Thoughts on Penn State Game

The festivities of homecoming weekend in Iowa City ended in a happy parting gift to those alumni of the University of Iowa who made their way back to the holy land. Behind the backdrop of an impressive alternating black and gold color scheme crowd, the Iowa football team sent a strong message to the rest of the Big Ten that the Arizona game was more a fluke. Here are my thoughts on the game.

Defensive Dominance. The Iowa defense showed again Saturday why it was ranked first in overall team defense heading into the weekend and now ranks fourth afterwards. Adrian Clayborn and company disrupted the Penn State offensive rhythm and prevented Penn State star running back Evan Royster from establishing any ground game for the Nittany Lions. Iowa allowed only 54 yards on the ground and 301 yards overall, which is somewhat misleading considering one never felt as though the game was in doubt given the performance by the defense. Clayborn, Karl Klug, and Christian Ballard seemed to be in on almost every play on Saturday. Ballard and Clayborn had several highlights that will undoubtedly make their way to films viewed by NFL scouts. Not only do both of them play with incredible strength, but their athleticism for their size is incredible, as Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden found out when Ballard caught him from behind with about a five yard lead. The Iowa defense will face its biggest test in its next contest when it faces an explosive Michigan offense led by Heisman Trophy frontrunner Denard Robinson who is second in the NCAA in total offense averaging 382 yards per game. However, given that the Iowa staff will have two weeks to prepare and that Michigan will be coming off a tough, hard-hitting game with intrastate rival Michigan State, I think that the Iowa defense will be up to the task.

Second Half Playcalling. Admittedly I was very upset with the second half playcalling by the Iowa coaching staff. After I took some time to think about the context and the situation, it is clear that the Iowa staff took a very reasonable and pragmatic approach. Throughout the Kirk Ferentz era, Iowa’s approach has been to play mistake free football and cause its opponent to make more mistakes and force its opponents into difficult situations. Once Iowa scored its first touchdown to go up 10-0, I felt as though the game was no longer in doubt. Thus, on second take, I thought the Iowa offensive coaching staff made the right calls by playing high percentage, low risk football in the second half. Why risk giving Penn State a short field with an interception? Instead, they relied on Adam Robinson to run the clock and then all-Big Ten punter Ryan Donahue to pin Penn State deep in its own territory.

Stanzi Efficiency. The Iowa offense really seems to click when Ricky Stanzi starts off on a hot streak. Stanzi started the game 9 of 10 on Iowa’s first three drives giving Iowa a 10-0 lead. Stanzi continues to impress me this season with his decisionmaking, as he is much more willing to take what the defense gives by checking down to a tight end or running back rather than trying to force a ball into coverage downfield. This mature decisionmaking coupled with an accurate arm is not only going to lead to success this year for the Iowa offense but will also improve his draft prospects.

Crowd Participation. Yes, I was wrong. The Kinnick faithful delivered on Saturday when it came to color coordination. While I was very skeptical about the marketing scheme prior to the game, after I saw the crowd live and then again on DVR, the nationwide television audience viewing the crowd had to be impressed with the black and gold in alternating sections. Likewise, I thought the crowd was loud when it needed to be during the game, especially during that critical third quarter goal line stand that prevented Penn State from reaching the endzone. One can tell that Kirk Ferentz and the players genuinely appreciate the support that they receive from the loyal Iowa fans. Suffice it say, the Iowa fans will be treated to some very good games to round out the 2010 season with Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State still remaining on the home schedule.

It was clear in his postgame interview that Kirk Ferentz was really looking forward to the bye week for his team. Not only will the bye week allow some of the injured Hawkeyes to receive some much needed rest, but it will also allow the diligent coaching staff the opportunity to analyze and plan against the Michigan offense. While scrambling, mobile quarterbacks have always given Iowa defenses fits, with two weeks to prepare for Denard Robinson, the Iowa coaching staff will have the defense more than ready for the Michigan offense. So, Iowa fans, enjoy the bye week. Watch some of the Michigan-Michigan State game for a little bit of advance scouting. Go outside and enjoy the start of the beautiful fall season. Most importantly, however, get some rest for yourself as the next seven conference games will come fast and furiously.