Bleacher Report - Iowa Hawkeyes Football

Where the 2009 Hawkeyes Rank Among Iowa’s Best College Football Seasons

Bret Feddern — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:34:53 -0500

The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes football season has been something special. The team started off with a nine-game, memory-making win streak to go down as the best start in Iowa football history. The team currently sits at 9-2, with an outside chance at a BCS bowl game (Fiesta). While the season isn't over, it is clear this Hawkeye team has been special. Now, it is time to see how this year's team ranks with the rest of the great Iowa Hawkeye football seasons.

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Big Weekend for Hawkeyes Gets Bigger with Recruiting Visits

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:13:34 -0500

The Iowa Hawkeyes are getting ready for the biggest weekend of their season thus far. A home game against Minnesota is the last chance they have to potentially earn a bid for a share of the Big Ten title after two straight losses to Ohio State and Northwestern.

Now, arguably the biggest weekend of the season just got a little bit bigger.

Seantrel Henderson, the nation's top prospect according to Rivals.com, will be visiting Iowa City this weekend to watch the Hawkeyes finish out their regular season against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

It does not end there.

Four-star tight end prospect C.J. Fiedorowicz, a 6'7" pass catching specialist out of Illinois, will also be making an appearance in Iowa City after already verbally committing to Illinois earlier this season.

Henderson, and offensive lineman out of St. Paul, MN is a massive offensive lineman prospect who has received offers from nearly every major program in the country.

At 6'8", he has the frame to grow and become a dominant offensive lineman at the next level, something which the Hawkeyes could certainly use to protect quarterback Ricky Stanzi a bit better next season.

Fiedorowicz would be a huge signing because redshirt senior tight end Tony Moeaki will be heading to the NFL after the Hawkeyes' bowl game this season.

Iowa already has a very solid young core of players, and adding even one of these special prospects would be a big boost for this team.

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Bergwood Goes Tailgating in Iowa City for "Proposition Safety"

Bret Feddern — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:23:35 -0500

His name is Bergwood.

He is a self-proclaimed college football expert who loves bacon, Bobby Bowden, and tailgating.

Anyone who has watched football on Saturdays over the last four years has undoubtedly seen one of Allstate's infamous commercials featuring the insurance liability Bergwood.

In one of the more recent Allstate commercials, Bergwood declares that he has never really been a fan of tartar sauce. Who can blame him?

In another, he decides to try his hand at streaking through a parking lot, Frank the Tank style.

He is one of college football's most eclectic personalities. So it comes as no surprise to learn that he is organizing something called "Proposition Safety," a movement to increase the point value of a safety.

Don't let his quirks and quarks fool you because he might be on to something.

A safety in college football is fairly rare and is the only means by which a team not in possession of the football can score points. Safeties can occur in a variety of ways, most commonly when an opponent in possession of the ball is tackled in their own end zone.

If a safety is one of the rarest plays in college football, why is it worth less than a touchdown or field goal?

Bergwood is posing that very same question to college football fans across the country as he rallies support for "Proposition Safety," a national campaign to increase the value of a safety from two points to eight points. The petition currently has over 3,000 signatures.

Why change it to eight points, some might ask?

"Well, because I like snowmen," Bergwood explained in a recent phone interview. "Just the shape of it looked really good."

Did you really expect a more logical answer from a guy who plays Meat Slap in parking lots before football games?

As part of Rivalry Week, Bergwood will be at Kinnick Stadium's Krause Family Plaza on Saturday from 8-11 a.m. promoting the Allstate Tailgate Tour. He'll be inviting fans to support "Proposition Safety" by signing their names to his giant clipboard while he cooks on his replica Bobby Bowden grill.

Bergwood will also be at the Iowa-Minnesota game, cheering for the Hawkeyes.

"Well, ya got a red shirt freshman quarterback making his second start after an impressive one in Columbus. Then, the Gophers got a veteran quarterback who squeaked out a win against what, North Dakota State Tech A&M? And last year's score of double nickel to donut...ya, let's hope for a repeat."

Turkey wing in hand, the tailgating aficionado should fit right in with the crazies on Melrose Avenue this weekend, as the Hawkeye faithful are no strangers to the pregame festivities and share Bergwood's love of meat.

He might fit in for another reason too.

"Well, I have this identical cousin of mine that is a big Hawkeye fan," explained Bergwood during the phone interview.

The identical cousin he mentions is none other than the real version of himself, Andrew Hawtrey .

Hawtrey was born and raised in Iowa City. He lived across the street from Kinnick Stadium, where he helped clean up after Hawkeye games, and graduated from City High School.

He worships Hayden Fry in real life, like Bergwood worships Bobby Bowden in the commercials.

He told Sports Illustrated during an interview a few years ago, "Coach Hayden Fry is my college football God and I bow at his alter. I would be breathless if I were even able to get close enough to touch him. I am so jazzed right now talking about coach Fry so much I'm going to go kick some field goals and imagine myself being Rob Houghtlin winning the 1985 Michigan game with two seconds left on the clock."

While he will be in character this Saturday, it won't stop Hawkeye fans from expressing their appreciation to Hawtrey. Everyone in Iowa loves Bergwood.

The more you learn about Hawtrey, the more you wonder if the Melrose Mafia tailgaters are the inspiration behind his character. You also begin to wonder how much of an act the Bergwood character really is.

Hey, growing up in Iowa can do strange things to a person.

I should know. Da Gum!!

This article is also featured on IowaHawkeyes.Net , a nerd's blog dedicated to all that is Hawkeye.

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Iowa's Vandenberg Deserves Plenty of Credit for Performance at Ohio State

Michael Maxwell — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:59:03 -0500

Football is the ultimate team sport. A bunch of great individuals won’t get anywhere unless they work together as a team. One look no further than Notre Dame over the last several years—they get their pick of the best individual talent in the nation, yet have struggled to stay in the upper echelons of college football.

Over the years, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has shown an incredible knack for getting the most out of the talent he has, but more importantly, for getting his guys to buy into the team concept. I often wonder what Ferentz could do with the talent of teams like Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, or Michigan, but that is a story for another time.

Of course, a large part of the credit for James Vandenberg’s successful debut as a starting quarterback under the glare of Ohio Stadium goes to Vandenberg himself. It is clear that he prepared as hard as he could in the week leading up to the game. He was the first one in and the last one out of Iowa’s football complex throughout the week. For a quarterback, it is that mental preparation that is at least as important as the physical.

