Arkansas State Predictions

It is hard and sad to believe that the college football season is 1/3 of the way over. Seriously, the anticipation builds up all spring and summer and then before you know it the season is almost over. This Saturday, Iowa will seek to become 5-0 for the first time since 1995. If they play even remotely well, they should be able to cruise through this game. Here are my thoughts.

Offense on the Move. This game should be a wonderful opportunity for the offense to get on track before heading back into a rigorous Big 10 schedule. Arkansas State is ranked 102d nationally in pass defense, which is why I think it gives Ricky Stanzi such a great opportunity to throw downfield with some success and establish a rhythm with the passing game. Despite the poor Red Hawk pass defense, I do not think there is anyway that their defensive line will be able to get any type of push against the Iowa offensive line. With Bryan Bulaga back this week, I think it is certainly possible for Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher to eclipse the 200 yd mark collectively. Although some people think that Iowa will be sluggish in the wake of the Penn State win, I think that it will be quite the opposite. Nonetheless, even if the offense looks less than spectacular on Saturday, I will not be worried because I think the sky is the limit for what this offense can accomplish this season.

Hands. The overarching complaint, if you can call it that, of the Iowa team has been the drops by the receivers. Granted, Stanzi has been less than accurate most of the season, but as my Mom always said, if the ball hits you in the hands, then you need to catch it. Maybe I am being optimistic, but I think now that the entire receiver corps is healthy, it will be an entirely different unit. Jon Miller of HawkeyeNation.com has continuously quoted Kirk Ferentz as saying that this season has been one of the most disjointed in terms of continuity of personnel on offense during practice. Throwing to the same guys in practice each and every day makes a big difference as the quarterback and receivers need those repetitions in order to develop the precise timing necessary to make the passing offense work effectively. Like I said, I may be crazy, but I really think that the offense will get out of its rut on Saturday.

Defense Warm Up. I do not know what can be said about the Iowa defense that has not already been said. Fortunately, Arkansas State runs a spread offense, which will be great preparation for the following Saturday’s contest against Michigan. Although it will be very difficult to do, the defense will look to extend their streak of not allowing a rushing touchdown for 29 consecutive quarters, which is a streak that dates back to the Penn State game from last year.

Yes, Arkansas State returns several skill position players, including quarterback Corey Leonard and running back Reggie Arnold who are both very solid football players. Yes, Arkansas State returns eight starters on defense from last year’s team. Yes, last year Arkansas State took Texas deep into the fourth quarter and beat Texas A&M in College Station. Nevertheless, this Iowa team is focused and, according to Kirk Ferentz, had their best week of practice so far this season. While at the beginning of the week I thought about predicting a close game, somewhere in the neighborhood of 34-14 or so, I think that it will be a larger margin of victory. If Iowa can take care of business this week, get ready for one heck of a matchup the following week.

Prediction: Iowa 41 Arkansas State 14

Pick to Click: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos