attending my first game at (now) Kinnick stadium. I lived in a Quonset hut about 100 yards West of the stadium as my father returned from the service and attended dental school. He and some other fathers dumped us in the "knothole" section with an older chaperone.

Meanwhile, back to my post. I don't believe we can play our 4-3 defense expecting the LB's to both stop the run and also pass protect. I thought Hayden had a good defensive scheme which he called the 5-2, but it was really a 3-4 but he lined 5 players at the line of scrimmage and the offense never knew how many were coming. I will admit that most years he had some damn good players. However, we need the LB's near the line of scrimmage on most downs and let the DB's do the best they can. With PSU's big line and great back, we have to let their QB try to beat us.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

That's a turrible thing to say

 

[IC Hawks]

I just want to say congratulations on your 65th year of Hawkeye fandom. Often seen pics of said huts but never heard from anyone who lived in them. I bet some of your best memories come from that experience.

 

[Hawk68]

I just want to say congratulations on your 65th year of Hawkeye fandom. Often seen pics of said huts but never heard from anyone who lived in them. I bet some of your best memories come from that experience.

It was interesting and fun. Went to many practices and both the coaches and players treated me nicely. The practice field was next to the stadium at the time. I remember walking through the snow to BB games also.

 

[ANYCHawk]

See I'm of the opposite mind.

You're not going stop Barkley. He's too good. Therefore Let him get his and as much as he wants. Stop everything else.

 

[Hawk68]

See I'm of the opposite mind.

You're not going stop Barkley. He's too good. Therefore Let him get his and as much as he wants. Stop everything else.

As Woodey used to say, "When you pass, three things can happen and two are bad."

 

[pharmdfd]

Hopefully Brian brings the Belichick philosophy to Iowa - take the best player out of the game and make the rest beat you.

 

[CampbellLION]

See I'm of the opposite mind.

You're not going stop Barkley. He's too good. Therefore Let him get his and as much as he wants. Stop everything else.

The Iowa game last year was the first and probably only game last year that Barkley took over and Iowa was probably the only team that played the two high safeties throughout the game and didn't really focus on stopping Barkley. Most teams have two linebackers shadow Barkley and attack the line with play action. He normally is quiet most the game then breaks out for 2-3 big plays. I can't imagine Ferentz tries the same defensive strategy this year or the outcome will be very similar.

 

[CAhawki]

I would be shocked if the Hawks deviated from their base. 4-3 all day every day. The devil is in the details. Hawks need to be sharp on Saturday to have a chance.

 

[wcbtee]

I am hoping we bring Bob Sanders back for the game and PSU let's us play with 12 guys on D. Since this is unlikely, I see the following:

Positives

• PSU's first road game & they haven't been tested this year
• Motivation from last years beat down has to be strong
• Home game, electric crowd @Night.
• Wadley has to be sky high for this game on the big stage, this is his night!
• GDGD is gone, we will not be as predictable as last year
• Time of possession is in our favor. PSU scores quickly and forces their D to be on the field for much of the game.
• Barkley and McSorely represent the vast majority of the run game and Barley is 1/4 of their passing yards. We need to limit these two (stopping is not possible), minimize the big plays.
• Stop the QB scrambles on third down to extend drives and put the ball back in Stanley's hands.

Cons

• Barkley is as good as there is this year, he will make our D look bad several times on Saturday. I am not sure we have an answer for him. Can't have a repeat of the Rose Bowl, I still have nightmares.
• McSorely can pass and run, that is tough for any defense, but especially ours.
• Our tackling in open space has been spotty to put it kindly, this has to be cleaned up or we could see a repeat of last year.

PSU scores quickly & it's going to be a warm night. We have to tackle better, limit turnovers and control the ball (Ferentz 101). They will score, we need to eat up clock, keep their D on the field much of the night and keep it close going into the 4th qtr. Here's hoping I am standing on the field after the game with a huge smile on my face!