The Big Ten network got several other Big Ten coaches to comment (anonymously) on Iowa versus Michigan State. For the most part, it sounds like they don't give Iowa much of a chance. This is a summary of what they said:
“[Iowa] is in the huddle [a long time], they run the ball, they take their time, they eat up the clock. Every possession for you becomes so critical.†“The running backs we saw were good—not great.†“[Michigan State has] the best defensive front in the Big Ten.†“The one thing you have to do to beat Michigan State—which I don’t think Iowa does very well—and that is throw the football.â€
“How do you defend [Michigan State]? Commit to stopping the run.†“If they are going to beat you, make them throw it. They really have only one good receiver in (Aaron) Burbridge. Cook goes to him a lot. Find a way to take him out of the game. And you have to hit Cook. But Iowa isn’t very good at getting pressure. They aren’t a huge blitz or pressure team. They line up in base stuff. And they keep everything in front of them so they don’t give up big plays.†“t’s not like they are challenging you in man-to-man.†"Cook may sit back there and pick them apart.†“[Iowa doesn't] have great skill at safety.†“They don’t have anyone who puts any fear in you in the secondary as a cover guy.†“King, is good, but he isn’t great.†“[Iowa isn't] great on defense. They are just solid. They aren’t going to out-scheme you. They are going to keep the ball in front of them and make you beat them.†[FONT=&]“f Connor Cook is on, they will beat Iowa because you can throw the ball over the top on Iowa.â€[/FONT]
Is this accurate, or is this sour grapes?
“[Iowa] is in the huddle [a long time], they run the ball, they take their time, they eat up the clock. Every possession for you becomes so critical.†“The running backs we saw were good—not great.†“[Michigan State has] the best defensive front in the Big Ten.†“The one thing you have to do to beat Michigan State—which I don’t think Iowa does very well—and that is throw the football.â€
“How do you defend [Michigan State]? Commit to stopping the run.†“If they are going to beat you, make them throw it. They really have only one good receiver in (Aaron) Burbridge. Cook goes to him a lot. Find a way to take him out of the game. And you have to hit Cook. But Iowa isn’t very good at getting pressure. They aren’t a huge blitz or pressure team. They line up in base stuff. And they keep everything in front of them so they don’t give up big plays.†“t’s not like they are challenging you in man-to-man.†"Cook may sit back there and pick them apart.†“[Iowa doesn't] have great skill at safety.†“They don’t have anyone who puts any fear in you in the secondary as a cover guy.†“King, is good, but he isn’t great.†“[Iowa isn't] great on defense. They are just solid. They aren’t going to out-scheme you. They are going to keep the ball in front of them and make you beat them.†[FONT=&]“f Connor Cook is on, they will beat Iowa because you can throw the ball over the top on Iowa.â€[/FONT]
Is this accurate, or is this sour grapes?