Vandenberg has acknowledged that starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi also played an important role in preparing for the Buckeyes. Even with the ankle that was swelling up like a balloon, Stanzi helped Vandenberg break down film early in the week. Stanzi felt like that was his duty, as a good teammate.

It was great to see genuine emotion from Stanzi towards Vandenberg on the sidelines during the game, as Vandenberg continued to zip pass after pass into his receivers. That is a side of Stanzi that we rarely got to see this year, as his leadership style on the field isn’t exactly the rah-rah approach.

A quarterback must get the proper protection to be successful. Without question, the Iowa offensive line turned in one of their most stellar performances of the entire year against Ohio St. It seemed as thought that group really rallied around Vandenberg’s baptism by fire. The fact that it was against the No. 1 ranked defense in the Big 10 made it all the more impressive.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, I think a large amount of credit for Vandenberg’s solid debut lies with his position coach. While probably known more for his title as offensive coordinator, some forget that none other than Ken O’Keefe is also quarterbacks coach.

Think about how lost Vandenberg looked against Northwestern, compared to how poised he looked at Ohio State. He obviously is the same guy. Well then, what is the primary difference from one week to the other?

The difference is that he had the benefit of a full week of practice with the first team and plenty of guidance from his position coach during the week. A guy doesn’t improve that much without soaking in an awful lot from his position coach.

Vandenberg made the right defensive reads, coordinated the proper pass protection with his o-line and running backs, and knew the routes of his receivers. These mental tasks are all things that are imparted on a quarterback by the coaching staff.

While O’Keefe often seems to be a whipping boy for disgruntled fans frustrated with his seemingly unimaginative and predictable play calling, I think you need to separate all that from his ability to serve as a mentor for his quarterbacks. Feel free to blame O’Keefe for the play calling, if you wish, but please also be sure to give credit where credit is due.

O’Keefe has been with Ferentz from the beginning and a guy like Ferentz isn’t going to keep a guy around for that long unless he is a key contributor.

Another great thing about football is the opportunity to prove yourself again the next week. Many quarterbacks at many levels of football have had one decent game. Vandenberg gets his second career start against Minnesota on Saturday.

Maintaining that high level of play will be the challenge for Vandenberg, his teammates, and coaches against Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday.

If the last two weeks have shown us anything, it is that the Hawekeyes must be firing on all cylinders in all three phases of the game if they expect to win. Anything less, and the team runs the risk of taking a three-game losing streak into the long layoff before the bowl game.

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Will No. 13 Iowa Impose Another Beatdown on the Minnesota Gophers?

Kevin Lindsey — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:45:54 -0500

Last year Minnesota arguably suffered the worst loss in school history when Iowa beat the Gophers 55-0 in the last game of the season before the Minnesota faithful. The score does not reflect how lopsided the game was for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa beat Minnesota in all phases of the game.

Iowa scored on 8 of their 12 offensive possessions. The offensive attack was balanced as Iowa gained 261 yards through the air and 222 yards on the ground.

Iowa’s only three-and-out occurred in the fourth quarter and after they had already scored 55 points.

Iowa’s defense stifled the Gophers holding them to a total of 134 yards and six first downs. On the ground, Minnesota was hapless gaining only 7 yards on 21 carriers.

The cherry on the top for Iowa’s defense was Amari Spievey’s 57 yard interception which was returned for a touchdown.

Iowa’s fans were so excited about beating up the Gophers that they actually tried to take the field goal posts out of the revolving doors of the Metrodome.

The final curtain call for Minnesota in the Metrodome was simply horrendous.

One year later, Minnesota has a chance to get revenge. Make no mistake; this week’s game with Iowa is “the game” for the Minnesota Gophers and their fans.

In going to Iowa City, Minnesota senior linebacker Simoni Lawrence understands that his team has “to go in there angry. We have to go in and earn respect back.”

When Lawrence meets with fans and asks them if you could beat either Wisconsin or Iowa, who would it be? Lawrence says, “Everybody always says Iowa, I’m going to try and get everybody as geeked up as possible for this game.”

Generally, you say when a team won the week before you say that they have momentum. Conversely, when a team loses the week before you say they have to regroup.

The above adage however in this rivalry is turned on its head this week. Minnesota despite winning is in a tail-spin and Iowa coming off a loss has momentum.

Minnesota won but its offense looked dreadful against FCS school South Dakota State as the only Gopher touchdown came on defense.

The offense had 16 possessions and only one possession went beyond 35 yards. Minnesota gained less than 10 yards on seven of their possessions. On two possessions, the Gophers lost yardage.

Late in the fourth quarter, Minnesota’s offensive unit had a chance to redeem themselves after the defense recovered a fumble on the Jack-rabbit 11 yard line.

Instead of Minnesota’s offensive line pounding the Jack-rabbits into submission, the Gophers managed only three yards and had to settle for the go ahead field goal.

Minnesota’s lackluster effort appears to be as a result of its hangover from its loss last week to Illinois in which they quickly fell behind 28-7 at halftime.

Signs have started popping up in TCF stadium asking “Got Dungy” suggesting that Minnesota should replace coach Tim Brewster with Minnesota Alum and coaching legend Tony Dungy.

Iowa in its loss to Ohio State gave its fans hope that they would be enjoying the holidays watching their team play in a BCS bowl.

Many pundits felt that the Hawks would crumble against the Buckeyes with their second string quarterback, James Vandenberg, leading them into battle. Once again, the pundits underestimated the talent and heart of the Iowa football team.

Vandenberg was simply outstanding. The Iowa coaching staff deserves some credit as well as Vandenberg was clearly confident in the pocket as he knew what he wanted to do and he knew what Ohio State was going to throw at him.

Vandenberg completed his first seven passes. His eighth pass should have been caught for a touchdown as he hit his target on the numbers. Vandenberg demonstrated that he has the physical tools to play quarterback.

The most promising aspect of Vandenberg’s game however was the late game adjustments he made after the Buckeyes changed their approach.

With Iowa down a touchdown with only 7:11 in the fourth quarter on the Iowa 30, Vandenberg lead the team on a game tying score. On the game-tying drive, Vandenberg was 5 for 5 throwing for 61 yards.

This week’s game should be close as the seniors on Minnesota have a lot of pride on the line to show that last year was a fluke.

Unfortunately, Minnesota has squandered too many opportunities this year to cause anyone to think that this will be a close game.

