Week 3 of the college football season appeared to be a devastating one for my Iowa Hawkeyes, or at least at first glance. A closer look at the game shows that even though their BCS championship homes are all but shattered, their season is still full of hope. I was unable to watch a majority of the game so my analysis is based on highlights, box scores, and the few moments that I did see.
Although the Hawkeyes were ranked in the top 10 in both polls their chances of actually playing for the national title were limited. In a 3 way tie of undefeated teams, they were probably going to be the odd team out. Iowa's only real non conference test was the game against Arizona so that part of the schedule is weak. The Big Ten conference has its doubters as well; many people would take an SEC or Big 12 team with one loss over an undefeated Big Ten team. Iowa also has the disadvantage of not yet being a household name in terms of good teams in the NCAA, Ohio State is probably the only one that does. So now that the BCS title is out of the picture, sights can be set on the next goal, a Rose Bowl bid as the Big Ten champion.
The Big Ten schedule doesn't start for another week, this means the Hawkeyes are still in an 11 way tie for first place despite this apparently huge loss. The game against the formally #24, now #14, ranked Arizona wildcats may have been a measuring stick for the Hawkeyes. Should the Hawkeyes fair as well as some say, and I believe is possible, they could be playing Arizona again in January. This time they would face off in a neutral site as conference champs, a little more on the line then an early season warm-up game.
From what I have read and seen, the Hawkeyes gave Arizona a lot more then they usually do. First a blocked punt setting up an 8 yard scoring drive, 7-0 Arizona. Next was Ricky Stanzi's first interception of the year, not a huge deal had it not been returned 84 yards for a touchdown, 14-0. Arizona's first touch of the second quarter killed the Iowa momentum from the previous touchdown drive; the wildcats returned the kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. A missed extra point capped of a game full of free points even thought it had no effect on the outcome. Teams coached by Kirk Ferentz are not typically this sloppy. Usually if you are going to beat the Hawkeyes you are going to have to come up with a game plan to beat them, not wait for them to beat themselves. Hopefully the outcome of this game can be credited to the trip out west, the late start, or the hot temperatures but it is not something to dwell on, just something to build off of.
The biggest positive that I took from the game was the no quit spirit that the team held. Being down 14 points in the first 3:15 or being down 20 at the half would have been more than enough for some teams to pack it in and give up for the night. Instead they all kept working tying the game up at 27 before conceding the winning touchdown with 4:02 left. Now if only resiliency counted on the scoreboard or had Arizona decided that Iowa tried hard enough to win the game.
The Hawkeyes happily return home this Saturday to take on Ball State. The Cardinals will not compare in quality to Arizona or any of the top 25 ranked opponents on the schedule for the Hawkeyes the following 4 weeks. The Cardinals will, however, provide an excellent game to get back on track. They played Purdue in week 3 only losing by 11 points. I am looking for the offensive line to tighten up significantly and allow Stanzi to have more time in the pocket. Last week Arizona generated 6 sacks and many more plays that could have resulted in one. Along the same lines I hope to see Adam Robinson get back into a flow. With Jewell Hampton now out for the season Robinson will be relied on to take the pressure off of the offence. Last week the whole the Hawkeyes got in to put a damper on their ability to use their methodic run and pass diversity that allowed them to roll through their first two games. Protecting the ball and reestablishing their flow on offence would be great to see this week, a 21 point win should not be too much to ask for an offense that has thrived prior to week 3.
This is the last tune-up before the heart of the season, and the start of the Big Ten schedule hits. The conference schedule starts with 4 straight games against teams that are currently ranked. Thankfully 3 of the 4 are played in the friendly confines of Kinnick Stadium. The first 3 will be the dictator in terms of which way this season will go. Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin are 3 of the teams could be battling for the top of the conference at the end of the season. 3 wins and the showdown with Ohio State will make or break the season, losing 1 or 2 will put the Hawkeyes in position for a mediocre season. Last week I was nervous about the night game and the trip out west, those nerves proved to be right. One thing I have learned from watching Iowa play over the years is that they always thrive when playing as the underdog. Take care of Ball State this week and do what has to be done then bring on the Big Ten Schedule, I can't wait to see what the season brings.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
And The Debate Begins
Each year since 2006 the NCAA football season has ended with a non major conference team in the top 10. Last year Boise State and Texas Christian University broke into the top ten with undefeated regular seasons. This immediately started the debate as to whether or not an undefeated non major conference team should be in the national title game. The decision last year ended up pitting TCU against Boise in a BCS game instead of letting them play a major conference team and finding out if they really belonged or not. Nothing was really proved in terms of competitiveness by this game as Boise went on to win the game but didn't beat a team that people were willing to compare to. This season started with the Broncos ranked number 3 in the country based on their bowl game win and the fact that they return 22 starters from last year.
