2010 Iowa Hawkeyes Game Preview
written by: BB73, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, Bucky Katt, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, and jwinslow
written by: BB73, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, Bucky Katt, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, and jwinslow
Preface
This will be the 63rd meeting between Iowa and Ohio State in a series that began in 1922. The Buckeyes have a 45-14-3 lead thus far and are 29-8-1 in all games played in Columbus and 16-6-2 in games played in Iowa City. Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 games dating back to 1992. Iowa's 33-7 win in 2004 in Iowa City snapped an eight-game OSU winning streak. The Buckeyes took a 38-17 decision on their last trip to Iowa City, during the 2006 campaign.
Iowa posted a 3-0-1 record in the first four games of the series and recorded three shutouts in that span. Ohio State won 19 of 20 games between 1963 and 1980.
Ohio State is 67-47-6 all-time in final road games of the regular season. Under Coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 7-2 in those games.
Ohio State is 132-105-12 all-time when facing a ranked opponent, and 41-42-7 on the road against ranked teams. Under Coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 38-14 overall and 13-7 on the road against ranked teams.
The Buckeyes travel to Iowa City on Saturday to face the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa unveiled a new statue of Nile Kinnick, the only Heisman winner in their history, just before their season opener in 2006. It's worth learning a few things about him to understand why he is so revered in the annals of Iowa football.
Nile Kinnick won the Heisman Trophy in 1939. He was a jack-of-all-trades player, a halfback that threw 11 TD passes that year, led the nation in kickoff return yardage, punted for a 40-yard average, and frequently drop-kicked the ball through the uprights. It's also a good thing for Buckeye fans that he won the award that year, because that prevented the runner-up from winning a second Heisman the next year: Tom Harmon of Michigan won in 1940.
Kinnick's other accomplishments on the football field include playing 402 of 420 total minutes in the 1939 season (a separated shoulder in the final game is the only thing that got him off the field). He led the nation in punting in 1937, and once punted 16 times for 731 yards in a 7-6 victory over Notre Dame, including a 63-yarder in the last minute that went out of bounds on the 6. He still holds Iowa records for interceptions in a season (8) and a career (18). So he basically ran, threw, blocked, punted, drop-kicked, intercepted and tackled his way into the hearts of Hawkeye fans.
To cap things off, he was also elected student body president in his senior year, and gave the commencement speech for his 1940 graduating class. After spending a year in law school and helping to coach the Iowa football team, he enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve. He was called to active duty three days before Pearl Harbor, and underwent training as a fighter pilot. In June of 1943, Kinnick died when engine trouble forced his plane down before it could reach the aircraft carrier USS Lexington off the coast of Venezuela. He is someone who should be remembered.
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has done an outstanding job at Iowa. After inheriting a depleted squad that struggled to 1-10 and 3-9 records in his first two years at the helm, he turned the corner with a 7-5 record in 2001, and compiled a 31-7 mark over the 2002-2004 campaigns. He is 1-6 against the Buckeyes, the lone win obviously being the 33-7 debacle in 2004. His head coaching record against Tressel is 1-5, with JT winning 38-17 when Youngstown State faced Maine in 1990.
Iowa's best home win occurred in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 19, 1985, when #1 Iowa defeated #2 Michigan 12-10. Iowa ended that season #10 in the AP poll, while Michigan climbed back to a #2 final rating behind Oklahoma.
The Hawkeyes have won 48 of 58 home games since 2002.
Date and TimeIowa posted a 3-0-1 record in the first four games of the series and recorded three shutouts in that span. Ohio State won 19 of 20 games between 1963 and 1980.
Ohio State is 67-47-6 all-time in final road games of the regular season. Under Coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 7-2 in those games.
Ohio State is 132-105-12 all-time when facing a ranked opponent, and 41-42-7 on the road against ranked teams. Under Coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 38-14 overall and 13-7 on the road against ranked teams.
The Buckeyes travel to Iowa City on Saturday to face the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa unveiled a new statue of Nile Kinnick, the only Heisman winner in their history, just before their season opener in 2006. It's worth learning a few things about him to understand why he is so revered in the annals of Iowa football.
Nile Kinnick won the Heisman Trophy in 1939. He was a jack-of-all-trades player, a halfback that threw 11 TD passes that year, led the nation in kickoff return yardage, punted for a 40-yard average, and frequently drop-kicked the ball through the uprights. It's also a good thing for Buckeye fans that he won the award that year, because that prevented the runner-up from winning a second Heisman the next year: Tom Harmon of Michigan won in 1940.
Kinnick's other accomplishments on the football field include playing 402 of 420 total minutes in the 1939 season (a separated shoulder in the final game is the only thing that got him off the field). He led the nation in punting in 1937, and once punted 16 times for 731 yards in a 7-6 victory over Notre Dame, including a 63-yarder in the last minute that went out of bounds on the 6. He still holds Iowa records for interceptions in a season (8) and a career (18). So he basically ran, threw, blocked, punted, drop-kicked, intercepted and tackled his way into the hearts of Hawkeye fans.
To cap things off, he was also elected student body president in his senior year, and gave the commencement speech for his 1940 graduating class. After spending a year in law school and helping to coach the Iowa football team, he enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve. He was called to active duty three days before Pearl Harbor, and underwent training as a fighter pilot. In June of 1943, Kinnick died when engine trouble forced his plane down before it could reach the aircraft carrier USS Lexington off the coast of Venezuela. He is someone who should be remembered.
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has done an outstanding job at Iowa. After inheriting a depleted squad that struggled to 1-10 and 3-9 records in his first two years at the helm, he turned the corner with a 7-5 record in 2001, and compiled a 31-7 mark over the 2002-2004 campaigns. He is 1-6 against the Buckeyes, the lone win obviously being the 33-7 debacle in 2004. His head coaching record against Tressel is 1-5, with JT winning 38-17 when Youngstown State faced Maine in 1990.
Iowa's best home win occurred in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 19, 1985, when #1 Iowa defeated #2 Michigan 12-10. Iowa ended that season #10 in the AP poll, while Michigan climbed back to a #2 final rating behind Oklahoma.
The Hawkeyes have won 48 of 58 home games since 2002.
Date: Saturday, November 20th, 2010
Time: 3:30 pm ET Kickoff
Location: Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA)
Constructed: 1929 (Renovated 2006)
Seating Capacity: 70,505 (Originally 53,000)
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Events:
Broadcast Information:
Time: 3:30 pm ET Kickoff
Location: Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA)
Constructed: 1929 (Renovated 2006)
Seating Capacity: 70,505 (Originally 53,000)
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Events:
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ABC - Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Matt Millen (Analysis), and Qunt Kessenich (Sidelines).
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (97.1 FM The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sidelines).
The game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio 125 and XM 102 and on Compass National Radio.
2010 Iowa Hawkeyes Offensive PreviewThe game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio 125 and XM 102 and on Compass National Radio.
After "railing" Penn State in the second half to cruise to a comfortable win, the Buckeyes hit the road for the final time in the 2010 season to take on a reeling Iowa team. Iowa entered the season ranked in the Top 10 with conference, BCS, and even national title hopes. They have a senior-laden offense, a powerful offensive line, a punishing ground game, an experienced quarterback, and arguably the best group of receivers they have ever had. Instead, they played badly for 3 quarters in a loss to Arizona, dropped a game to Wisconsin they were in good position to win, were beaten by Northwestern for the 5th time in 6 tries, and are staring at least 4 losses squarely in the face if they don't play well this Saturday.
Veteran offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe has his unit playing well for the most part this season, but the Hawkeyes haven't quite been the offensive force some might have expected. Through 10 games they are 46th in total yards with 405.9 per game. They rank a respectable 35th throwing the ball (252.7 YPG) with excellent efficiency (top 5) but are a very pedestrian 60th in rushing yards (153.2 YPG). They rank reasonably well in red zone production (87%, T27) and 3rd down conversion percentage (46.0%, 25th) but have been slightly less effective in scoring (30.8 PPG, T43) and 1st down production (20.0 per game, T43). Where Iowa has been very good is turnovers, where they have lost just 3 fumbles on the season and thrown just 4 INTs. Their margin of +1.20 is 5th in the nation. On the other hand, they have taken 17 sacks, which does not sound like a huge number, but they have come in crucial times in each of their 3 losses to date, including on the last several plays of the Arizona game. Injuries have not been a big problem for the Hawkeyes this year, as key players have played for most of the season. They will need to play their best game of they year, however, probably even better than they did in their beatdown of Michigan State, if they are going to beat the Buckeyes.
