Thoughts on Wisconsin Game

Well this supposed “Hawk Hater,” based on my last installment, is eating some serious crow today. Although Iowa is certainly capable of winning and losing every remaining game on their schedule, there is just something about this team that makes me think that they will follow the mantra of the 2004 season by “finding a way.” Here are my thoughts on the game.

The Manzi. Other than the lost fumble, Ricky Stanzi had an outstanding game at the helm. In only the way a solid quarterback can, Stanzi stayed calm and collected after Iowa was down early 10-0. It has been said many a time by many a writer, but Stanzi’s best attribute is his ability to have a short memory. One can certainly tell that he has quietly, yet confidently assumed the leadership role of the offense as the season has progressed. Stanzi’s maturation on the field is quickly growing and I think it is only a matter of time before he plays a complete game.

Beasts of the Line. What more can I say about Adrian Clayborn that has not already been said? Clayborn looked like a man possessed yesterday from Wisconsin’s last possession in the second quarter through the remainder of the game. This game also reinforced the fact that the Iowa coaching staff makes some of the best halftime adjustments of any coaching staff in the country. After looking porous in the first half, the Iowa defense limited the Wisconsin offense to just 58 yards in the second half, including just four yards on the ground. Something tells me that this Iowa defense is only going to get better with its run defense the rest of this season.

Unsung Heroes. There are several players on this Iowa team that are quietly turning in outstanding seasons. AJ Edds will likely not be remembered fifteen years from now in the same breath as Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge, but Edds has been so solid in his four years, especially this year that he deserves significant recognition. The Iowa defense is not only going to miss his leadership next year, but they are going to miss his quiet, yet solid-performing presence on the field. Likewise, Amari Spievey has been relatively quiet this year. One of the reasons that Iowa fans have not heard his name called is that teams have purposely been avoiding throwing the ball on his side of the field. Nonetheless, Spievey showed on Saturday why he will be playing on Sundays and why he has a chance to be an All-American. His six tackle, two interception performance became even more impressive when it was discovered that Spievey was playing through the flu. In fact, he was in need of liquids so bad that he had to receive fluids through an IV before the game. I am really looking forward to watching Spievey line up against Blair White of Michigan State this week.

Targets. It is pretty clear after the Wisconsin game that the Iowa offense clicks much better when Tony Moeaki and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos are both in the game. DJK ended up with eight receptions for 113 yards, while Moeaki ended up with three receptions for 55 yards, including a very important 24 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Wisconsin tried to do all it could in the first half to double team Moeaki, but as Stanzi indicated in his postgame interview, Iowa worked out of different formations in the second half in order to free up Moeaki. As teams continue to commit an extra defender to Moeaki, it will open up other receivers downfield, which will cause teams to commit to the pass, which will open up the run, and then, well you get the point.

Enjoy every moment of coverage, Hawkeye fans. The Hawks are sixth in the first BCS poll of the season. Yes, they are behind Boise State and Cincinnati in this first poll, but have no fear, if the Hawks take care of business, everything will take care of itself. Besides, the way this college football season is shaping up, Texas, Florida, and Alabama are the likely teams that will vie to play for the national championship. Yes, playing for a national championship is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but playing for the Rose Bowl would be almost as sweet. Keep up the national championship talk though because the fact that Iowa is even in the picture is a once every decade occurrence. The game this Saturday is going to be a difficult one, as Michigan State is starting to play better football and the atmosphere at night in Spartan Stadium will be rowdy. Nonetheless, I think it will be hard to pick against the Hawks.