Like many Iowa teams of the Ferentz era, this team is built around its defense and offensive line. The defense has and will continue to keep the team in all games. Unfortunately, the OL has not yet rounded into form completely yet.
So... here are what I feel are the primary keys to the MSU game (and the remainder of the season):
1. Limit offensive turnovers. Stanzi's earlier season woes have resulted in points without the defense taking the field, and we've benefitted from our defense's ability to create a turnover... especially with our picks. However, even if the defense cannot sustain its ball-hawking take-away tendencies, if we take care of the ball and, at worst, allow Donahue to do his thing, we'll keep the score low.
2. Yardage on first down. Last week we sustained drives when we had success on first down. Drives stalled when we did not. I believe the OL is beginning to show signs of coming together, which bodes well for our game plan.
Too simplified? What say you?
So... here are what I feel are the primary keys to the MSU game (and the remainder of the season):
1. Limit offensive turnovers. Stanzi's earlier season woes have resulted in points without the defense taking the field, and we've benefitted from our defense's ability to create a turnover... especially with our picks. However, even if the defense cannot sustain its ball-hawking take-away tendencies, if we take care of the ball and, at worst, allow Donahue to do his thing, we'll keep the score low.
2. Yardage on first down. Last week we sustained drives when we had success on first down. Drives stalled when we did not. I believe the OL is beginning to show signs of coming together, which bodes well for our game plan.
Too simplified? What say you?