Monday night was the toughest game on the Broncos schedule but just how tough it was remains to be seen. Virginia Tech handed the Broncos 17 points in the first quarter, yes I understand that they had to do something to create points but it wasn't much. The fumbled snap was just lack of focus for the center and the quarterback, 4 plays, 4 yards gained, 3 points on the board. The second drive for Tech was just as bad, they let Pettis run right around the end, 2 Tech defenders stood in the middle of the field and didn't pick up anyone. Boise got the ball back, 2 plays, 12 yards, 7 easy points (blown coverage by the corner). The third Boise score was a bit more work but if it wasn't for a terrible mental decision by the defender Virginia would have had the ball back with decent field position. 2 penalties on the kick return, by the same player gave Boise not only the first down but 15 yards on top of that. So in summary Boise had the ball for 9 minutes, went 74 yards on their own, and had 17 points on the board.
After the first quarter I felt like Virginia Tech dominated most of the game, their offence figured out how to play again, they gave Taylor time to make plays like the great athlete that he is. Their defense forced Boise to make decisions in a hurry getting pressure on the quarterback and not letting the Broncos get a rushing game going. This all was until the final Boise drive though. Kellen Moore found his form and put together and excellent drive, I don't know enough about football rules to comment on the non call block from behind or the late hit on the sideline(I feel that if the receiver keeps playing like it's like so should the defender but I'm sure that isn't the rule). Credit to the Broncos but I also think that the Hokies played the last 2 drives all wrong. They were having success by bringing pressure on defense but played prevent defense which allowed Boise to easily pass down the field. They changed up their offensive strategy as well; they were going for the long ball to get into range even though they had 2 timeouts left. All game they had success with the short plays, around ten yards, getting down the field by scrambling and just making plays.
Time will tell just how good Virginia Tech is once they start their ACC schedule, this will be important in the coaches' poll in determining how much of an impact the win has on Boise. With their remaining schedule Boise should have no problem going undefeated, Oregon state will be a test but limited since they are playing them at home on the blue turf. Last season teams in the WAC went 43-58, well below the breakeven point of a .500 winning percentage. Their non conference opponents, VT, Wyoming, and Oregon State, went 23-13 last year which isn't bad but none of them were competing for a national championship either.
I personally just don't think Boise State should automatically be slated into the national championship game. Their competition just isn't the same as a team Big 10, SEC or Big 12 where you face as many as 5 ranked teams throughout the year. Had they blown out VT on Monday night I would probably feel like they belong but I don't know how good VT is and I think that most of the game was handed to the Broncos. Maybe by the end of the season everyone will have 2 losses other then Boise and I could justify them being in the championship but until then I disagree and feel they a BCS game is acceptable but not the big one.
Monday night was the toughest game on the Broncos schedule but just how tough it was remains to be seen. Virginia Tech handed the Broncos 17 points in the first quarter, yes I understand that they had to do something to create points but it wasn't much. The fumbled snap was just lack of focus for the center and the quarterback, 4 plays, 4 yards gained, 3 points on the board. The second drive for Tech was just as bad, they let Pettis run right around the end, 2 Tech defenders stood in the middle of the field and didn't pick up anyone. Boise got the ball back, 2 plays, 12 yards, 7 easy points (blown coverage by the corner). The third Boise score was a bit more work but if it wasn't for a terrible mental decision by the defender Virginia would have had the ball back with decent field position. 2 penalties on the kick return, by the same player gave Boise not only the first down but 15 yards on top of that. So in summary Boise had the ball for 9 minutes, went 74 yards on their own, and had 17 points on the board.
After the first quarter I felt like Virginia Tech dominated most of the game, their offence figured out how to play again, they gave Taylor time to make plays like the great athlete that he is. Their defense forced Boise to make decisions in a hurry getting pressure on the quarterback and not letting the Broncos get a rushing game going. This all was until the final Boise drive though. Kellen Moore found his form and put together and excellent drive, I don't know enough about football rules to comment on the non call block from behind or the late hit on the sideline(I feel that if the receiver keeps playing like it's like so should the defender but I'm sure that isn't the rule). Credit to the Broncos but I also think that the Hokies played the last 2 drives all wrong. They were having success by bringing pressure on defense but played prevent defense which allowed Boise to easily pass down the field. They changed up their offensive strategy as well; they were going for the long ball to get into range even though they had 2 timeouts left. All game they had success with the short plays, around ten yards, getting down the field by scrambling and just making plays.
Time will tell just how good Virginia Tech is once they start their ACC schedule, this will be important in the coaches' poll in determining how much of an impact the win has on Boise. With their remaining schedule Boise should have no problem going undefeated, Oregon state will be a test but limited since they are playing them at home on the blue turf. Last season teams in the WAC went 43-58, well below the breakeven point of a .500 winning percentage. Their non conference opponents, VT, Wyoming, and Oregon State, went 23-13 last year which isn't bad but none of them were competing for a national championship either.
I personally just don't think Boise State should automatically be slated into the national championship game. Their competition just isn't the same as a team Big 10, SEC or Big 12 where you face as many as 5 ranked teams throughout the year. Had they blown out VT on Monday night I would probably feel like they belong but I don't know how good VT is and I think that most of the game was handed to the Broncos. Maybe by the end of the season everyone will have 2 losses other then Boise and I could justify them being in the championship but until then I disagree and feel they a BCS game is acceptable but not the big one.
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