UNI Predictions

As I have been telling people all week, the best time of the year is finally upon us. The 120th season of Iowa Hawkeye football kicks off this Saturday at 11:05 as the Hawkeyes host the Northern Iowa Panthers. The beginning of the season and everything leading up to it has been analyzed three times over, so it is certainly a relief to begin to talk about actual games rather than the speculation coming out of Ft. Kenyon Practice Facility and Ft. Kinnick.

Here are the five things I would like to see on Saturday:

One Series, One Score­- Although the Hawks were able to do this last season many a time, I would love for the offense to score on their first possession with a solid eight to ten play drive. Speaking of which, do you think Iowa will take the ball if they win the toss? (Please note the sarcasm)

Turkey­- Did you know that the last time an Iowa quarterback threw for 300 yards was in 2007? Jake Christensen threw for 308 yards in a 38-20 loss to Indiana on September 28, 2007. Given the inexperience of UNI’s secondary, I fully expect Ricky Stanzi to eclipse the 300 yard mark on Saturday. Speaking of the Hoosiers, is there a more annoying “ditty” than the one the IU Marching Band plays after a first down? It is almost (emphasis on almost) as bad as “That’s good for another Golden Gopher….first down.” Sorry, I had to get my Gopher jab in there.

Takeaways- Iowa finished the 2008 season with 23 interceptions, which was good enough for fourth nationally. The turnover margin of +8 was good enough for third in the Big Ten and 22nd nationally. The defense’s ability to continue this trend will be instrumental in once again establishing the Iowa defense as one of the best in the country.

Running Game- RRBC (Running Back by Committee) begins on Saturday. Just like every other Iowa fan, I am very curious to see what Paki O’Meara, Adam Robinson, and Brandon Wegher can do. Regardless of their numbers and production, the two most important goals for them on Saturday should be: 1. Ball Security 2. Pick up Blitzes.

Dominance on the D-Line- I have said it before and I will say it again. This year’s defensive line has the potential to be scary good. I fully expect Broderick Binns and Adrian Clayborn to wreak havoc in the UNI backfield all day on Saturday.

Prediction:
Despite the fact that UNI is one of the best D-1AA (sorry, FCS) teams in the country, they lack the depth necessary to compete for four quarters with most D-1 (BCS) teams, let alone a Top 25 ranked team. I think the Iowa offense will have its usual slow start with some small mental mistakes (e.g. false starts, missed assignments); however, the defense will prevent UNI from doing much of anything on offense. After a series or two, the offense will start to click and will not look back from that point. The defense absolutely smothers the Panthers and frustrates Patrick Grace all day. Thus, although the Panthers may keep it close for a quarter or two, the Hawks will ultimately begin to pull away as the steady dose of running behind the “Big Hog Mollies” will wear down the UNI defense.

Final Score: Iowa 38 UNI 10
Pick to Click: Tony Moeaki