Minnesota has been a one-dimensional team all year relying heavily on their passing game to move the ball. The last two weeks Minnesota’s passing game has struggled.

Expect the trend to continue as Iowa comes into the game with the best pass defense in the league. The Hawkeyes held the Buckeyes to only 93 yards through the air last week.

Running the ball will also be miserable for the Gophers as they rank last in the Big Ten in rushing.

Iowa has held 7 of its opponents to 17 or fewer points this season. Minnesota will struggle to score points against Iowa and will join the 17 and under club.

Unlike Minnesota, Iowa has taken advantage of most of their opportunities on their way to a 9-2 record.

The offense, defense and special teams have all stepped up to make big plays during the season. Last week, the special teams unit of Iowa returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Iowa doesn’t have an outstanding running attack but Iowa did a good job mixing in passing and running plays against Ohio State. Iowa should have more success running the ball against the Gophers run defense than they had against the Buckeyes.

Minnesota’s run defense is ranked seventh in the Big Ten.

Iowa will benefit playing at home as Vandenberg’s confidence at quarterback will grow in front of a warm fan friendly crowd.

While it is hard to imagine Iowa’s offense scoring 48 points like last year it is not difficult to imagine Iowa scoring more than 17 points especially if the defense provides the offense with a short field on a couple of occasions.

Minnesota and Iowa are two teams that appear headed in opposite directions. The Gophers appear lost. The Hawks appear hungry.

If the teams play with the same level of energy as they played last week, Iowa could blow out the Gophers by more than 20 points and Coach Brewster’s next game could determine if he comes back next year.

Minnesota hasn’t won in Iowa City since 1999 and this year won’t be any different as Iowa gets past the Gophers, 27-13.

At least this year, the Gophers won’t have to watch Iowa’s fans attempt to take their goal posts.

Read more Iowa Hawkeyes Football news on BleacherReport.com

Zultan's Fearless Big Ten Plus Football Predictions: Week 12

J.A. Allen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:53:48 -0500

Don’t be sad. It had to happen.

Zultan faces the inevitable end of the season. Soon you will not have the all-seeing one to kick around anymore to paraphrase the often hilarious Richard Nixon! This is Zultan’s last regular fearless prediction column of 2009. Hibernation mercifully awaits.

Last week, the seer went six of 10, missing wins by Northwestern at Illinois, Michigan State at Purdue, Ohio State over Iowa (sigh), and Stanford’s annihilation of USC—whoa! Year to date, Zultan clings to a 72 percent win percentage[73 of 101].

This is your last chance to enter the drawing for a $50 Best Buy Gift card by clicking here to enter your own predictions. If you outguess the mighty Zultan, your name will be placed in the drawing along with all those who have surpassed Zultan on the season.

The winner will be announced on Nov. 24 in a special feature on the web site Sports Now and Then, the sponsors of this contest.

Zultan may consider forecasting bowl winners if the hue and outcry for his return is great enough. You may let me know in your own inimitable style.

In the meantime, there are upcoming games to predict with much still at stake in the Big Ten and the rest of college football.

(1) No. 10 Ohio State at Michigan

This contest was once the climax of the Big Ten season between the two top dogs in the conference with the winner going to the Rose Bowl, often to be shellacked by the Pac-10 representative. Ohio State and Michigan were known as the “Big Two” and this was “The Game.” In 2000, ESPN ranked it as the top North American sports rivalry. Ah, how the mighty have fallen.

This year it is a study in contrast—the top and the bottom, the beginning and the end. It is the beginning of another BCS Bowl bid for the Buckeyes and the end of another dismal season for the once mighty Wolverines.

Makes you feel like “Taps” at the start of the game is the only appropriate “marching” song. Zultan says Ohio State wins this one on the road.

(2) Minnesota at No. 13 Iowa

This traditional end of the season game between Iowa and Minnesota determines who will hoist the prized bronze pig. That in itself is no easy matter. The true story of the “Floyd of Rosedale ” trophy would indeed make a heart-wrenching musical comedy. Remind Zultan to tell it to you someday.

Both Iowa and Minnesota are bowl eligible this year; but Iowa must make a statement in this game to get the bowl selection committees to pay attention to their stellar season. Iowa has many big wins, but they have not been rewarded in the polls. Zultan picks Iowa to win this game in Kinnick Stadium and to retain the bronze pig for another year.

(3) No. 16 Wisconsin at Northwestern

This last weekend of action is replete with Big Ten showdowns on the road. The contest between Wisconsin and Northwestern is the first one up. Granted both teams are already bowl eligible, but now is the time to ratchet up the substance meter and add to the “wow” factor. It is imperative to make the bowls pay attention and beg you to play in their stadium.

A win by Northwestern could move them up the line toward a date on New Year’s day. You can bet that a loss by Wisconsin would send the Badgers further down into the obscurity pit. Wisconsin has been steady in the pocket all season. Zultan counts on the Badgers to continue by winning this one on the road.

(4) Purdue at Indiana

Neither of these teams have anything to play for but pride and an “Old Oaken Bucket.” Their seasons are marked with outstanding play in bursts, but an inability to play consistently from beginning to end. Success, as we know, is attained in the details. In the trenches fighting for inches.

Purdue has defeated Ohio State and Michigan in one year. Purdue is the only Big Ten team that has managed to defeat the mighty Buckeyes. Indiana has come close, but has only defeated one Big Ten foe in 2009, Illinois. This one is pretty much a toss up according to odds-makers, but based on Purdue's success, Zultan must give the nod to Purdue to win this one and come within a whisper of having a winning season.

(5) No. 14 Penn State at Michigan State

Penn State must win this game in East Lansing against the Michigan State Spartans. Otherwise, their bowl aura will be tarnished with a 9- 3 record, instead of 10- 2. One suggests an “OK” season, while the other promises delivery of top-notch gridiron feats.

Michigan State, on the other hand, will be hard-pressed to sell out stadiums with a record of 6-6. They could very well entice a few more spectators with a 7-5 season and a winning conference record.

This year, the Spartan defense has often let them down. On the other hand, the Penn State offense failed to jell when pressed by good defenses such as those of Ohio State and Iowa. Zultan feels that Penn State should prevail in another one of the problematic road games this coming weekend.

(6) No. 25 Cal at No. 17 Stanford

What idiot would bet against Stanford at home? Certainly not Zultan. Not after the humiliation of last week when the Cardinal beat down USC by a score of 55-21. Somebody must have laced the Cardinal's cinnamon oatmeal with Muscle Milk, as the Stanford squad made sure the USC body was not moving before they left the field of play.

