eveningnewsteam
Well-Known Member
Because the worst Iowa team in the last 15 years beat the best NIU team ever last year on a neutral field. If NIU didnt get Iowa last year, its never happening.
Some NIU forum stuff.
- Thread starter hawkfan1319
- Start date
Because the worst Iowa team in the last 15 years beat the best NIU team ever last year on a neutral field. If NIU didnt get Iowa last year, its never happening.
deanvogs
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure which game you were watching, but even with a 73 yd TD run, Lynch and N. Illinois managed a total of 201 yards of offense. N. Illinois didn't deserve to win that game, they have one good offensive play, and the rest of the game they were pretty much dog ****. The fact they were even in the game was a testament to how bad we were. We controlled the ball 38 min, to 22 min. They had 54 passing yards. Not a typo, they had 54 passing yards.
That isn't to say they didn't improve (obviously they did). They could also very well beat us in the opener. That all said, we most certainly stopped Lynch, and their O. last year, we pretty much squashed it.
LG210
Well-Known Member
Couldn't stop Lynch? Their offense put up a grand total of 17 points and Lynch had something like 54 yards passing and 110 or so yards rushing--80 of which came on one play.
Aside from one play, they pretty-much held him in check all day.
That said, Lynch is a very good player and just because we were able to defend him and limit NIU's scoring last year does not necessarily mean that we will do it this year.
LG210
Well-Known Member
deanvogs
Well-Known Member
Section136
Well-Known Member
The thing that kept them in the game at Solider Field last year was there d line and the 6 sacks of JVB.
They graduated their entire d line.
They graduated their entire d line.
Eda
Well-Known Member
I think we held their offense in check pretty well, with the exception of one big run for Lynch. Their D-line did give us plenty of fits last year, but many of those guys are gone.
I am cautiously optimistic about this game. I think if we can get it together offensively early on, we can pull this out. I do not project a blowout, at all.
As for their fan base... They have some fanatics that are laffy.
But it seems like most of them are sensible and expect a good challenge. Only a couple of them don't seem to think they have a chance.
It did appear many of their fans were just as shocked about not having a prime time slot for this game as we were.
DodgerHawki
Well-Known Member
Agree. When you are 4-8 with 6 straight losses and lost to Central Michigan the year prior, you can't overlook anyone. Northern Illinois should be as confident as they ever can be going into a B1G stadium. Iowa will be starting a new player under center and the Huskies should feel like they will be competitive and win the game.
Should be an interesting way to start the season.
HawkeyeMHA
Well-Known Member
I think our d will be well aware of lynch this year and shut him down. It will come down to whether or norwex an out some points on the board. Tough game to call but I think at home if we can do anything offensively we pull out a win.
NIU has only 3 guys back on defense...their defense was a huge reason for them hanging with Iowa and for them having a great season.
Hawks offense has to score on a green NIU defense....get a lead,then make Lynch try to beat them with his arm. He is solid, but his running is his strong suit.
Hawks offense has to score on a green NIU defense....get a lead,then make Lynch try to beat them with his arm. He is solid, but his running is his strong suit.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
After reading it...it wasn't exactly dillusions grandeur or anything, but they didn't exactly beat Michigan, Ohio State, or Wisconsin to get to the Orange Bowl...which seems to be lost on the posters. You would think they actually beat us last year when you review the messages. Considering it was Lynch's first start...great...first start...well, he also had 3-4 weeks of preparation to face us...as did Phil Parker. They are obviously going to be better on offense than last year, but Kinnick should help offset some of that too.
I really think this game boils down to how dominate our offensive line can be. If we can consistently run the ball, and convert it to points, I like our chances. If we score 28 we should win. I just don't see them scoring 4 tds with a defense that is going to be deeper and more experienced than last year.
I really think this game boils down to how dominate our offensive line can be. If we can consistently run the ball, and convert it to points, I like our chances. If we score 28 we should win. I just don't see them scoring 4 tds with a defense that is going to be deeper and more experienced than last year.
Would be a good first win then. I was surprised how a poster repeatedly said Iowa only has one returning experienced RB. Someone mentioned Weissman. Did they forget who scored the winning TD vs them last year? Not too mention Canzeri who started in bowl game. They don't do much simple research.
SheagleHawk
Well-Known Member
One guy thought our D was really good last year. NIU wouldn't have had 100 yds total had they played a traditionally good Iowa D.
Eda
Well-Known Member
I caught that also. They mentioned a RB leaving the program in the offseason (I'm assuming they're talking about Rogers). Although that was a decent loss, they seem to be overlooking the triple headed monster we'll have in the backfield.
DP5555
Well-Known Member
Rogers or Garmon? I was thinking Garmon, but I suppose it could be either or. Clearly they aren't real keen on Iowa's current depth at running back (KNOCKING ON WOOD RIGHT NOW).
If Iowa can establish the running game we'll send the Huskies home disappointed. That will be the key to the game. NIU lost a lot on their d-line and they have some inexperienced linebackers. Iowa's strength should be at the offensive line and RB positions as long as everyone stays healthy. Pound the ball and keep their offense off the field. That should be enough to win this one even though it might not be pretty.
Paybacks are a *****!!!
Eda
Well-Known Member
I totally forgot about Garmon. That's probably it. As for your assessment, I'd be just fine with a fugly win.
rjbaustian
Well-Known Member
I had forgotten about garmon. The whole time I was reading that I was thinking " did I miss something!?!?!?!?" That thread had a whole lot of clone in it. I like how they bagged on Ia City, like Dekalb isn't in the middle of nowhere.....
