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.
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