I wonder if there was some sort of special incentive, beyond the normal one of winning at all costs that caused such an explosion of scoring. Expect Jim Harbaugh to become the next hot coaching commodity.

This week, Tiger Woods has been named honorary captain for the game against the No. 25 ranked Cal Bears. Expect Stanford to prevail and wait for their bowl invitations to come flooding in.

(7) No. 11 Oregon at Arizona

This is another tough road contest to call. Oregon can feel the hot breath of Stanford on their necks, because if they lose on Saturday to Arizona, or the following weekend to Oregon State, Stanford could steal the conference championship away—that is assuming Stanford wins on Saturday and follows that up with a win against Notre Dame.

Both are vying for a trip to Pasadena to meet the Big Ten winner. Right now the Oregon Ducks hold destiny on their own wings. If they win out, they win the conference. But that is the rub—winning out. Arizona is perfect at home.

They love their own playground and play excellent defense. Oregon may be cracking under the pressure. But Ducks prefer flying into the wind. Zultan foresees them beating the Wildcats at home.

(8) Oklahoma at Texas Tech

Going to Lubbock, Texas—sounds like a John Travolta flick featuring a Texas Two-Step sound track, or a Waylon Jennings plaintive love song. It will be none of these things on Saturday. It will be a struggle of a top-notch defense against a high scoring offense.

Oklahoma, banged-up, bruised, and broken, will put the pieces back together again for another road trip deep in the Big 12 South, where the home crowds are loud and the refs don’t always see.

The stakes are high for both teams—Zultan likes Oklahoma and picks them to take Texas Tech at home.

(9) No. 8 LSU at Mississippi

Notice that Zultan did not shy away from the tough picks this week. This one tops them all, as these two SEC teams battle it out. LSU and Mississippi can both break you with their defense—suffocating and aggressive.

But LSU has suffered some key injuries that hurt them, and they will not have RB Charles Scott, who suffered a broken collarbone last week. The Tigers may also be without quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

Mississippi has fallen on hard times since the start of the season. But this is an offense with explosive potential led by their quarterback Jevan Snead, once considered a Heisman contender. With the injuries to LSU and with home field advantage, Zultan must pick Mississippi to take this one.

(10) Air Force at No. 22 BYU

BYU was taken by surprise by New Mexico (0-10) winning only 24-19 against a team they should have blown away. Team members are saying that this near disaster was a well-timed wake up call before the Cougars meet tough traditional Mountain West Conference rivals Air Force and Utah.

Air Force will provide a much more diverse and tougher contest against the Cougars who cannot afford to turn the ball over this week. Expect the lesson to be learned. BYU will hold off Air Force and improve their MWC standing.

Last week seven lucky prognosticators bested poor old Zultan. They are to be heartily congratulated for their winning ways! David Eck, Cedar Falls, IA, Mike Vanderver, Howell, MI, and Jason Brown, Hampshire, IL all went 8-2. While Kim Suong, Fort Madison, IA, Daniel Repp, Albuquerque, NM, Craig Fudge, Woodbury, MN, and Ryan Sparrow, Channahon, IL finished 7-3.

Zultan covers the world!

This is your last chance to match wits with the master—so take advantage. He who wades in deep water often gets his feet soaked. Zultan has been wet all season. Take a leap. See if you can beat him before he becomes at one with the wistful fates...

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Mark It Down: 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes Football Season Most Exciting Ever

Michael Maxwell — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:30:13 -0500

The University of Iowa has fielded a varsity football team since 1889. I’m here to tell you that we are all enjoying a truly unique treat this football season, because none of the prior 119 seasons have been as exciting as the current 2009 season.

Go ahead and let that sink in a bit: This is the most exciting Iowa football season...ever.

I personally feel like I can offer a somewhat unique perspective on this, as I just recently authored a book on the history of Iowa Football—The 50 Greatest Plays in Iowa Hawkeyes Football History, published by Triumph Books.

As chronicled in the book, there certainly have been very special autumns on the gridiron in Iowa City in the past:

* Coach Howard Jones led the Hawks to back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1921 and 1922.

* The legendary Nile Kinnick and new coach Dr. Eddie Anderson led a memorable group of previously unheralded “iron men” to national prominence in the fall of 1939, with Kinnick capturing the Heisman Trophy in the process.

* The great Forest Evashevski treated Hawkdom to two decisive Rose Bowl victories in the late 1950s, including recognition from the Football Writers Association as a National Champion in 1958.

* The legendary Hayden Fry presided over no less than three Rose Bowl teams during his colorful tenure during the 1980s and 1990s.

* Finally, Hayden protégé Kirk Ferentz has kept the great Iowa football tradition as strong as ever during many memorable campaigns in the 2000s, including two Big Ten Titles, a BCS bowl game out of nowhere during the 2002 season, and an improbable finish to the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day 2005.

Yet none of the memorable and exciting past seasons taken as a whole can hold a candle to the entire body of work included so far in the 2009 season.

It started right from the opening bell at Kinnick Stadium, when Iowa needed not one, but two blocked field goals in the final seconds to hold off a gritty Northern Iowa team 17-16. It was the first time in the history of NCAA football that a game had ever ended on two consecutive blocked field goals. Iowa started 1-0, and that was all that mattered.

Relatively comfortable wins at Iowa State and at home against Arizona preceded the Big Ten opener at then-No. 5 Penn State. It was a memorable game played at night in a rainstorm in front of a national TV audience.

The Hawks got off to an inauspicious start, giving up a long TD pass to Penn St. on the Lions’ opening offensive play from scrimmage. Penn St. extended the lead to 10-0 before Iowa began to methodically claw its way back.

The Hawks took the lead for good at 11-10 on a blocked punt by defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn—a play that amazingly wasn’t even a designed punt block. The Hawks dominated play the rest of the way, forcing three Penn St. turnovers in the fourth quarter on their way to a 21-10 come-from-behind victory.

The Hawks took care of business at Kinnick against Arkansas St. before entertaining once mighty Michigan on homecoming. It was another night game and another performance for the ages.

Ricky Stanzi’s first pass was intercepted and returned for a very quick TD and 7-0 Michigan lead. However, Stanzi showed remarkable resiliency—a theme that would come up time and time again in reference to this team—in leading the Hawks to an eventual 30-28 win to run their record to 6-0.