Veteran offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe has his unit playing well for the most part this season, but the Hawkeyes haven't quite been the offensive force some might have expected. Through 10 games they are 46th in total yards with 405.9 per game. They rank a respectable 35th throwing the ball (252.7 YPG) with excellent efficiency (top 5) but are a very pedestrian 60th in rushing yards (153.2 YPG). They rank reasonably well in red zone production (87%, T27) and 3rd down conversion percentage (46.0%, 25th) but have been slightly less effective in scoring (30.8 PPG, T43) and 1st down production (20.0 per game, T43). Where Iowa has been very good is turnovers, where they have lost just 3 fumbles on the season and thrown just 4 INTs. Their margin of +1.20 is 5th in the nation. On the other hand, they have taken 17 sacks, which does not sound like a huge number, but they have come in crucial times in each of their 3 losses to date, including on the last several plays of the Arizona game. Injuries have not been a big problem for the Hawkeyes this year, as key players have played for most of the season. They will need to play their best game of they year, however, probably even better than they did in their beatdown of Michigan State, if they are going to beat the Buckeyes.
Quarterbacks
QB #12 Ricky Stanzi (6-4, 230, SR, Lake Catholic HS, Mentor, OH)
Stanzi has had a great career at Iowa, and he has put up some big numbers this season. Importantly, he has cut back dramatically on the turnovers than plagued his last 2 seasons, including last year, when he threw 15 INTs. This year his TD/INT ratio is outstanding (22/4) and he is one of the nation's most efficient QBs. He has thrown for over 200 yards in every game this season except the Michigan State game, where he hit for 190 yards and 3 TDs on 73.3% completions, and the Hawkeyes were way ahead. He has not topped 300 yards passing this season, though he has come close (Indiana 290, Ball State 288, Arizona 278) on several occasions. He has thrown 3 TD passes 5 times this season, and has never thrown more than a single pick in a game. In the three losses, he has acquitted himself well, throwing for over 250 yards each game, with 3 TDs against Arizona and Wisconsin and 2 last week against Northwestern. One thing he continues to do is take sacks at critical times, something that has plagued him during his tenure (22 sacks in 2008, 23 sacks last year, 16 thus far in 2010). He is not especially mobile, but can create a bit of space or scramble for a few yards once in a while. He is mostly a pocket passer, however, so he relies heavily on his offensive line. Since he missed last year's contest due to injury, this will be his first game against the Buckeyes.
Gone and for the most part forgotten this year has been backup James Vandenberg (#16). He is a big kid who played courageously in Columbus last year, taking over for the injured Stanzi, but has been relegated to 5/8 for 45 yards and a TD this season in mop-up duty. He showed he was a gamer last year, however, so if Iowa had to turn to him, they could likely get by OK.
QB Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State QBs
Stanzi: 180/271 (66.4%), 2482 yards, 22 TDs, 4 INTs, 167.2 rating; 38/-13, 2 TDs
Pryor: 160/238 (67.2%), 2136 yards, 22 TDs, 8 INTs, 166.4 rating; 93/512, 4 TDs
Stanzi has had a fine season, but hasn't quite been able to lead Iowa to elite status in 2010. There have been flashes of greatness (Michigan State) and times where the team fell flat (Arizona, Northwestern). He completes a high percentage of passes, throws for a lot of yards, doesn't turn the ball over much, and has thrown for a lot of TDs. Pryor's numbers are somewhat similar, though he can be prone to maddening decisions with the football at times. What really separates these QBs is the extra dimension Pryor brings with his legs, as he is one of the biggest weapons in the nation from the QB position when he runs the ball. He can take over games or will the team to victory with a few timely scrambles, both of which he has displayed this year as well as in past seasons.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #32 Adam Robinson (5-9, 205, SO, Lincoln HS, Des Moines, IA)
FB #36 Brett Morse (6-3, 238, SR, Hinsdale Central HS, Willowbrook, IL)
The Hawkeyes have been relatively healthy at this spot this year compared to the decimation they dealt with last season. Robinson has started every game but the Indiana game 2 weeks ago, and is on pace for a 1000 yard season after gaining 834 yards last year. He has crossed the 100 yard plateau 6 times in 2010, including 156 and a TD against Iowa State and 143 yards and 2 TDs against Michigan. He also gained 108 yards last week in the loss to Northwestern. He is a sleek, powerful runner who has some speed and plenty of moxie between the tackles. He is a good north/south runner and can also break a ball to the outside. He is also a threat in the receiving game, catching 17 passes and scoring a TD against Michigan State on the season so far. In last year's game against the Buckeyes, he had 74 yards on 20 carries and 2 receptions for 13 yards. He will undoubtedly be a workhorse again this year for the Hawkeyes against the Buckeyes, and he will have to improve on those numbers for Iowa to have a chance at the victory.
Behind Robinson is freshman bowling ball Marcus Coker (#34, 6-0, 230). He is a powerful back who has emerged later in the season after the loss of Jewel Hampton. He made his debut against Ball State, carrying 10 times for 60 yards. He then had 16 carries for 40 yards against Michigan State and got the start against Indiana, gaining 129 yards on 22 carries. He had just 14 yards on 3 carries last week. It is unclear how much of a factor he will be, but it would not be surprising to see him get 5-10 touches on Saturday. He and Robinson make a fine young tandem that should be dominating for the Hawkeyes as upperclassmen.
At fullback, Morse is a veteran who brings toughness and experience. He doesn't carry the ball much (3 carries, 13 yards) but he can be more of a factor in the passing game (8 receptions, 54 yards, TD). However he is primarily a blocker, and a very good one. Backup freshman Brad Rogers (#38) is more of a hybrid back who has 11 carries for 75 yards and 2 receptions on the season.
RB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State RBs
Robinson: 194/914 yards, 10 TDs, 4.7 YPC; 20 rec/270 yards, 1 TD, 13.5 YPR
Coker: 51/243 yards, 0 TDs, 4.8 YPC; 1 rec/12 yards, 0 TDs, 12.0 YPR
Herron: 150/824 yards, 13 TDs, 5.5 YPC; 13 rec/150 yards, 0 TDs, 11.5 YPR
Saine: 62/293 yards, 2 TDs, 4.7 YPC; 18 rec/184 yards, 5 TDs, 10.2 YPR
Robinson has been effective for the most part and has put up good numbers. He was, however, completely obliterated by Arizona (10 carries, 5 yards) so a dominant defense has the capacity to shut him down. He has been very effective in conference play, however, gaining 95 or more yards 5 times, including 114 against a tough Wisconsin front. Coker appears to have a bright future but he is young and inexperienced for this type of game. Herron has taken over the feature back role for the Buckeyes and has been dominant in recent weeks. Saine adds a nice dimension out of the backfield on screens and passes, and he is still capable of carrying the rock. The Buckeyes also have extra depth, as Hall, Berry and Hyde are quality players waiting in the wings behind the veteran players. Given Robinson's recent missing of a game and Herron's peaking at the right time, a slight edge goes to Ohio State, though it shouldn't surprise anyone if Robinson plays well.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
SE #15 Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (6-1, 200, SR, Cardinal Mooney HS, Campbell, OH)
FL #7 Marvin McNutt (6-4, 215, JR, Hazelwood Central HS, St. Louis, MO)
This could be the best tandem of receivers the Hawkeyes have had. Johnson-Koulianos has been a solid player for 4 years and will leave with many of the receiving records for the Hawkeyes. He is on pace to surpass last year's production of 45 receptions and 750 yards, and he already has a personal best with 9 TDs. He has cracked the 100 yard receiving mark only twice, ironically both in losses to Arizona (114) and last week to Northwestern (104). He has scored at least a TD in 6 games, including 2 against Ball State and 3 against Michigan. He is also dangerous on the occasional end-around (3 carries, 43 yards). He has caught at least 4 passes in 8 games thus far, so expect him to be a consistent target. He is a wily veteran who runs good routes, has good speed, and knows all the tricks to creating good separation. He had 3 receptions for 71 yards against the Buckeyes last year ... numbers one would expect to increase if the Hawkeyes are to be successful. On the other side, McNutt has been just as valuable this year, with nearly equal totals in receptions, yards, and TDs, giving the Hawkeyes a very effective 1-2 punch. He caught 34 passes for 660 yards and 8 TDs last year, and he could surpass all of those numbers this year. He has surpassed the 100 yard mark just once (Indiana, 126) but he has caught 7 passes twice (Wisconsin, Northwestern) and has caught a TD pass in each of the past 4 conference games. He is a big target with good hands and deceptive speed, and he is good at making catches in traffic. He burned the Buckeyes for 6 receptions, 78 yards, and 2 TDs in last year's game, so the secondary will have to keep a close eye on this very effective player.
