Northwestern

HawkeyeDenis

HawkeyeDenis

Well-Known Member
Tough to get a read on Northwestern. Against Wisconsin they had some things not fall their way. Wisconsin didn't play their best game. Which may have been a hint of what was going to happen at Illinois. Against Ohio State the offense went 3 an out most of the time, which overburdened the defense. Like most teams they weren't able to compete with Ohio State's team of 5 star players. Michigan State has top notch defense so that's no surprise NW couldn't move the ball. Northwestern's game against Stanford was in California. Which is tough for any Mid West team. At the time Stanford was ranked 23rd.

Northwestern's QB play hasn't been the best, which happens when you play against some tough defenses.. So far they've played Stanford, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State. Which puts some perspective on their record.

Iowa has a better offense, better defense but the game is in Evanston. Northwestern's offense can hit some big plays. Northwestern's defense was able to get to the Ohio State QB a couple of times. Iowa's offense will probably have some trouble with their defensive tackle.
 
Caddy said:
Iowa's offense will struggle against anyone remaining on the schedule. Purdue had the 13th ranked defense in the conference and we struggled.
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Yes that was more about Iowa's ineptitude than Purdue's defense. We can hope Iowa gets a bit more efficient on offense this week. Like I said. Hope.
 
KCHawkeye said:
Yes. According to the NCAA stats, Iowa's total offense ranked in the 70s. NW's total offense is ranked 127th. Yikes!
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Imagine where Iowa's offense would be ranked if Iowa played Northwestern's schedule. Iowa played three good opponents. Lost to two of them, got lucky with one.
 
When both teams are relatively close to each other (iowa being better) it comes down to coaching IMHO. That cant be good here. Winnable for sure, but cats 17-10
 
KCHawkeye said:
Yes. According to the NCAA stats, Iowa's total offense ranked in the 70s. NW's total offense is ranked 127th. Yikes!
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NW has poor QB play from what I have seen and read so stop their run game and get after the qB. Dont sit back on defense but attack and penetrate with the front 4 an Lbkrs. Dont let their offense get in any rhythm

And they will take shots down the field so Dbacks need lockdown close coverage without big cushions.

Shut down their offense and I think the hawks will score enough
 
Such an important game. Win it, and we head into the bye with a legit chance to win the West.

Lose it and we hope we get another win or two to qualify for some who cares bowl.

Our MVP, Keith Duncan, may need 4 field goals again to win this one.
 
HawkeyeDenis said:
Yes that was more about Iowa's ineptitude than Purdue's defense. We can hope Iowa gets a bit more efficient on offense this week. Like I said. Hope.
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We actually moved the ball well between the 20s, and Stanley and the OL did much better against pressure this week. Chad Leistikow's rewatch writeup mentioned these as silver-linings.

Our 3rd down and RZ playcalling have to be much better though.
 
Unfortunately against NW Iowa cannot be "Iowa. Fitz will have his defense well prepared and ready to take away what we normally try and do. Iowa absolutely needs to break tendencies. They need to pass to set-up the run. They need to run straight at NW and avoid the stretch play where their defense can shoot gaps and disrupt plays. They need to take deep shots in the middle of the field early to loosen the box. The longer the score stays close the better the chance of NW wining. This is game that Iowa should without a doubt win which is exactly why I am nervous because typically those games are where they have fallen flat
 
I think this game will be the turning point in our season. Our defense will FEAST, allowing our offense to finally get an identity with the pressure off that will carryout throughout the season. I think our players, and coaches too, play with a bit of a chip...and by God it's about time. IOWA 42 Northwestern 6.
 
clownkilla said:
I think this game will be the turning point in our season. Our defense will FEAST, allowing our offense to finally get an identity with the pressure off that will carryout throughout the season. I think our players, and coaches too, play with a bit of a chip...and by God it's about time. IOWA 42 Northwestern 6.
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Love the optimism and I hope it's accurate!
 
BVHawk95 said:
We actually moved the ball well between the 20s, and Stanley and the OL did much better against pressure this week. Chad Leistikow's rewatch writeup mentioned these as silver-linings.

Our 3rd down and RZ playcalling have to be much better though.
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Their red zone efficiency was horrible. This game shouldn't have been close. Iowa dominated and settled for field goals.
 
kameltoez102 said:
Unfortunately against NW Iowa cannot be "Iowa. Fitz will have his defense well prepared and ready to take away what we normally try and do. Iowa absolutely needs to break tendencies. They need to pass to set-up the run. They need to run straight at NW and avoid the stretch play where their defense can shoot gaps and disrupt plays. They need to take deep shots in the middle of the field early to loosen the box. The longer the score stays close the better the chance of NW wining. This is game that Iowa should without a doubt win which is exactly why I am nervous because typically those games are where they have fallen flat
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Exactly. The talking heads are all saying how bad Northwestern is, but when you look at NW schedule it's like a murderer's row. Most average teams will look bad against that schedule. I don't think Iowa can take this game for granted by any means.
 
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