This Iowa team was just getting started.

The next week, at Wisconsin, Iowa again spotted the Badgers a 10-0 lead before following the same script at Penn St. three weeks earlier. Iowa scored the game’s final 20 points to win 20-10. The team battled not only the Badgers, but also the flu bug in a gutty win.

A trip to East Lansing, MI was next—another night game, no less. In a typical down and dirty Big Ten grudge match, points were at a premium. But when the Spartans scored the game’s first touchdown to take a 13-9 lead with just 1:37 remaining, it looked awfully grim for the Hawks.

Led by Stanzi, the offense put together one of the more memorable drives in Hawkeye history, which culminated with a quick slant TD pass to Marvin McNutt on the game’s final play. The Hawks had reached a school record 8-0 start. Could it actually get even more exciting than this?

Stunningly, it would the next week at home vs. Indiana.

It was Halloween, and the ghosts and goblins were wreaking havoc with the Iowa team as it sleepwalked through a sluggish first half. Indiana was threatening to build on a 21-7 lead when it faced third down and goal deep in Iowa territory.

What happened next is one of the flukiest plays in the history of college football. Blitzing Iowa safety Tyler Sash was able to grab a football in the offensive backfield that pinballed off at least four different players after leaving Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell’s hand and return it 86 yards the other way for a touchdown.

This single play perhaps epitomized Iowa’s first nine games of the season unlike any other.

That possible 14-point swing was a major difference maker. However, even after that play, Stanzi managed to throw two more interceptions later in the third quarter. So things were still looking bleak when Iowa took over for its first offensive possession in the fourth quarter, still trailing 24-14.

Somehow, Stanzi was able to flip the switch as he hooked up with McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for TD passes of 92 yards and 66 yards on back to back plays, no less. Iowa was on its way to a 9-0 start.

There just weren’t enough superlatives in the dictionary to characterize what these Hawks were doing. Iowa radio color commentator Ed Podolak joked that he needed to be sure his heart medication was close by in the booth. It certainly had been that type of season!

Not sure that you could characterize the Northwestern game as particularly exciting, as Iowa suffered its first loss of the season, but it did set up probably the most exciting game situation of the season the following week at Ohio St. Of course, it was the injury to Stanzi that would set the stage for probably the most exciting game of the year.

Ohio State’s win over Penn State, coupled with Iowa’s loss to Northwestern, meant that the winner of the Iowa-Ohio St. game would be guaranteed the Big Ten’s slot in the BCS—almost assuredly a Rose Bowl bid. Seldom-used redshirt freshman James Vandenberg was thrust into duty at the Big Horseshoe, and boy, did he ever put on a show.

Coming in as 17-point underdogs, Iowa battled to a 10-10 tie into the fourth quarter before the Bucks rattled off consecutive touchdowns to extend to a 24-10 lead with 11:11 to play. In yet another key play of the season, Johnson-Koulianos returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards to pull Iowa to within a touchdown.

Vandenberg would lead Iowa on a long TD drive to tie the score with just over two minutes to play on a beautiful fade pattern to McNutt.

Sadly, the magic ended in overtime as Iowa could not advance the ball beyond the 25 and had to settle for a desperation Hail Mary pass on fourth and forever. A 39-yard field goal from Ohio St. would send the Buckeyes to their first Rose Bowl since the 1996 season.

The 50 Greatest Plays book was published before the 2009 season began. I rarely do a media interview on the book these days when I’m not asked which plays that have happened since the book was published might warrant inclusion in a future update of the list of 50 Greatest Plays.

I won’t get into those details here, but suffice to say, there is no shortage of plays from the 2009 season to choose from. I would suspect that at least a half dozen or so plays from the 2009 season belong in the list of the top 50.

You put all of the above into a big pot and stir it up, and what do you get? I don’t think there is any question that this is the most exciting Iowa Football season ever— even though this season may not result in a Big Ten Championship.

However, I don’t think that exciting football necessarily needs to coincide with championship football. This 2009 team is a champion in my book, even if they aren’t able to make that claim in the official record books.

You know what the best part of the 2009 season is? The fact that there is still one game remaining against Minnesota at home, followed by a bowl game to be determined. I personally can’t wait to see what this group of fine young men comes up with next.

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All-Big Ten: Defense

Bret Feddern — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:26:13 -0500

The end of another football season is approaching, and most Big Ten teams have their last regular season game this weekend. That means it's time to start compiling the All-Big Ten lists. Since this year appears to be the Year of the Defense in the Big Ten, it seemed fitting to start off with a list of the top defensive players in the conference. Narrowing the list down to a top twelve all-conference team was no easy task, as a number of players around the Big Ten have stepped up big this year. Hence the longer-than-average list of honorable mentions at the end. Nevertheless, the list had to be objectively compiled. So, without further ado, here is the All-Big Ten Defense...

Begin Slideshow

Iowa's BCS Bowl Hopes Still Alive

Hawkeye — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:07:38 -0500

First of all, I want to congratulate the Ohio State football team for an excellent game (the best so far this year, in my opinion), as well as their Big Ten Title, and their Rose Bowl bid. You deserved both of those, and I wish your team the very best the rest of the season.

Now to the rest of the article. After that heartbreaking 27-24 overtime loss that sent the Buckeyes to Pasadena, it may have appeared as if Iowa didn't have a chance to make a BCS Bowl anymore. But now, after some teams around them in the BCS standings lost (USC, Miami FL, Houston, Utah, Arizona), things look much better for the Hawkeyes, who are ranked 13th in the standings released earlier today.

Here's the way I look at it: at least six, almost certainly seven teams will automatically get in (ACC Champ, Big 10 Champ, Big 12 Champ, Big East Champ, Pac 10 Champ, SEC Champ, most likely a non-BCS automatic bid). Then, whoever loses in the SEC Championship Game will almost certainly get in as well. That's eight teams that are in for sure, and two more at-large teams will get in.

The at large teams that will be in consideration will probably be Boise State, Iowa, Penn State, and the loser of the Cincinnati/Pitt game. Now, it's a BCS rule that if a BCS conference has three teams in the Top 15 of the BCS standings, two of those teams must be in BCS bowls. Ohio State, Iowa, and Penn State should all be in the Top 15 at the end of the season, barring an upset. In that situation, either Iowa or Penn State would make a BCS Bowl.