Depth is a problem, as veteran Colin Sandeman (#22; 16 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TDs) missed last week's game due to a vicious shot in the Michigan State contest. His status for this game is uncertain, but he is not listed on the 2-deep. Sophomore Keenan Davis (#6) sees regular action as the 3rd receiver. He has good speed but seems to have a penchant for dropping passes. Senior Don Nordmann (#11) plays very sparingly.
WR Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State WRs
Johnson-Koulianos: 41 catches, 673 yards, 9 TDs, 16.4 YPR
McNutt: 41 catches, 660 yards, 6 TDs, 16.1 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 43 catches, 716 yards, 9 TDs, 16.7 YPR
Posey: 43 catches, 664 yards, 5 TDs, 15.4 YPR
Looking at the numbers, they are frightening similar between the two teams: very balanced between the SE and FL, plenty of receptions, yards, and TDs, and little depth. Both sets of receivers can make catches downfield and critical receptions over the middle on 3rd down. They both have plenty of experience as well, so this one is basically a push.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #82 Allen Reisner (6-3, 248, SR, Marion HS, Marion, IA)
Reisner is the latest in a long line of quality TEs at Iowa. He had 14 receptions for 143 yards and a TD last year, and he has obliterated those numbers thus far in 2010. He has had a significant impact in virtually every game, including 6 receptions for 66 yards last weekend. He is also a veteran with good size who is a good blocker in the running game. He caught only one pass last year against the Buckeyes, but he is more of a factor downfield this season. The backup is junior Brad Herman (#39) who sees a good deal of blocking duty in double sets.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State TEs
Reisner: 35 catches, 370 yards, 2 TDs, 10.6 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs, 10.3 YPR
Reisner has stepped up his game in 2010 and is now a consistent factor in the passing game as well as being a quality blocker. The underuse of TEs in the Buckeye offense is well documented, and Stoneburner has proven to be an intelligent player with good skills. However it is hard to argue with production, and Reisner has roughly 3X the number of receptions and yards.
Edge: Iowa
Offensive Line
LT #77 Riley Reiff (6-6, 300, SO, Parkson HS, Parkson, SD)
LG #63 Julian Vandervelde (6-3, 300, SR, Central HS, Davenport, IA)
C #53 James Ferentz (6-2, 275, SO, City HS, Iowa City, IA)
RG #67 Josh Koeppel (6-2, 273, SR, City HS, Iowa City, IA)
RT #56 Marcus Zusevics (6-5, 295, JR, Prospect HS, Arlington Heights, IL)
The Iowa line is an experience-laden group that entered the season with high expectations. The run blocking has been relatively good, but the pass blocking has not met the lofty expectations and has broken down at critical junctures during the season, however. The most experienced lineman is Vandervelde, who has started 34 games in his career. He has started at both LG and RG, making him especially versatile in the interior. He is a smart, instinctive player who has been academic all-conference multiple times. Also on the left side, Reiff has already made 21 starts in his young career. He was named to the first team all-conference freshmen team last season after starting games at LT, LG, and RT. He is a future candidate for all-conference honors and has good size and leverage. In the middle, Ferentz won the job in the spring and has started every game after playing sparingly last season. He is a smart and instinctive player who will continue to grow playing for his father. On the right side, Zusevics has started every game at RT after being the backup last season. He is a bit undersized but has good agility. At RG, there has been some turnover, with 3 players garnering starts this season. Koeppel is a converted C who has played well the past 2 games after earning the opportunity to start. He is also a bit undersized but can use agility and footwork to be effective in the interior.
The Hawkeyes have a couple of backups with experience. Nolan MacMillan (#76) started the first 6 games at RG. Senior Kyle Haganman (#69) is the backup LT. He has played tackle and guard in his career, so he is a versatile backup. A pair of freshmen, Conor Boffeli (#59) at LG and Brett Van Sloten (#70) at RT, round out the chart.
OL Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State OL
Iowa's line has played well for the most part and has been a cohesive unit, as most positions have consistent starters for all 10 games. They are good at run blocking, but they have been vulnerable against good pass rushes and depth is also a concern. The Buckeye line has been playing better in recent weeks, and their second half performance against Penn State was of high quality. The Buckeyes boast quality depth at most positions and one of the league's best linemen in Boren.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Often these grades reflect that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, but in this case, it is the opposite. Despite high quality players at each skill position and a cast of experienced linemen, the Hawkeyes have not produced the dominant performances that were expected, and they have underachieved against some inferior opponents, like Indiana. They have also played well in some games against good opponents, such as Michigan State. Robinson is a good player but the production from the running game as a whole hasn't quite been at an elite level. Stanzi has also played well and has multiple high quality targets, but the Hawkeyes have also had trouble closing out games and generating a winning drive when they are behind, as evidenced in all 3 losses. In any event, it will be imperative for the running game to function and for the line to keep the heat off of Stanzi if the Hawkeyes want to be in the game in the 4th quarter this weekend. After their flat start last week, expect the Buckeyes to come out of the gate firing, meaning the first quarter and a half will be critical for the Hawkeyes to establish some sort of rhythm. If they can't it could be another long afternoon in a series that the Buckeyes have dominated.
Overall Offensive Rating: B-
2010 Iowa Hawkeyes Defensive PreviewQB #12 Ricky Stanzi (6-4, 230, SR, Lake Catholic HS, Mentor, OH)
Stanzi has had a great career at Iowa, and he has put up some big numbers this season. Importantly, he has cut back dramatically on the turnovers than plagued his last 2 seasons, including last year, when he threw 15 INTs. This year his TD/INT ratio is outstanding (22/4) and he is one of the nation's most efficient QBs. He has thrown for over 200 yards in every game this season except the Michigan State game, where he hit for 190 yards and 3 TDs on 73.3% completions, and the Hawkeyes were way ahead. He has not topped 300 yards passing this season, though he has come close (Indiana 290, Ball State 288, Arizona 278) on several occasions. He has thrown 3 TD passes 5 times this season, and has never thrown more than a single pick in a game. In the three losses, he has acquitted himself well, throwing for over 250 yards each game, with 3 TDs against Arizona and Wisconsin and 2 last week against Northwestern. One thing he continues to do is take sacks at critical times, something that has plagued him during his tenure (22 sacks in 2008, 23 sacks last year, 16 thus far in 2010). He is not especially mobile, but can create a bit of space or scramble for a few yards once in a while. He is mostly a pocket passer, however, so he relies heavily on his offensive line. Since he missed last year's contest due to injury, this will be his first game against the Buckeyes.
Gone and for the most part forgotten this year has been backup James Vandenberg (#16). He is a big kid who played courageously in Columbus last year, taking over for the injured Stanzi, but has been relegated to 5/8 for 45 yards and a TD this season in mop-up duty. He showed he was a gamer last year, however, so if Iowa had to turn to him, they could likely get by OK.
