Linebackers - A much bigger test.

[BryceC]

Both Fant and Hockenson are bigger blocking and receiving threats than any of our WRs. Deep or across the middle, doesn't matter.

Your squad needs to worry about them before even thinking about Iowa's wideouts. In reality, the only reason any of our WRs are even a remote threat to catch a deep ball is because of Iowa's two TE sets and defenses having to account for them.

That sort of goes without saying right? Obviously those are the big threats. I'm just saying there have to be points where ISU's defense needs to give. The WR's and Stanley on the outside is where I'm taking my chances. I'm stuffing everybody else in the middle of the field.

 

[Stanzi]

Our safety play last year was awful. Butlers 70 yard touchdown where he fakes a crossing pattern and our safety bites hard (gervase I believe) and he turns straight up down the middle of the field and was alone by 25 yards. That's really bad defense...the cross you can live with...just make the tackle...looking stupid at safety and giving up huge plays...not so much.

I'm hopeful that with two different safeties starting (one being Hooker) that we won't let that happen again. Ragumba also won't be there to get burnt.

 

[Adam]

Our WR must make them pay if they go man-to-man. If I am the opposing DC, I would run blitz the front 7 every down and force Nate Stanley and the WR/TE corps to beat me. After I run blitz my entire front 7, I move my 2 safeties up into MLB roles to cover the TEs and leave the CBs on an island. If we can’t get the ball to the WR or TEs down the field, there will be no need to keep the safeties back.

We are going to have to set up the run with the pass this week and possibly most every week.

Now, if we can do accomplish some success passing the ball, then our big OLine can really take over and gouge the defense on the ground.

That’s the way I see it anyway.

I will take Fant and Hockenson on an island with a Saftey every play of the game please. Easy win.

 

[ModebaSan]

Im not concerned. We can always move Welch to MLB and put in converted safety Colbert to help defend the pass. Take Welch out, leave Colbert in and go nickel with Brents coming in. We have plenty of options available. Our d-line will keep the pressure on the entire game against an inexperienced ISU o-line. I put my trust in Phil Parker to come up with a solid game plan on defense. Even a back as good as Montgomery can not survive running up the middle all day long. The DE’s will force him inside or make him try to stretch it wide outside. Montgomery has his work cut out for him. Dont see him getting much over 100 yds rushing, if that. This defense remembers last years game. This is our house!