Both schools have well-traveling fan bases, but based on their head-to-head win and Iowa's performance against Ohio State, Iowa is most likely the choice here.

I'm not the only one who thinks this way—SI.com, CBSSports.com, Scout.com and Mark Schlabach on ESPN.com all project Iowa to go to a BCS Bowl (all have them in the Fiesta Bowl versus Boise State except SI.com, who has them in the Orange Bowl versus Georgia Tech).

Iowa has to beat Minnesota in Iowa City this upcoming Saturday. Minnesota struggled to beat South Dakota State, but don't count them out—Iowa has struggled in some way in all of their games but one (versus Iowa State) this season, including an FCS opponent of their own. They need to overcome their back-to-back losses and focus on this game.

It wouldn't hurt if a few teams lost, though. Penn State has yet to play a tough Michigan State team (although Iowa might want to root for the Nittany Lions so they can earn an automatic bid, even if that bid might go to PSU), and Oklahoma State (who is one spot ahead of Iowa in the latest BCS standings) has to travel to Norman, OK to battle Oklahoma. Iowa fans should also root for Cincinnati to beat Pitt, because if they lose the Big East might get two teams in BCS Bowls.

But first and foremost, they must root for their own Hawkeyes to beat Minnesota, because if anyone knows not to assume a victory, it's Iowa.

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Iowa Hawkeyes Fall to Ohio State in Valiant Effort

Tim Weideman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:59:53 -0500

Once again, Ohio State reigns supreme atop the Big Ten after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in overtime, 27-24.

Buckeye Nation stormed the field at the Horseshoe early Saturday evening with roses in hand—and mouth—to join their team in celebration.

In the midst of Ohio State waving the "Best in the Big Ten" banner around the country, be careful not to forget or undermine the efforts of that other team that played in Columbus.

This is a message to the nation:

Don't forget the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Don't forget James Vandenberg's heroic effort, making the first start of his young—and promising—career. Vandenberg put up numbers a fifth-year senior would be hard-pressed to achieve in one of college footballl's toughest venues.

Perhaps the only apparent blemishes were Vandenberg's three interceptions. Well, forgive me if I pass the buck on two of those. One should have been caught and another was merely last-second desperation. It doesn't matter.

Don't forget the man-handling Iowa's offensive line put on Ohio State's offensive line throughout most of the game, allowing Vandenberg to pick out his targets with precision and Iowa running back Adam Robinson to run for 74 yards on 20 carries.

Most of all, don't ever let it pass from your minds the bearing down of an Iowa defense that was supposed to be picked apart, destroyed and left out to dry courtesy of the Ohio State University.

Yes, Ohio State ran for well over 229 yards. It doesn't matter. Iowa's defense held Buckeye leader Terrelle Pryor essentially ineffective and got off the field when it mattered most.

Please, remember the other team that worked hard, never gave up, and nearly blew many experts' predictions out of the water.

They were supposed to be too hurt, too overrated, not talented enough—not good enough.

Well, they proved everybody wrong.

They are our Iowa Hawkeyes and we believed they had a game like this in them all along.

Perhaps they came up short because of points left on the field or calls that—maybe—were a tad on the conservative side.

It still doesn't matter.

The Hawkeyes played valiantly and were in the game until the very end. For every bad play, they bounced back and answered with a better one.

As the country flipped through channels or saw the score on ESPN's bottom line, it stared in disbelief as our Iowa Hawkeyes stared the mountain of adversity in front of them and grinned.

We couldn't help but join.

As Buckeye fans lifted roses after Brandon Saine bolted 49 yards for a touchdown that put Ohio State up 24-10, we never gave up on our team.

Our loyalty was answered as Derrell Johnson-Koulianos returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards and Ohio State fans donned that look that says it all for the Hawkeyes this season—"Oh, no. Is this happening?"

It's a look we're used to this season. It appeared on the faces of Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan State fans earlier in the year.

Even though this hard-fought battle's results didn't quite mirror the miracle comeback in East Lansing, we woke up Sunday morning with the loss's sting nearly faded.

We woke up with hopes of a BCS bowl berth remaining and ready for Iowa to fight for a trophy pig next weekend.

We will welcome our boys back with cheers so loud the entire world will know:

We are the Hawkeye faithful and we still love our Iowa Hawkeyes!

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Hawkeyes-Buckeyes: Kirk Ferentz Catchs Vest Vile Virus

Dave Hogan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:51:56 -0500

One of the better games in recent Big Ten history was ruined by abdication—two coaches afflicted with a brand of football conservatism that only Woody Hayes could appreciate. Iowa ceded victory to Ohio State, 27-24.

I would expect Big game choke artist, Jim "the Vest" Tressel to alligator arm a victory. However, for this Hawkeye fan it was jaw drop time as the game entered the final two minutes of regulation.

What was Kirk Ferentz thinking? Maybe he did not want a rematch with Arizona in the Rose Bowl? Does he have too much respect for fellow coach Stoops to beat him twice, or does he just have a fear of California earthquakes?

Maybe he did not want to take the money, or the heat for bonuses he would receive under a lucrative contract? Maybe he didn't know the college OT rule-is he the collegiate version of Donovan McNabb? Perhaps a tie would get the Hawks to Pasadena?

Never mind the conspiracy theories. During Ferentz's reign, Iowa has flown under the Radar, winning a few over-hyped January bowls here and there coupled with easier December bowl victories for the Hawks.

But could something be missing during Kirk's tenure-like a Rose Bowl berth? Last year's Bowl blowout against South Carolina quickly turned into a love fest for Ferentz.

It's a familiar theme—each announcer fawning over Ferentz, whether it's a regular season game or not. The consistent refrain is the unfairness of the criticism Ferentz receives within the Hawkeye state.

Sure, Ferentz is a good coach and some of his critics may be over the top. This year was different and there was no time to critique. Iowa launched a storybook season and exceeded all expectations. Despite the bad break against Northwestern, Saturday's game looked like another textbook comeback.

The final script being the feel good story of the year- a Frosh QB, James Vandenburg, winning in the largest horseshoe in the land.

Instead, we come to expect the expected. Tressel eschews the ghost of Woody past, with two-plus minutes and runs the ball to the Iowa strength, it's D-line for a quick Three and out.

Iowa gets the ball back with nearly a minute at their 30 something yard line. Iowa then runs up the middle for nothing, and then, for some unknown reason, doesn't use a timeout or call another play. It was 4th-and-long between the ears for the entire Coaching Staff.