QB Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State QBs
Stanzi: 180/271 (66.4%), 2482 yards, 22 TDs, 4 INTs, 167.2 rating; 38/-13, 2 TDs
Pryor: 160/238 (67.2%), 2136 yards, 22 TDs, 8 INTs, 166.4 rating; 93/512, 4 TDs
Stanzi has had a fine season, but hasn't quite been able to lead Iowa to elite status in 2010. There have been flashes of greatness (Michigan State) and times where the team fell flat (Arizona, Northwestern). He completes a high percentage of passes, throws for a lot of yards, doesn't turn the ball over much, and has thrown for a lot of TDs. Pryor's numbers are somewhat similar, though he can be prone to maddening decisions with the football at times. What really separates these QBs is the extra dimension Pryor brings with his legs, as he is one of the biggest weapons in the nation from the QB position when he runs the ball. He can take over games or will the team to victory with a few timely scrambles, both of which he has displayed this year as well as in past seasons.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #32 Adam Robinson (5-9, 205, SO, Lincoln HS, Des Moines, IA)
FB #36 Brett Morse (6-3, 238, SR, Hinsdale Central HS, Willowbrook, IL)
The Hawkeyes have been relatively healthy at this spot this year compared to the decimation they dealt with last season. Robinson has started every game but the Indiana game 2 weeks ago, and is on pace for a 1000 yard season after gaining 834 yards last year. He has crossed the 100 yard plateau 6 times in 2010, including 156 and a TD against Iowa State and 143 yards and 2 TDs against Michigan. He also gained 108 yards last week in the loss to Northwestern. He is a sleek, powerful runner who has some speed and plenty of moxie between the tackles. He is a good north/south runner and can also break a ball to the outside. He is also a threat in the receiving game, catching 17 passes and scoring a TD against Michigan State on the season so far. In last year's game against the Buckeyes, he had 74 yards on 20 carries and 2 receptions for 13 yards. He will undoubtedly be a workhorse again this year for the Hawkeyes against the Buckeyes, and he will have to improve on those numbers for Iowa to have a chance at the victory.
Behind Robinson is freshman bowling ball Marcus Coker (#34, 6-0, 230). He is a powerful back who has emerged later in the season after the loss of Jewel Hampton. He made his debut against Ball State, carrying 10 times for 60 yards. He then had 16 carries for 40 yards against Michigan State and got the start against Indiana, gaining 129 yards on 22 carries. He had just 14 yards on 3 carries last week. It is unclear how much of a factor he will be, but it would not be surprising to see him get 5-10 touches on Saturday. He and Robinson make a fine young tandem that should be dominating for the Hawkeyes as upperclassmen.
At fullback, Morse is a veteran who brings toughness and experience. He doesn't carry the ball much (3 carries, 13 yards) but he can be more of a factor in the passing game (8 receptions, 54 yards, TD). However he is primarily a blocker, and a very good one. Backup freshman Brad Rogers (#38) is more of a hybrid back who has 11 carries for 75 yards and 2 receptions on the season.
RB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State RBs
Robinson: 194/914 yards, 10 TDs, 4.7 YPC; 20 rec/270 yards, 1 TD, 13.5 YPR
Coker: 51/243 yards, 0 TDs, 4.8 YPC; 1 rec/12 yards, 0 TDs, 12.0 YPR
Herron: 150/824 yards, 13 TDs, 5.5 YPC; 13 rec/150 yards, 0 TDs, 11.5 YPR
Saine: 62/293 yards, 2 TDs, 4.7 YPC; 18 rec/184 yards, 5 TDs, 10.2 YPR
Robinson has been effective for the most part and has put up good numbers. He was, however, completely obliterated by Arizona (10 carries, 5 yards) so a dominant defense has the capacity to shut him down. He has been very effective in conference play, however, gaining 95 or more yards 5 times, including 114 against a tough Wisconsin front. Coker appears to have a bright future but he is young and inexperienced for this type of game. Herron has taken over the feature back role for the Buckeyes and has been dominant in recent weeks. Saine adds a nice dimension out of the backfield on screens and passes, and he is still capable of carrying the rock. The Buckeyes also have extra depth, as Hall, Berry and Hyde are quality players waiting in the wings behind the veteran players. Given Robinson's recent missing of a game and Herron's peaking at the right time, a slight edge goes to Ohio State, though it shouldn't surprise anyone if Robinson plays well.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
SE #15 Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (6-1, 200, SR, Cardinal Mooney HS, Campbell, OH)
FL #7 Marvin McNutt (6-4, 215, JR, Hazelwood Central HS, St. Louis, MO)
This could be the best tandem of receivers the Hawkeyes have had. Johnson-Koulianos has been a solid player for 4 years and will leave with many of the receiving records for the Hawkeyes. He is on pace to surpass last year's production of 45 receptions and 750 yards, and he already has a personal best with 9 TDs. He has cracked the 100 yard receiving mark only twice, ironically both in losses to Arizona (114) and last week to Northwestern (104). He has scored at least a TD in 6 games, including 2 against Ball State and 3 against Michigan. He is also dangerous on the occasional end-around (3 carries, 43 yards). He has caught at least 4 passes in 8 games thus far, so expect him to be a consistent target. He is a wily veteran who runs good routes, has good speed, and knows all the tricks to creating good separation. He had 3 receptions for 71 yards against the Buckeyes last year ... numbers one would expect to increase if the Hawkeyes are to be successful. On the other side, McNutt has been just as valuable this year, with nearly equal totals in receptions, yards, and TDs, giving the Hawkeyes a very effective 1-2 punch. He caught 34 passes for 660 yards and 8 TDs last year, and he could surpass all of those numbers this year. He has surpassed the 100 yard mark just once (Indiana, 126) but he has caught 7 passes twice (Wisconsin, Northwestern) and has caught a TD pass in each of the past 4 conference games. He is a big target with good hands and deceptive speed, and he is good at making catches in traffic. He burned the Buckeyes for 6 receptions, 78 yards, and 2 TDs in last year's game, so the secondary will have to keep a close eye on this very effective player.
Depth is a problem, as veteran Colin Sandeman (#22; 16 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TDs) missed last week's game due to a vicious shot in the Michigan State contest. His status for this game is uncertain, but he is not listed on the 2-deep. Sophomore Keenan Davis (#6) sees regular action as the 3rd receiver. He has good speed but seems to have a penchant for dropping passes. Senior Don Nordmann (#11) plays very sparingly.
WR Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State WRs
Johnson-Koulianos: 41 catches, 673 yards, 9 TDs, 16.4 YPR
McNutt: 41 catches, 660 yards, 6 TDs, 16.1 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 43 catches, 716 yards, 9 TDs, 16.7 YPR
Posey: 43 catches, 664 yards, 5 TDs, 15.4 YPR
Looking at the numbers, they are frightening similar between the two teams: very balanced between the SE and FL, plenty of receptions, yards, and TDs, and little depth. Both sets of receivers can make catches downfield and critical receptions over the middle on 3rd down. They both have plenty of experience as well, so this one is basically a push.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #82 Allen Reisner (6-3, 248, SR, Marion HS, Marion, IA)
Reisner is the latest in a long line of quality TEs at Iowa. He had 14 receptions for 143 yards and a TD last year, and he has obliterated those numbers thus far in 2010. He has had a significant impact in virtually every game, including 6 receptions for 66 yards last weekend. He is also a veteran with good size who is a good blocker in the running game. He caught only one pass last year against the Buckeyes, but he is more of a factor downfield this season. The backup is junior Brad Herman (#39) who sees a good deal of blocking duty in double sets.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State TEs
Reisner: 35 catches, 370 yards, 2 TDs, 10.6 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs, 10.3 YPR
Reisner has stepped up his game in 2010 and is now a consistent factor in the passing game as well as being a quality blocker. The underuse of TEs in the Buckeye offense is well documented, and Stoneburner has proven to be an intelligent player with good skills. However it is hard to argue with production, and Reisner has roughly 3X the number of receptions and yards.
Edge: Iowa
Offensive Line
LT #77 Riley Reiff (6-6, 300, SO, Parkson HS, Parkson, SD)
LG #63 Julian Vandervelde (6-3, 300, SR, Central HS, Davenport, IA)
C #53 James Ferentz (6-2, 275, SO, City HS, Iowa City, IA)
RG #67 Josh Koeppel (6-2, 273, SR, City HS, Iowa City, IA)
RT #56 Marcus Zusevics (6-5, 295, JR, Prospect HS, Arlington Heights, IL)
The Iowa line is an experience-laden group that entered the season with high expectations. The run blocking has been relatively good, but the pass blocking has not met the lofty expectations and has broken down at critical junctures during the season, however. The most experienced lineman is Vandervelde, who has started 34 games in his career. He has started at both LG and RG, making him especially versatile in the interior. He is a smart, instinctive player who has been academic all-conference multiple times. Also on the left side, Reiff has already made 21 starts in his young career. He was named to the first team all-conference freshmen team last season after starting games at LT, LG, and RT. He is a future candidate for all-conference honors and has good size and leverage. In the middle, Ferentz won the job in the spring and has started every game after playing sparingly last season. He is a smart and instinctive player who will continue to grow playing for his father. On the right side, Zusevics has started every game at RT after being the backup last season. He is a bit undersized but has good agility. At RG, there has been some turnover, with 3 players garnering starts this season. Koeppel is a converted C who has played well the past 2 games after earning the opportunity to start. He is also a bit undersized but can use agility and footwork to be effective in the interior.
