Rittenberg Picks the Hawks/Bennett Likes MSU

[vosov]

Iowa and MSU have played every year since Dantonio was hired. In that time (6 games), 4 games (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012) have been decided by a combined 15 points and two of them have gone to overtime.

These games have been close more often than not, largely because of the style both teams want to play with. Throw that in with the poor weather forecast and the fact that nobody is quite sure what to make of either team just yet, and we're likely looking at more of the same.

Did you read my last line? I also expect a close game. I will be surprised if it is not. I am well aware of style of play for both teams, and I also have seen the forecast. I am just pointing out something that have not seen mentioned by one single person. Two of that last four have not been close. Both of those games were expected to much closer as well. To read any preview of the game, and I mean absolutely every single one, you would be lead to believe that they had played in a one score game every year for the last fifteen years.

 

[OLWPAORWWM]

You calling two games correct against bottom feeders makes you an expert? Iowa has dominated the LOS against garbage teams that is nowhere near the talent of Sparty...When you throw in all of the fake injuries the pace of the game will slow down and fresh defenders will be able to get into the game. Iowa should win the game but they need to fix the leaks in the kickoff coverage because Sparty will exploit it with a solid kick off return team.

This game is going to be an old fashioned field position battle. It is more likely to have the box score of the PSU box years ago than the blowout you are expecting to see.

Iowa wins 19-13

I didn't call the winner, I called the score, and I pretty much spelled out what happened before it happened.

Here's what will happen; Iowa will dominate time of possession and field position because MSU can't move the ball. We win the turnover battle by +2. We have trouble in the red zone, but the points keep adding up. MSU's defense is exhausted in the 2nd half, and Weisman stars pouring it on, and we walk away. 10 point victory, and I got $20 for anyone who says otherwise.

 

[Section136]

They held him under his average ypc. He had to seriously work to get those 100 yards. That sounds like slowing someone down to me.

You are really reaching for this one. Weisman averaged 5.1 yards per carry last year. Michigan State "held" him to a measly 4.5 yards per carry.

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

Well let's see here, Iowa's offense is lighting people up. We have had two excellent receivers emerge. We have a QB that is becoming one of the BoneG's best. We have a running game that no one can slow down. And you're telling me we can't score on a team that gave up 14 to Western Michigan?

MARK THIS DOWN. Iowa scores over 20, and MSU is not within 10 points the entire 2nd half. The only prayer MSU has is that they suddenly find an vertical passing game, which they won't. This is going to be a cake walk for the Hawks, and I don't expect a biased, idiotic, ESPiN "expert" to notice this.

I have called the past two games almost exactly, unlike this idiot, because I understand the game and I know what's going to happen.

FACT

 

[BILLBUCKNER]

I agree Bennett has no clue.

You're average tavern hok knows more than this clown.

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

Well let's see here, Iowa's offense is lighting people up. We have had two excellent receivers emerge. We have a QB that is becoming one of the BoneG's best. We have a running game that no one can slow down. And you're telling me we can't score on a team that gave up 14 to Western Michigan?

MARK THIS DOWN. Iowa scores over 20, and MSU is not within 10 points the entire 2nd half. The only prayer MSU has is that they suddenly find an vertical passing game, which they won't. This is going to be a cake walk for the Hawks, and I don't expect a biased, idiotic, ESPiN "expert" to notice this.

I have called the past two games almost exactly, unlike this idiot, because I understand the game and I know what's going to happen.

FACT

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18whdy5rqb1b8gif/original.gif

 

[PCHawk]

Why does everyone keep saying we play MSU close like its some big deal? Iowa plays every team close.

 

[MiniMoeHawk]

It's at home, and they're a team from Michigan. We don't lose at home to teams from Michigan.

Directional Michigan says hi

 

[MeatMan]

Well let's see here, Iowa's offense is lighting people up. We have had two excellent receivers emerge. We have a QB that is becoming one of the BoneG's best. We have a running game that no one can slow down. And you're telling me we can't score on a team that gave up 14 to Western Michigan?

MARK THIS DOWN. Iowa scores over 20, and MSU is not within 10 points the entire 2nd half. The only prayer MSU has is that they suddenly find an vertical passing game, which they won't. This is going to be a cake walk for the Hawks, and I don't expect a biased, idiotic, ESPiN "expert" to notice this.

I have called the past two games almost exactly, unlike this idiot, because I understand the game and I know what's going to happen.

FACT

will you have a 3 day hangover after the game?

 

[dave3912]

Their defense is not any better than last year, you idiot. They were Top 8 in rushing last year as well, #4 in total, and #9 in scoring. They are one of 4 teams in the country (Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Florida) to have 2 straight years in the top 10 of each category. They are not any better than they've been the last 2 years.

Wow, seriously? MSU has a top 10 defense and your saying that they cannot improve because they have a similar national ranking as last season? Yes I am an idiot. STFU

 

[bws258]

bennett is a stupid ginger hawk-hater

BTW, they both missed Illinois beating Nebraska

 

[OLWPAORWWM]

will you have a 3 day hangover after the game?

Yes, because I'm Ghost, and I write the wildly popular Three Day Hangover, which is much better than Thoughts From the Pressbox.

 

[tm3308]

Yes, because I'm Ghost, and I write the wildly popular Three Day Hangover, which is much better than Thoughts From the Pressbox.

I won't deny that. I hate writing columns. Although I find it cute that you're now stalking me outside of the message boards.

 

[GlassHawk]

Wow, seriously? MSU has a top 10 defense and your saying that they cannot improve because they have a similar national ranking as last season? Yes I am an idiot. STFU

It's EXACTLY the same team, you idiot. Exactly the same. You know less about football than a mildly ******** squirrel with a learning disability.

 

[dave3912]

It's EXACTLY the same team, you idiot. Exactly the same. You know less about football than a mildly ******** squirrel with a learning disability.

Keep up the personal attacks genius, you won't be around long.

By the way, if they have the same players as last season that would mean they have another year of experience. That alone would give them the edge on improvement from last season.

 

[ICHawk24]

I won't deny that. I hate writing columns.

You may have chosen the wrong profession.

 

[ICHawk24]

Keep up the personal attacks genius, you won't be around long.

The ignore feature is your friend.

 

[dave3912]

The ignore feature is your friend.

I would rather keep responding so everyone can see his true nature and eventually he will get banned. I am sure he is just another ALT that Jon will figure out and get rid of him.

 

[FreedComanche]

I agree Bennett has no clue.

This is funny. A national guy picks against your team by 3 points and he's the biggest fool in the world. Some of you really need to take off the black and gold glasses.

 

[tm3308]

You may have chosen the wrong profession.

Most sportswriters don't have weekly columns.