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2 Weeks Before Game Day: Iowa Analaysis From An Iowa Fan

First, I've truly appreciated being on your board a lot the past couple weeks since Iowa found out they'd be playing Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl game. You are an amazingly respectful and knowledgeable fan base and so many posters here I wish I could sit down with to have a beer. I'd invite most any of you here to stop by one of my tailgates if you're ever in Iowa City for an Iowa game sometime in the future. Seriously!
I'll take you up on a tailgate beer. I live in the Iowa City area. I go past Kinnick almost every day.
 
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I keep hoping our OL will take that next step. Tough test against Hutchinson and Ojabo for sure.

I would think that bowl prep with Ferentz would have to generate some improvement there. Petras would look a lot better if they played at even an average level (collectively).

I do think Williams will be a better back with this line than Goodson as far as hitting the hole faster. Obviously, not as much of a big play threat or as good a receiver at this point. I could see Goodson as a slot in the NFL.

Iowa 2002 vs. 2009, and now Iowa 2015 vs. 2021. Prior to the Michigan game and since the Big Ten Title game, Kirk Ferentz has talked about how draining the 2015 Title Game was on the 2016 Rose Bowl game.

It will be interesting to see how the bowl prep goes for Iowa, especially in the offensive line.

Iowa played 10 B1G games. The Iowa State game was certainly another solid opponent.

How much gas does Iowa have heading into the Citrus Bowl?

Against Purdue, at 6-0, they didn't have much in them at all.

The Iowa State and Penn State games were the best games all around, though they fell behind at home against PSU.

Iowa needs to get off to a good start in Orlando.

That first drive against Michigan looked promising, then they entered the red zone and garbage.

Lately, the red zone has been garbage for Iowa.

This one is going to be an interesting one.
 
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Against Purdue, Goodson was averaging 5.7ypc and he ran the ball 12 times.

Iowa was down 14-7 at the half and gave him the ball twice in the second half. Every other play was a pass.

Unreal.

It was even worse in 2020 against Northwestern. Iowa got off to what a 17-0 start, but lost 21-20 and OC Brian Ferentz had QB Spencer Petras throw 51 passes?

Purdue was worse, since we could actually attend that game, post-covid 19
 
First, I've truly appreciated being on your board a lot the past couple weeks since Iowa found out they'd be playing Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl game. You are an amazingly respectful and knowledgeable fan base and so many posters here I wish I could sit down with to have a beer. I'd invite most any of you here to stop by one of my tailgates if you're ever in Iowa City for an Iowa game sometime in the future. Seriously!

On to my thoughts about the Iowa team you'll play in 2 weeks. I have attended Iowa games since the 1970s-- currently hold 8 season tickets. University of Iowa grad, Iowa native here and live in Iowa City for years now. I pride myself in being objective -- not a homer, though my loyalty with Iowa runs deep.
I don't normally read paragraphs written on message boards....but I made an exception for yours.

So here goes in a simple forecast:

From the opening kickoff, understand completely Iowa predicates their success on the defense-- NOT their offense. Has been the case for 23 years with Kirk Ferentz-- consistent all those years.

Iowa also prides themselves in strong specialty teams play; and most years has had great specialty teams.

They pride themselves in playing very sound fundamental football; low amount of turnovers.

These are all Kirk Ferentz staples. He is a Bill Belicheck disciple-- having coached under him in the NFL in Cleveland. Style points mean nothing to Ferentz. One of his greatest wins ever was in 2003 I believe when Iowa beat Penn State 6-4 in State College.

IOWA OFFENSE:

Statistically, one of the worst in college football in 2021-- ranking 123rd. Even if you look at Iowa's offenses from the last 5 years standpoint, both nationally and in the B1G conference it ranks very low in all categories. This is because the top three themes for the Iowa offense is ball control by eating clock, being risk adverse, and not turning the ball over.

Iowa's best RB, Tyler Goodson, as you likely know, is opting out of the game to turn pro.

Iowa's best offensive player, without a close second, is center Tyler Linderbaum. If he does turn pro after this game, he'll be a high 1st round draft pick. He's a gem.

After Linderbaum, best players on "O" are TE Sam LaPorta. Iowa knows TEs as we are proud to say we are TEU with Dallas Clark, George Kittle, TJ Hockensen, and Noah Fant from here. LaPorta not in their class but he'll be playing on Sundays in two seasons.

Iowa Offensive Line a mess this year-- young and inexperienced. Sad because usually this is the strength of the team. Will it grow up in the Citrus Bowl? Likely not enough.

You may see Iowa play two QBs- Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla. All respect to them but neither will strike great fear into you. Petras hates to tuck the ball and run, and will throw the ball away 6 times a game. Padilla more mobile, but not near the passer Petras is. Side note: Truly hard for Hawk fans to believe Petras broke most every high school record of Jared Goff when he came to Iowa (from same high school). Mind boggling.