The Hawkeyes have a couple of backups with experience. Nolan MacMillan (#76) started the first 6 games at RG. Senior Kyle Haganman (#69) is the backup LT. He has played tackle and guard in his career, so he is a versatile backup. A pair of freshmen, Conor Boffeli (#59) at LG and Brett Van Sloten (#70) at RT, round out the chart.
OL Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State OL
Iowa's line has played well for the most part and has been a cohesive unit, as most positions have consistent starters for all 10 games. They are good at run blocking, but they have been vulnerable against good pass rushes and depth is also a concern. The Buckeye line has been playing better in recent weeks, and their second half performance against Penn State was of high quality. The Buckeyes boast quality depth at most positions and one of the league's best linemen in Boren.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Often these grades reflect that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, but in this case, it is the opposite. Despite high quality players at each skill position and a cast of experienced linemen, the Hawkeyes have not produced the dominant performances that were expected, and they have underachieved against some inferior opponents, like Indiana. They have also played well in some games against good opponents, such as Michigan State. Robinson is a good player but the production from the running game as a whole hasn't quite been at an elite level. Stanzi has also played well and has multiple high quality targets, but the Hawkeyes have also had trouble closing out games and generating a winning drive when they are behind, as evidenced in all 3 losses. In any event, it will be imperative for the running game to function and for the line to keep the heat off of Stanzi if the Hawkeyes want to be in the game in the 4th quarter this weekend. After their flat start last week, expect the Buckeyes to come out of the gate firing, meaning the first quarter and a half will be critical for the Hawkeyes to establish some sort of rhythm. If they can't it could be another long afternoon in a series that the Buckeyes have dominated.
Overall Offensive Rating: B-
Iowa's defensive coordinator, Norm Parker, began his coaching career in 1965 as the Head Coach of St. John's High School in Michigan. He entered the college ranks in 1968 when he took a position as O-Line coach for Eastern Michigan. After that season, Parker left the Midwest to join the staff at Wake Forest where he coached Tight Ends and Wide Receivers from 1969 to 1971. Then, in 1972 he returned to the Midwest to coach the Defensive Line at Minnesota. He remained with the Gophers until taking a position coaching Illinois LBs in 1977. He was offered the Defensive Coordinator job at East Carolina in 1980, which he kept until returning to the Big Ten in 1983 as Michigan State's LB coach. He remained at MSU until 1994 and had become MSU's Defensive Coordinator by the time he left (1990-1994). In 1995 he went back to coaching LBs, this time at Vanderbilt and two years later he was named Vandy's Defensive Coordinator. After taking the 1998 season off he joined Iowa's staff in 1999 as Defensive Coordinator and as LBs coach. With an emphasis on "keeping the play in front of you" the Iowa Defense has been among the more consistent units in the Big Ten over time.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|.PCT..|Red Zone.|.PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Iowa........|.15.0..|..307.0..|.86.8.|220.2.|.15.| ..4..|.18..|.174..|51-141.|.36%..|.21-30...|.70%.|.16-30.|53%.|29:03|
Ohio State..|.13.6..|..238.0..|.86.9.|151.1.|.17.|..9.. |.16..|.136..|36-126.|.29%..|.15-21...|.71%.|.11-21.|52%.|27:11|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
Iowa may represent the stiffest defensive test the Buckeyes face in 2010 and statistically reminds Ohio State of .... Ohio State. Iowa is a tenth of a yard per game better against the run than Ohio State, but is nearly 70 yards per game worse against the pass. Considering the MASH unit the Buckeyes secondary has been this season, this difference is particularly notable. Both teams are able to get off the field on 3rd down, though the Buckeyes do so more regularly. The red-zone numbers are a virtual dead heat and this remains true when one considers points per red-zone appearance, where both teams yield 4.2 points per visit to the 20. The Buckeyes have been better at generating turnovers while Iowa enjoys a slight edge in QB sacks. There may be, however, two other numbers which reveal the bigger differences between Ohio State and Iowa. The first is represented above - Ohio State has given up 38 less first downs and considering the difference in TOF it is the Buckeyes who generate more 3 and outs. The second is revealed by the score by quarters. While Iowa is better in quarters 1 and 2 than is Ohio State, Ohio State is much better in the second half. That's not to say Iowa isn't good in the third quarter, giving up just 21 points thus far - Ohio State is just better, yielding only 12. It is the 4th quarter, however, where the differences are revealed. Ohio State has given up only 34 4th quarter points, while the Hawkeyes have given up 62. It bears noting also - with the exception of the Wisconsin game, Ohio State's 4th quarter points hardly matter. Iowa's 4th quarters, however, have been the difference several times.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|.PCT..|Red Zone.|.PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Iowa........|.15.0..|..307.0..|.86.8.|220.2.|.15.| ..4..|.18..|.174..|51-141.|.36%..|.21-30...|.70%.|.16-30.|53%.|29:03|
Ohio State..|.13.6..|..238.0..|.86.9.|151.1.|.17.|..9.. |.16..|.136..|36-126.|.29%..|.15-21...|.71%.|.11-21.|52%.|27:11|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
Iowa may represent the stiffest defensive test the Buckeyes face in 2010 and statistically reminds Ohio State of .... Ohio State. Iowa is a tenth of a yard per game better against the run than Ohio State, but is nearly 70 yards per game worse against the pass. Considering the MASH unit the Buckeyes secondary has been this season, this difference is particularly notable. Both teams are able to get off the field on 3rd down, though the Buckeyes do so more regularly. The red-zone numbers are a virtual dead heat and this remains true when one considers points per red-zone appearance, where both teams yield 4.2 points per visit to the 20. The Buckeyes have been better at generating turnovers while Iowa enjoys a slight edge in QB sacks. There may be, however, two other numbers which reveal the bigger differences between Ohio State and Iowa. The first is represented above - Ohio State has given up 38 less first downs and considering the difference in TOF it is the Buckeyes who generate more 3 and outs. The second is revealed by the score by quarters. While Iowa is better in quarters 1 and 2 than is Ohio State, Ohio State is much better in the second half. That's not to say Iowa isn't good in the third quarter, giving up just 21 points thus far - Ohio State is just better, yielding only 12. It is the 4th quarter, however, where the differences are revealed. Ohio State has given up only 34 4th quarter points, while the Hawkeyes have given up 62. It bears noting also - with the exception of the Wisconsin game, Ohio State's 4th quarter points hardly matter. Iowa's 4th quarters, however, have been the difference several times.
Defensive Line
DE #46 Christian Ballard (6-5, 297, Sr.)
DT #93 Mike Daniels (6-1, 275, Jr.)
DT #95 Karl Klug (6-4, 270, Sr.)
DE #94 Adrian Clayborn (6-4, 285, Sr.)
There is no question who is the leader of the front four. Clayborn, like Ohio State's Cam Heyward, could be playing on Sundays right now. With all the tools, size, speed, and first step quickness Clayborn represents a serious threat which will need to be accounted for on every play. He has 42 tackles, 7 for loss with 3.5 sacks this season. On the other end, Ballard has the ability to get to quarterbacks in a hurry as well. More bulky than years past, Ballard was an honorable mention All-Big Ten player a season ago. This year he has 33 tackles, 3 for loss with a sack and one forced fumble. The interior, strangely, is smaller than the ends and, perhaps owing to the attention given to the very able ends, been quite productive this season. Klug is the D-Line's leader in tackles with 46 and is second among linemen with 8.5 TFLs. He, like Clayborn, has 3.5 sacks and has demonstrated the ability to collapse a pocket and cause QBs to get rid of the ball before they might want to. Daniels has started 6 games this season and given his size relies more on quickness than bulk. The youngest member of the starting four, Daniels is the team leader in TFLS with 11 and sacks with 4. He has made 38 tackles this season.