The same QB who moved the ball at will on the last drive suddenly is not trusted to move the ball 40 yards at the end. Soon, the same QB faces an OT Red Zone situation in the face of the screaming crowd. (At least Ohio State was smart enough to "defer").

Daniel Murray, who sent Penn State packing last year, is apparently the same kicker not to be trusted in the last minutes of this game. At least we don't have to wonder what Ferentz was thinking here. He tells ESPN that his kicking game is suspect, before the game after running over the young PK with the Team Bus.

On Friday night, Kirk must have gotten a crash course from Tressel (yes, the "Vest" actually teaches a football class), during his visit to Columbus. He must have mulled over that top secret strategy of playing for OT on the road.

That was not coaching, that was throwing in the towel and putting your impressionable QB on the couch with the Field Goal Kicker, along with Hawkeye Nation. He certainly did learn anything about going for the throat during his time with alleged mentor-Bill Belichick.

The aw shucks, we're not BCS material act by Ferentz has suddenly grown very stale with that performance. Iowa fans deserved better. Maybe as an act of contrition he can refund a couple hundred Thousand or so to itinerant Iowans.

Better yet—to State coffers, since that brilliant mind is the best the Hawkeye state has to offer. Right now Ferentz is not having a "better year", than even Culver. In this writer's mind, his popularity rating should be the same-in the tank.

A Coach should never lose a game for his team, especially with his team playing their hearts out. No one in the great state of Iowa would have been armchairing if he had taken a chance and made Vandy an unlikely hero or worse case, had he suffered a turnover.

Instead, we are left to wonder what if? By virtue of playing it close to the "Vest", he lost the game, hearts, imagination and minds of Hawk fans everywhere.

Again, what was the thought process in OT? Vandenburg already rolled out once with an incompletion, now lets try it again so he is sacked and we're out of FG range. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

In the meantime Hawkeye fans, there is always something like the Tangerine Bowl, maybe even another highly touted January Bowl. As an added bonus, I am sure we can expect that second tier of awful ESPN announcers to be singing Kirk's praises again.

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A Letter to Iowa Fans....

Nathaniel Wright — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:42:41 -0500

Read my analysis on the game.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/290473-now-that-was-a-game-wow

Dear Iowa fans,

I would like to say thank you for believing. I've watched many a football games and I know that it's hard to believe when there is no reason to.

Trust me, as a Buckeye fan, I know how hard it is to have faith when no one else does. I watched an Ohio State vs. Iowa game that I didn't expect.

Well not really. As I trolled all of the Iowa fan sites this week laughing at the Iowa posters that had hope.

I rolled my eyes as I watched the Big Ten Network's Anthony Herron still have hope that Iowa would have a chance in The Shoe .

I mean, honestly how could you have faith in this team. how could you have faith that a team that barely wins games would win one against the conference juggernaut. But I forgot the most important thing about football. The games aren't played in our minds.

In our minds, it is not fathomable for Iowa to come into Ohio State and play hard, but they did.

In our minds, there was no way that Ohio State could beat a dominant team like Miami... but they did. In our minds there was no way Iowa was going to win time and time again, but they did.

I know this loss hurts because I know how I felt though out the whole game. I was not comfortable from the first minute to the last. Iowa football gave their hearts out all season and I have nothing but respect for them.

I am a die hard Buckeye and I am honored to have been humbled in this game. I have a new found respect for James Vandenburg and a newfound respect for Iowa football.

In a few weeks when the bowl games come around I will circle the Iowa Hawkeyes bowl game and I will watch.

I will root harder than most of you because I believe in Iowa football. You guys are good for the Big Ten and I am looking forward to playing for the title next year in Iowa. Go Hawks!!!!

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Creature vs Creature: Iowa Hawkeyes Rightfully Ranked Over Oregon Ducks

Tim Weideman — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:09:12 -0500

After Iowa lost to Northwestern exactly one week ago today, fans and media critics alike were calling to put the Hawkeyes on the chopping block.

Iowa fell from fourth in the BCS Standings to 10th but some people argue that the fall wasn't far enough. Many Hawkeye doubters were calling for Iowa to fall out of the top 15.

One team that could argue injustice is Oregon.

After failing to take care of their own business against Stanford, the eighth-ranked Ducks fell to 13th in the BCS standings. The debate of Iowa or Oregon only becomes cloudier.

The BCS has it right, however, stopping the bleeding for the Hawkeyes by limiting the fall to tenth and letting the Ducks plummet to 13th.

First, let's use some simple math skills. Iowa dropped from fourth to 10th—six spots. Oregon fell from eighth to 13th—only five spots.

So, the computers punished Iowa for losing to Northwestern more severely than they did for Oregon succumbing to Stanford—understandable, considering most would agree Stanford is a better team than Northwestern.

But why did Oregon remain behind Iowa in the standings? A simple answer can be found for that question, as well.

Before last week's loss, Iowa had all momentum on their side. National media had the Hawkeyes in the spotlight because Iowa hadn't lost yet (How about that SI jinx in hindsight?).

Oregon had previously flopped against a Boise State team that is looking less and less impressive as their WAC schedule progresses and recorded their second loss of the season.

One loss will beat two losses in most cases, especially when schedule strength is so similar, as is the case for Iowa and Oregon.

In all reality, however, the whole debate may be a little premature. Two games remain that could shed some light on which team is best.

Oregon will roll into Tucson, Arizona to face a hot No. 17 Wildcats team looking to challenge for the Pac-10 title.

The Hawkeyes defeated that same Arizona squad by a score of 27-17—a sound win for Iowa.

Whether or not Oregon can defeat Arizona will go a long way in deciding if they're truly better than Iowa. If the Ducks fall, the argument is over.

On Iowa's side of the debate, lies this afternoon's game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. If Iowa goes into the Shoe and emerges victorious, well, the debate is settled.

The outcomes of Iowa vs Ohio State and Oregon vs Arizona (in two weeks) will finish this debate.

For now, the Hawkeyes have one loss and the same column for the Ducks contains two.

Debate settled, for now.

For Oregon's side, check out Caleb M's article .

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College Football Preview: Iowa vs. Ohio State

Hawkeye — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:42:54 -0500

On Saturday, Nov. 14 at 3:30 pm ET, the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-1, 5-1) will be in Columbus, Ohio to take on the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2, 5-1).

The winner of this game clinches the Big Ten Title and a trip to the Rose Bowl, while the loser will pretty much have all its BCS bowl hopes smashed.

