Wow....great fans we have around here. What have you guys seen that leads you to believe Iowa will do anything but have a very realistic chance to run the table from here on out?
I still hope Iowa is good enough to finish 11-1. I'm just not as confident the are good enough on offense to pull it off, for a slow accumulation of reasons.
#1) Preseason, the Michigan roadie was always my biggest concern specifically because of the way Robinson single-handedly strolled down the field against an excellent Iowa D, at night, on homecoming in Kinnick. He was a true freshman, who came in cold, and missed a mid-range crossing route that would have easily put them in range for the game winning field goal.
Based on that performance, I always thought if Iowa was going to lose a game, it would most likely be at Michigan. This season, he is proving my concern to be 100% true and as expected, he has improved his passing reads and ability.
#2) NW and Indy are two "nemesis" type teams with the ability to score on anyone, that have often played up and beaten what has always been a more talented Iowa team. This year, they are just better than what I would have expected and Iowa has to play them on the road.
#3) MSU is the second coming of how Iowa has been built -- physical defense, solid rushing attack, smart & competent QB, don't beat themselves. What they have always seemed to lack is the chemistry and leadership ... until this year, when those key components are also upper classmen. Not to mention, they have a rallying point around Dantonio's health. Again, they are much better than I would have thought pre-season.
#4) As I watch PSU get beaten up by an average Illinois team
at home -- an Illinois team led by a true freshman QB who is able to roll up 33 points (so far), I find myself really wondering what the hell that 2nd 1/2 last week was all about. Iowa's offense scored 17 frickin' points, in a night game, at home, against this average defense???
At this point, I would be extremely happy to have it confirmed that Iowa just went fetal conservative. At least then I know it was Iowa's decision to coast.
Unfortunately, there have been arguments all week (supported by the play x play analysis revealing perfectly balanced play calling) that Iowa didn't go conservative but was
actually shut down by Penn State's 1/2-time adjustments. YIKES! If an average PSU defense can "out-adjust" this talented Iowa offense, then imagine what OSU or MSU will be able to do with their above average to very good defenses?
I'm more convinced now that Iowa's OL and RB consistency is a major concern and based on scoring output, they seem to sputter as the game progresses. What's more, if you take an honest assessment of the season to date, you really have to ask the question "Who has Iowa played?" It's looking more and more that they've beaten a bunch of .500 or worse caliber teams and lost to the only respectable team they've played.
This isn't about "fan", it's about the reality that seems to be unfolding in Iowa's performances, the competitions' performances and how the B11 seems to be shaping up.
As said, hoping for 11-1 (it's still possible) but starting to put more probability in 8-4 or 9-3.
