Hello Hawkeye nation- Member of the "enemy" here.
I think any forum is going to have a certain amount of jackassery to it. This is the internet, after all. I think my prediction for the game is pretty fair.
I have equated top FCS programs (NDSU, UNI, ISU, Montana, SDSU, New Hampshire, EWU) to teams that would be top 2 or 3 in some of your standard non-BCS conferences (SunBelt, CUSA, AAC and MAC). So when I look at this game, I look at it not as "an FCS" team coming to play in Iowa City, but a team that would probably be a bowl eligible FBS team in any of those previously mentioned conferences. Labeling teams like ISU, UNI and NDSU as "just FCS teams" really gives your fanbase the wrong impression. You are absolutely right- there are some hot garbage FCS teams in the division that could pretty easily be beaten by some DII or even DIII teams, but this team you are seeing on Saturday is not one of them.
Everyone keeps talking about Roberson and Coprich because they will probably be 2 of the 5 finalists for the Walter Payton award (FCS Heisman) at the end of the year. Everyone has picked those guys to death. Our two teams have similar concerns with O-Line unknowns, so lets call that a wash. I think that Iowa will face its biggest challenge against the best ISU defensive front seven in the recent history of the program. You have very experienced high level athletes that know how to get off a block and tackle. The linebackers are solid and are very disciplined.
My concern is the secondary. Full of FBS transfers and incredible athletes, they might be a little undisciplined in their coverages and may be weak against the deep ball. I know your QB can get the ball down field if he has time, so that will be where Iowa, I think, gets its points.
we have a new kicker, new punter and new long snapper. While the Hawkeyes may struggle against the 1-2 offensive punch or the front seven of ISU, they should DOMINATE against the special teams. FCS schools can't carry nearly as many scholarships for special teams players, so kick coverages and punt situations tend to be extremely dangerous for teams at this level- even the ones with an experienced core.
I originally had Iowa winning this game by 6 or 7 (I think I originally said ISU 21, Iowa 28), but then the weather forecast came out and I 100% seriously think the black uniforms end up costing the Hawkeyes 3-4 points if not more.
Overall, I just think the jump in weight class will be a little tricky for ISU to overcome.
ISU- 23
Iowa- 27
* Everyone who is going to the game, stay safe- it is looking like it will be just flat dangerous out there. We want everyone either in red or yellow to walk out of the stadium without heat stroke.