Ends: #91 Broderick Binns (6-2, 261, Jr.), and #58 Lebron Daniel (6-2, 250, Jr.), and tackles: #87 Thomas Nardo (6-3, 277, Jr.), and #54 Steve Bigach (6-3, 272, So.), round out the two-deep. Binns entered the year as a starter and has made 22 tackles, 1 for loss and has a 20 yard INT return. He has 4 starts and has played in 9 of Iowa's 10 games. Daniel has played in each of the 10 games this season and has made 5 tackles with a sack and has a fumble recovery. Bigach and Nardo have each played in 4 games, each has 3 tackles. Bigach has a sack as well.
DL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State D-Line
If Iowa had a more consistent two-deep, the A- would be an A+ as the starting four are a very talented and consistent group. Three of the four starting linemen have earned All-Big Ten honors in some manner, but the depth behind them represents a significant drop in production. While the D-Line is strong against the run and generates great pressure on QBs even if the sack numbers aren't quite as eye popping as you'd like, they have a tendency to wear down as games go long. The Buckeyes are similar along their front, but have more consistent depth and do not have the 4th quarter problems Iowa has had. Both teams can generate pressure with just their front four, though Ohio State seems more likely to run zone blitzes than do the Hawkeyes. Likewise, the Buckeyes front has generated more turnovers. As a result, the Buckeyes might earn a slight edge here. However, we'll call this one even in as much as the Buckeyes are on the road this week and the match-up is otherwise a dead heat.
Edge: Even
Linebackers
SLB #37 Shane DiBona (6-2, 230, r-Fr.)
MLB #44 James Morris (6-2, 215, Fr.)
WLB #42 Jeremiha Hunter (6-2, 235, Sr.)
Iowa has produced some talented LBs over the past several years including Abdul Hodge, Chad Greenway and Pat Angerer. The next in line may well be Jeremiha Hunter who finished second on the team last season with 89 tackles. With good quickness, Hunter could be a better blitzer than he's been to date and could make some improvements in pass coverage. Nonetheless, he's always around the ball and is a sure tackler. He leads the team with 65 tackles, has half a TFL, 2 fumble recoveries and a pick. A pair of young guns round out the starting corps. DiBona is a redshirt freshman who has played in each of Iowa's 10 contests while starting 2. He has 13 tackles this season as he earns quality reps for the future. Morris is a true freshman who has also played in all ten games, starting 3. He has had a very strong freshman season and finds himself tied for 5th with 46 tackles, with 1.5 for loss and one sack. While young, the future at LB should be just fine.
Reserve LBs include; #97 Ross Petersen (6-3, 236, Sr.), #48 Troy Johnson (6-2, 235, Sr.), and #33 Jeff Tarpinian (6-3, 238, Sr.). Tarpinian was projected to be the starter entering the 2010 campaign and has 3 starts to his credit this season. He has been productive when on the field and has 44 tackles, 2.5 for loss with 2 sacks. Johnson also has 3 starts this season and has made 38 tackles, half for loss and also has one INT to his credit. Peterson has 4 tackles in 8 games.
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State LBs
The fact that three reserves are seniors indicates that Iowa has talent among its freshman LBs. Perhaps owing to scheme, Iowa's LBs have recorded more tackles than their Buckeye counterparts, while the Buckeyes have been far better at generating turnovers with their LBs than has the Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes have more experience among their top 3 and take a back-seat in terms of overall talent to no one - Iowa being no exception. The return of Ross Homan and the strong play of the corps in his absence speaks favorably to Ohio State. Both units have proven very sound in run support while the Buckeyes LBs have been more productive behind the LOS, and as already mentioned, in getting turnovers. As a result, the Buckeyes get the edge at LB here.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #28 Shaun Prater (5-11, 180, Jr.)
SS #9 Tyler Sash (6-1, 210, Jr.)
FS #30 Brett Greenwood (6-0, 200, Sr.)
CB #18 Micah Hyde (6-1, 185, So.)
Sash is a playmaker who has amassed more than 350 return yards on his 13 career picks. With stereotypical size, Sash is a sure tackler and big hitter who should be playing on Sundays in the near future. Sash is currently third on the team in tackles with 58, 2.5 for loss with 2 picks. Greenwood is a former walk-on who has earned his reputation by being a steady if not flashy force who can be counted on to give all out effort on every play. He is not blessed with elite athleticism, but he plays within himself and has good instincts. He is the team leader with 4 INTs to go along with 41 tackles, one for loss. Prater is second on the team in interceptions with 3 (72 return yards) and has 52 stops thus far. A smart player, Prater will not be found out of position on too many plays and has proven himself an asset in run support as well. Rounding out the secondary is former HS QB Micah Hyde. The sophomore has the size to match up against taller receivers and can run with virtually anyone. After seeing limited action in 2009, Hyde is quickly earning a reputation as a quality corner. He is second on the team with 61 tackles and has 2 picks to go along with his 9 pass break-ups.
Depth comes from corners: #2 Greg Castillo (5-11, 180, So.), and #19 B.J. Lowery (5-11, 180, Fr.), and safeties: #13 Tom Donatell (6-2, 205, Jr.), and #49 Tanner Miller (6-2, 195, Fr.). Among the second group, only Castillo has a start on his resume this season. He leads the reserves with 6 tackles thus far. Donatell has seen action in all 10 games this season but has recorded just 4 tackles. Lowery has 3 tackles in 5 games, while Miller has 4 stops in 7 games.
DB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State DBs
Like the other evaluated units, the differences between Ohio State and Iowa aren't particularly glaring. Iowa, like Ohio State, has quality defenders in the secondary who can make plays with the ball in the air and who are not afraid to help out in run support. The Hawkeyes are not quite as deep as is Ohio State, but Ohio State has suffered several losses in the 2010 campaign which simply means the depth is now on the field more than they might be if Ohio State still had its full complement of defensive backs. The Hawkeye secondary has been more productive numbers wise even though they've given up nearly 70 yards more per game through the air. Perhaps both of these facts are due to the Hawkeyes having faced nearly 100 more pass attempts against them this season than have the Buckeyes. While the separation between Iowa and Ohio State isn't vast, a slight edge goes to the Buckeyes this week mostly based upon its role within the overall defense and the lack of production against it as compared to the Hawkeye counterparts.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Iowa knows what it wants to do on Defense and does precisely that week in and week out. Among the better defenses in the Big Ten for several years now, the Hawkeyes present the stiffest challenge for Terrelle Pryor and company this season. With a very good line, solid LB play and quality defensive backs, Iowa is just fine so long as the first team stays on the field. Things aren't quite as good for the Hawkeyes once they start going to the bench and with Ohio State's renewed interest in the running game, wear and tear on Iowa may pay dividends in the 4th quarter as the defenders wear down.
Overall Defensive Rating: B+/A-
2010 Iowa Hawkeyes Special Teams PreviewDE #46 Christian Ballard (6-5, 297, Sr.)
DT #93 Mike Daniels (6-1, 275, Jr.)
DT #95 Karl Klug (6-4, 270, Sr.)
DE #94 Adrian Clayborn (6-4, 285, Sr.)
There is no question who is the leader of the front four. Clayborn, like Ohio State's Cam Heyward, could be playing on Sundays right now. With all the tools, size, speed, and first step quickness Clayborn represents a serious threat which will need to be accounted for on every play. He has 42 tackles, 7 for loss with 3.5 sacks this season. On the other end, Ballard has the ability to get to quarterbacks in a hurry as well. More bulky than years past, Ballard was an honorable mention All-Big Ten player a season ago. This year he has 33 tackles, 3 for loss with a sack and one forced fumble. The interior, strangely, is smaller than the ends and, perhaps owing to the attention given to the very able ends, been quite productive this season. Klug is the D-Line's leader in tackles with 46 and is second among linemen with 8.5 TFLs. He, like Clayborn, has 3.5 sacks and has demonstrated the ability to collapse a pocket and cause QBs to get rid of the ball before they might want to. Daniels has started 6 games this season and given his size relies more on quickness than bulk. The youngest member of the starting four, Daniels is the team leader in TFLS with 11 and sacks with 4. He has made 38 tackles this season.