Iowa comes into this game after its first loss of the season, last week to Northwestern, 17-10.

The Hawkeyes didn't just lose the game, they lost their starting quarterback as well, when Ricky Stanzi went down with a high ankle sprain. Although Stanzi has been inconsistent throughout the season, he has been extremely clutch and has led Iowa to victory countless times.

Without him, Iowa wouldn't have had a 9-0 start.

Ohio State comes in after dominating Penn State 24-7, barely allowing over 200 yards of offense.

They are led by sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor, who started off a little slow but has vastly improved ever since Ohio State's stunning loss to Purdue.

Ohio State is currently favored by 16.5 points in the matchup.

TEAM UNITS

Offensive Backfield: Ohio State

Terrelle Pryor has improved a lot since that Purdue game, while Iowa's backfield has been plagued by injuries. The Buckeyes come into this game with an all-freshman backfield that is talented, but just not there yet (especially when they're at the 'Shoe).

Wide Receivers: Iowa

This is very close, but I'm giving the edge to Iowa. DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher have been studs for Ohio State, combining for 1154 yards and 13 TDs, but unlike Iowa, the Buckeyes don't have much else. Derrell Johnson-Koulianous, Marvin McNutt, Trey Stross and Tony Moeaki have combined for 1742 yards and 12 TDs, giving Iowa more depth at that position.

Offensive Line: Ohio State

You could argue that Iowa should win here, but Iowa's line hasn't been healthy this season and has underperformed. Ohio State is 23rd nationally in rushing offense and 44th in sacks allowed, while Iowa is 94th in rushing and 52nd in sacks.

Defensive Line: Ohio State

Adrian Clayborn has been a monster on Iowa's defensive line, but overall I have to give this to Ohio State. They rank 23rd nationally in sacks, 50th in tackles for loss, and 3rd in rushing defense, while Iowa ranks 52nd, 76th and 38th in those categories, respectively.

Linebackers: Iowa

It's not that Ohio State's linebackers aren't good—they're stacked like the rest of their defense—but Iowa's backers have been one of its best units this year. Pat Angerer is fourth in the nation in total tackles and A.J. Edds has three interceptions, but Ohio State isn't far behind here. Another very close category.

Secondary: Even

This is too close to call. Iowa is fourth in the nation in pass efficiency defense, while Ohio State is 6th in that category. Ohio State is 11th in the nation in pass defense, while Iowa is 16th. Iowa is tied for first in the nation in interceptions, while Ohio State is 3rd. Both units are just outstanding.

Punting: Iowa

There's not a lot to look at in this category. Iowa is 19th in the nation in net punting, while Ohio State is 37th. That's really all there is to look at.

Kicking: Iowa

There's more to look at in this category. Iowa leads Ohio State in percentage of FGs made, percentage of PATs made and kickoff return defense.

Returning: Ohio State

Once again there isn't a lot to look at here. Iowa is 79th nationally in punt returns and 84th in kick returns, while Ohio State is 67th nationally in punt returns and 26th in kick returns.

Offensive Coach: Ohio State

I don't know too much about this category, but Iowa's Ken O'Keefe has not been so great this year. He has had many questionable playcalls and one playcall could have lost Iowa its starting QB for the rest of this season. I don't even know who Ohio State's offensive coordinator is.

Defensive Coach: Iowa

This is a very close one, as Iowa's Norm Parker and Ohio State's Jim Heacock are both probably top 10 coaches. Both have consistently coached excellent defenses, but I have to give this to Iowa because they have done just as much (or almost as much) with less talent.

Head Coach: Even

This one is too close to call as well. Ohio State's Jim Tressel has undoubtedly had more success, but he also has much more talent to work with. Iowa's Kirk Ferentz has had a couple of down seasons, but has mostly been good since 2001 and hasn't had as much talent.

Overall Unit Advantage: Tied; Ohio State 6, Iowa 6

SITUATIONS

When Iowa runs the ball, Ohio State has the advantage.

Iowa is 94th in the nation in rushing offense, on their fourth string RB (a true freshman), going into the 'Shoe, and going against the third ranked rushing defense.

When Iowa passes the ball, Ohio State has the advantage.

If Ricky Stanzi didn't get hurt, I would have to put Ohio State for the first three quarters, then Iowa in the fourth. That's not the case with redshirt freshman James Vandenburg replacing the injured Stanzi. That's right- a freshman will be making his first career start in an extremely hostile environment versus the 11th ranked pass defense.

When Ohio State runs the ball, either team could have the advantage.

Ohio State is ranked 23rd in the nation in rushing offense while Iowa is ranked 38th in the nation against the run. Iowa has a very good front seven, but Ohio State has a good offensive line and plenty of good runners. This could go either way on Saturday.

When Ohio State passes the ball, Iowa has the advantage.

Terrelle Pryor has thrown a lot of interceptions this season, and he's going against the 16th-ranked pass defense in the nation that just so happens to lead the nation in interceptions as well. But Pryor has been playing better lately, and he's playing at home.

Overall Situation Advantages: Ohio State 2.5, Iowa 1.5

X-FACTORS (KEYS TO THE GAME)

Iowa's Rush Offense

If Iowa can get their rushing offense going, they'll be able to get some points off of that, and they'll also open up the passing attack and take some pressure off of James Vandenburg.

Terrelle Pryor

Terrelle Pryor is huge for the Buckeyes in this game. If he keeps improving like he has been lately, he could lead Ohio State to a blowout victory. But if he is also going against a defense that likes to pick QBs off a lot, and Pryor has thrown a lot of interceptions—if he makes a lot of mistakes, he could help a beaten up Iowa offense score more points that they normally would.

Iowa's Rush Defense

An interesting thing to watch this Saturday will be how well Ohio State will run the ball. If they can run the ball well and open up the passing attack, they should win easily. But if Iowa can slow down their rush offense, Ohio State could be forced to throw the ball more, which could result in more interceptions for a pick-happy defense.

PREDICTION

This game will be a defensive battle. Both teams have top 10 defenses but not so great offenses. Ohio State will get a couple TDs both on the air and on the ground, and might get another from a likely Iowa turnover, but the Buckeyes will probably turn the ball over as well and get Iowa some extra points. Iowa could get dominated offensively, so their offense has to at least do decent so the defense doesn't get tired. However, the advantages clearly go to Ohio State.

Prediction: Ohio State 24, Iowa 10

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