Ends: #91 Broderick Binns (6-2, 261, Jr.), and #58 Lebron Daniel (6-2, 250, Jr.), and tackles: #87 Thomas Nardo (6-3, 277, Jr.), and #54 Steve Bigach (6-3, 272, So.), round out the two-deep. Binns entered the year as a starter and has made 22 tackles, 1 for loss and has a 20 yard INT return. He has 4 starts and has played in 9 of Iowa's 10 games. Daniel has played in each of the 10 games this season and has made 5 tackles with a sack and has a fumble recovery. Bigach and Nardo have each played in 4 games, each has 3 tackles. Bigach has a sack as well.
DL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State D-Line
If Iowa had a more consistent two-deep, the A- would be an A+ as the starting four are a very talented and consistent group. Three of the four starting linemen have earned All-Big Ten honors in some manner, but the depth behind them represents a significant drop in production. While the D-Line is strong against the run and generates great pressure on QBs even if the sack numbers aren't quite as eye popping as you'd like, they have a tendency to wear down as games go long. The Buckeyes are similar along their front, but have more consistent depth and do not have the 4th quarter problems Iowa has had. Both teams can generate pressure with just their front four, though Ohio State seems more likely to run zone blitzes than do the Hawkeyes. Likewise, the Buckeyes front has generated more turnovers. As a result, the Buckeyes might earn a slight edge here. However, we'll call this one even in as much as the Buckeyes are on the road this week and the match-up is otherwise a dead heat.
Edge: Even
Linebackers
SLB #37 Shane DiBona (6-2, 230, r-Fr.)
MLB #44 James Morris (6-2, 215, Fr.)
WLB #42 Jeremiha Hunter (6-2, 235, Sr.)
Iowa has produced some talented LBs over the past several years including Abdul Hodge, Chad Greenway and Pat Angerer. The next in line may well be Jeremiha Hunter who finished second on the team last season with 89 tackles. With good quickness, Hunter could be a better blitzer than he's been to date and could make some improvements in pass coverage. Nonetheless, he's always around the ball and is a sure tackler. He leads the team with 65 tackles, has half a TFL, 2 fumble recoveries and a pick. A pair of young guns round out the starting corps. DiBona is a redshirt freshman who has played in each of Iowa's 10 contests while starting 2. He has 13 tackles this season as he earns quality reps for the future. Morris is a true freshman who has also played in all ten games, starting 3. He has had a very strong freshman season and finds himself tied for 5th with 46 tackles, with 1.5 for loss and one sack. While young, the future at LB should be just fine.
Reserve LBs include; #97 Ross Petersen (6-3, 236, Sr.), #48 Troy Johnson (6-2, 235, Sr.), and #33 Jeff Tarpinian (6-3, 238, Sr.). Tarpinian was projected to be the starter entering the 2010 campaign and has 3 starts to his credit this season. He has been productive when on the field and has 44 tackles, 2.5 for loss with 2 sacks. Johnson also has 3 starts this season and has made 38 tackles, half for loss and also has one INT to his credit. Peterson has 4 tackles in 8 games.
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State LBs
The fact that three reserves are seniors indicates that Iowa has talent among its freshman LBs. Perhaps owing to scheme, Iowa's LBs have recorded more tackles than their Buckeye counterparts, while the Buckeyes have been far better at generating turnovers with their LBs than has the Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes have more experience among their top 3 and take a back-seat in terms of overall talent to no one - Iowa being no exception. The return of Ross Homan and the strong play of the corps in his absence speaks favorably to Ohio State. Both units have proven very sound in run support while the Buckeyes LBs have been more productive behind the LOS, and as already mentioned, in getting turnovers. As a result, the Buckeyes get the edge at LB here.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #28 Shaun Prater (5-11, 180, Jr.)
SS #9 Tyler Sash (6-1, 210, Jr.)
FS #30 Brett Greenwood (6-0, 200, Sr.)
CB #18 Micah Hyde (6-1, 185, So.)
Sash is a playmaker who has amassed more than 350 return yards on his 13 career picks. With stereotypical size, Sash is a sure tackler and big hitter who should be playing on Sundays in the near future. Sash is currently third on the team in tackles with 58, 2.5 for loss with 2 picks. Greenwood is a former walk-on who has earned his reputation by being a steady if not flashy force who can be counted on to give all out effort on every play. He is not blessed with elite athleticism, but he plays within himself and has good instincts. He is the team leader with 4 INTs to go along with 41 tackles, one for loss. Prater is second on the team in interceptions with 3 (72 return yards) and has 52 stops thus far. A smart player, Prater will not be found out of position on too many plays and has proven himself an asset in run support as well. Rounding out the secondary is former HS QB Micah Hyde. The sophomore has the size to match up against taller receivers and can run with virtually anyone. After seeing limited action in 2009, Hyde is quickly earning a reputation as a quality corner. He is second on the team with 61 tackles and has 2 picks to go along with his 9 pass break-ups.
Depth comes from corners: #2 Greg Castillo (5-11, 180, So.), and #19 B.J. Lowery (5-11, 180, Fr.), and safeties: #13 Tom Donatell (6-2, 205, Jr.), and #49 Tanner Miller (6-2, 195, Fr.). Among the second group, only Castillo has a start on his resume this season. He leads the reserves with 6 tackles thus far. Donatell has seen action in all 10 games this season but has recorded just 4 tackles. Lowery has 3 tackles in 5 games, while Miller has 4 stops in 7 games.
DB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Iowa versus Ohio State DBs
Like the other evaluated units, the differences between Ohio State and Iowa aren't particularly glaring. Iowa, like Ohio State, has quality defenders in the secondary who can make plays with the ball in the air and who are not afraid to help out in run support. The Hawkeyes are not quite as deep as is Ohio State, but Ohio State has suffered several losses in the 2010 campaign which simply means the depth is now on the field more than they might be if Ohio State still had its full complement of defensive backs. The Hawkeye secondary has been more productive numbers wise even though they've given up nearly 70 yards more per game through the air. Perhaps both of these facts are due to the Hawkeyes having faced nearly 100 more pass attempts against them this season than have the Buckeyes. While the separation between Iowa and Ohio State isn't vast, a slight edge goes to the Buckeyes this week mostly based upon its role within the overall defense and the lack of production against it as compared to the Hawkeye counterparts.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Iowa knows what it wants to do on Defense and does precisely that week in and week out. Among the better defenses in the Big Ten for several years now, the Hawkeyes present the stiffest challenge for Terrelle Pryor and company this season. With a very good line, solid LB play and quality defensive backs, Iowa is just fine so long as the first team stays on the field. Things aren't quite as good for the Hawkeyes once they start going to the bench and with Ohio State's renewed interest in the running game, wear and tear on Iowa may pay dividends in the 4th quarter as the defenders wear down.
Overall Defensive Rating: B+/A-
The Buckeyes travel to Iowa City, Iowa to take on the University of Iowa Hawkeyes in a game that will have big implications on who will win the Big Ten title and who will go where in the Bowl Season. Iowa's Special Teams present a real challenge for Ohio State and will try to make the big plays as they did last year in Columbus when they almost single-handedly brought Iowa to the cusp of victory (and a Big Ten title).
Special Teams
Iowa
P #5 Ryan Donahue (6-3, 190, Sr., St. Rita HS, Evergreen Park, IL)
PK #96 Michael Meyer (6-2, 175, Fr., Wahlert HS, Dubuque, IA)
PR #26 Paul Chaney Jr. (5-9, 170, Sr., University HS, St. Louis, MO)
PR #7 Marvin McNutt (6-4, 215, Jr., Hazelwood Central HS, St. Louis, MO)
KR #15 Darrell Johnson-Koulianos (6-1, 200, Sr., Cardinal Mooney HS, Youngstown, OH)
KR #6 Keenan Davis (6-3, 215, So., Washington HS, Cedar Rapids, IA)
LS #65 Andrew Schulze (6-5, 255, Sr., Downers Grove South HS, Woodridge, IL)
Hldr ##5 Ryan Donahue (6-3, 190, Sr., St. Rita HS, Evergreen Park, IL)
The Hawkeye Special teams have had a very good year statistically. All units save for the kickoff return defense rank in the top 25% of teams in the NCAA. Ryan Donohue has had a great year punting the ball for Iowa. Only 17 of his 45 punts have been returned for only 68 yards. His net average of 37.42 is good for 41st in the nation. Punt returners Chaney and McNutt have returned 19 for 178 yds and 1 touchdown, a 9.37 avg. Johnson-Koulianos and Davis are solid as well, having Iowa ranked 25th in the nation with 19 returns for 451 yards and a 23.74 avg. Johnson-Koulianos returned a kickoff 99 yards last year in Columbus to spark an Iowa comeback in last year's game. On defense, there are 2 extremes. The punt return defense is outstanding and ranks 7th in the nation in that area, only allowing a 4.0 yds per return average. On the other hand, the kickoff return defense has been less than sparkling. They have allowed their opponents to take 46 kicks back for 1031 yards, a 22.41 avg and 1 touchdown. Since Ohio State's strength on Special Teams is returning kickoffs, this will be a battle to keep an eye on.
ST Rating: B+
Ohio State
P #17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, Fr., Westerville Central HS, Westerville, OH)
PK #24 Devin Barclay (5-10, 204, Sr., McDonough HS, Annapolis, MD)
KO #24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, Fr., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
PR #8 DeVier Posey (6-2, 200, Jr., LaSalle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
PR #10 Corey Brown (5-10, 170, Fr., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
PR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #1 Dan Herron (5-10, 202, Jr., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
KR #3 Brandon Saine (6-1, 219, Sr., Piqua HS, Piqua, OH)
KR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, Fr., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
LS #96 Jake McQuaide (6-3, 234, Sr., Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Hldr #14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Jr., Lincoln HS, Stasburg, VA)
The Ohio State Special Teams enjoyed a rare great day last week against Penn State. The punts were covered well, the kickoff returns often didn't make it past the 20 and their own returns set the Bucks up in fine field position. Is this a sign that the Special Teams have finally gotten it together? I thought so the week before Wisconsin and, well, you know what happened there. Iowa is coming off of a surprising loss to feisty Northwestern last week and don't want to ruin their New Year's Day Bowl hopes with a loss at home. Buchanan must improve on his 33.32 yards per punt net to keep the Hawkeyes pinned back. OSU has a decided advantage in the kickoff return game. They are 9th in the nation with a 25.37 avg per return while Iowa is only 85th in the nation at defending the kickoff. But the opposite could be said about punt returns, where the Buckeyes rank a dismal 100th in the nation defending the punt return while Iowa is 25th in returning punts. If Basil were to somehow start putting his kickoffs in the end zone, that would be a great help.
ST Rating: C- (teacher's pet)
Edge: Iowa
Special Teams
Iowa
P #5 Ryan Donahue (6-3, 190, Sr., St. Rita HS, Evergreen Park, IL)
PK #96 Michael Meyer (6-2, 175, Fr., Wahlert HS, Dubuque, IA)
PR #26 Paul Chaney Jr. (5-9, 170, Sr., University HS, St. Louis, MO)
PR #7 Marvin McNutt (6-4, 215, Jr., Hazelwood Central HS, St. Louis, MO)
KR #15 Darrell Johnson-Koulianos (6-1, 200, Sr., Cardinal Mooney HS, Youngstown, OH)
KR #6 Keenan Davis (6-3, 215, So., Washington HS, Cedar Rapids, IA)
LS #65 Andrew Schulze (6-5, 255, Sr., Downers Grove South HS, Woodridge, IL)
Hldr ##5 Ryan Donahue (6-3, 190, Sr., St. Rita HS, Evergreen Park, IL)
The Hawkeye Special teams have had a very good year statistically. All units save for the kickoff return defense rank in the top 25% of teams in the NCAA. Ryan Donohue has had a great year punting the ball for Iowa. Only 17 of his 45 punts have been returned for only 68 yards. His net average of 37.42 is good for 41st in the nation. Punt returners Chaney and McNutt have returned 19 for 178 yds and 1 touchdown, a 9.37 avg. Johnson-Koulianos and Davis are solid as well, having Iowa ranked 25th in the nation with 19 returns for 451 yards and a 23.74 avg. Johnson-Koulianos returned a kickoff 99 yards last year in Columbus to spark an Iowa comeback in last year's game. On defense, there are 2 extremes. The punt return defense is outstanding and ranks 7th in the nation in that area, only allowing a 4.0 yds per return average. On the other hand, the kickoff return defense has been less than sparkling. They have allowed their opponents to take 46 kicks back for 1031 yards, a 22.41 avg and 1 touchdown. Since Ohio State's strength on Special Teams is returning kickoffs, this will be a battle to keep an eye on.
ST Rating: B+
Ohio State
P #17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, Fr., Westerville Central HS, Westerville, OH)
PK #24 Devin Barclay (5-10, 204, Sr., McDonough HS, Annapolis, MD)
KO #24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, Fr., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
PR #8 DeVier Posey (6-2, 200, Jr., LaSalle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
PR #10 Corey Brown (5-10, 170, Fr., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
PR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #1 Dan Herron (5-10, 202, Jr., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
KR #3 Brandon Saine (6-1, 219, Sr., Piqua HS, Piqua, OH)
KR #7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, So., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
KR #4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, Fr., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
LS #96 Jake McQuaide (6-3, 234, Sr., Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Hldr #14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Jr., Lincoln HS, Stasburg, VA)
The Ohio State Special Teams enjoyed a rare great day last week against Penn State. The punts were covered well, the kickoff returns often didn't make it past the 20 and their own returns set the Bucks up in fine field position. Is this a sign that the Special Teams have finally gotten it together? I thought so the week before Wisconsin and, well, you know what happened there. Iowa is coming off of a surprising loss to feisty Northwestern last week and don't want to ruin their New Year's Day Bowl hopes with a loss at home. Buchanan must improve on his 33.32 yards per punt net to keep the Hawkeyes pinned back. OSU has a decided advantage in the kickoff return game. They are 9th in the nation with a 25.37 avg per return while Iowa is only 85th in the nation at defending the kickoff. But the opposite could be said about punt returns, where the Buckeyes rank a dismal 100th in the nation defending the punt return while Iowa is 25th in returning punts. If Basil were to somehow start putting his kickoffs in the end zone, that would be a great help.
ST Rating: C- (teacher's pet)
Edge: Iowa
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The Buckeyes will be at a statistical disadvantage is just about every Special Teams category against Iowa. But as demonstrated last weekend against Penn State, they have the athletes to control play. They just have to do it.
PredictionsThe Buckeyes will be at a statistical disadvantage is just about every Special Teams category against Iowa. But as demonstrated last weekend against Penn State, they have the athletes to control play. They just have to do it.
BB73's prediction: 37-23, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-24, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 23-21, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 27-18, Ohio State
JCOSU86's Prediction: 34-21, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 31-21, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 38 - Penn State 14)
Low score wins the year-long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(178) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 34-9, Ohio State (9 + 169 last week = 178)
(191) Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State (12 + 179 last week = 191)
(192) Bucklion's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (8 + 184 last week = 192)
(196) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (12 + 184 last week = 196)
(199) JCOSU86's prediction: 35-17, Ohio State (6 + 193 last week= 199)
(205) BB73's prediction: 30-17 Ohio State (11 + 194 last week = 205)
(206) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-10, Ohio State (11 + 195 last week = 206)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-24, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 23-21, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 27-18, Ohio State
JCOSU86's Prediction: 34-21, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 31-21, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 38 - Penn State 14)
Low score wins the year-long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(178) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 34-9, Ohio State (9 + 169 last week = 178)
(191) Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State (12 + 179 last week = 191)
(192) Bucklion's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (8 + 184 last week = 192)
(196) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (12 + 184 last week = 196)
(199) JCOSU86's prediction: 35-17, Ohio State (6 + 193 last week= 199)
(205) BB73's prediction: 30-17 Ohio State (11 + 194 last week = 205)
(206) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-10, Ohio State (11 + 195 last week = 206)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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