If not mistaken, Iowa's offense averaged about 24 points a game this year and Iowa's defense and special teams contributed to a good chunk of that. Averaged less than 20 points a game in B1G play-- YIKES!

IOWA DEFENSE:

Again, the staple. However, not near as good in the last 7 games as it was in the first 6. The defense went 29 consecutive games giving up 24 points or less until that streak snapped in their 8th game of the year against Wisconsin.

You won't see Iowa providing much of a pass rush, but they will be very strong on the line and up the middle. Early in the season we had a ridiculous amount of turnovers created be the defense but that dwindled as the year went on. Iowa does pride themselves on creating lots of turnovers-- always has.

Best defensive player absolutely is LB Jack Campbell. Clone of former Hawk great LB and NFL star Chad Greenway. CB Riley Moss is going to play in the game but foregoing one more year of college to go to the NFL draft this spring. He was hurt at mid-season and missed some games and absolutely not 100% healthy but he's been good.

Iowa will be without CB Matt Hankins ( a good one) in the Citrus though he's missed the last few games now.

IOWA SPECIAL TEAMS/KICKING:

Tory Taylor is an amazing Punter. Pins teams down in the old "coffin corner" especially. May leave Iowa after 2022 as the schools best punter I've ever seen-- even better than former NFL All-Pro Reggie Roby. Personally I wouldn't trade him for another punter in the country.

Caleb Shudak was 3rd team All-American this year. He's just been suburb-- all I can say.

Charlie Jones an absolute BIG THREAT on kick off and punt returns. He's been great.

Overall, kickoff and punt return teams are a strength of this team.

KEYS TO BEATING IOWA:

Score more than 24 against Iowa and odds go way way up you win. Iowa just doesn't have the offensive firepower to keep up.

We were 6-0 to start the season and ranked #2 overall. Had 6 games left against 6 unranked opponents-- we were thinking possible college football playoff. Then we went 4-2 in those games-- losing at home against Purdue in a horrific performance and then getting waxed at Wisconsin. Still backed into the B1G West Division title and played Michigan in the B1G title game and got waxed. Iowa fans hoping Iowa restores the look in the first 6 games vs. the look in the final 7 games. But overall, still a 10-win season.

Lots of pride at Iowa. Ferentz in year 23. We've had 4 top 10 finishes under Ferentz. 2 B1G titles overall (though some time ago now). MANY New Years bowl appearances. Only two football coaches in past 43 years year between Hayden Fry and Ferentz. Iowa ranks I think in top 10 currently in most former players in the NFL currently-- shocking stat to most. And I believe only Ohio State has more in the NFL right now than does Iowa.

There you go. There's the most objective Iowa scouting report you'll get from a longtime Iowa football follower who knows football pretty well.

Great respect for your Wildcats and have expressed many times in posts here the respect we have for Mark Stoops and the entire Stoops family. We consider him "family" because of the deep roots here. If we lose, can't say I'll be deeply upset losing to a Stoops. And for the record, as much as I don't want to say so, I see Kentucky winning but be assured I will be rooting hard for the Hawks.
I don't normally read long paragraphs written on message boards but gotta say I enjoyed your detailed breakdown and analysis. Hope the Cats prevail but I can definitely think of other teams I'd hate losing to way more than Iowa.
Hoping for a great game!
 
The Goodson loss in the game will hurt but other positions Iowa would have been hurt more at if the #1 guy went down.

Not sure what to expect from the OL or QB this game. I agree that the QB looks better if the OL is better-- but I also think Petras is simply limited in what he can do even if he had an All-American OL. Still have no idea why Iowa would not have gone hard into the transfer portal this winter knowing just how poor the QB play has been and knowing the high number of QBs are in the portal-- they can't keep fooling themselves it's just all because of the OL.

Is Spencer Petras better or worse than Nate Stanley?

Stanley had better O-Line play around him.

As @BrewHawk mentioned, what will the O-Line bring in the bowl game.

Ironically, OC Brian Ferentz is 3-0 in bowls.

Then, you have his issues against Purdue and at Wisconsin (2017 and 2021).

Will RB Ivory Kelly-Martin perform well or will we see three RBs in Orlando?

I hope CB Terry Roberts can return. His absence has taken some of the early mojo and energy on special teams down a notch.

Both Kentucky and Iowa have had successful seasons. Both out performed their preseason predictions.

@rucker4 I did have Iowa at 10-2 and 51 as a tiebreaker. But, at 6-0, I wasn't ready to book any trips to Indy.

Thanks to Minnesota, Iowa did get to Indy and played a hot Michigan team, who were equal on special teams all season with Iowa.

Bad match up. Worse loss to Michigan in 40 years quite frankly. Purdue loss felt like the 1961 to 1980 era level.

Wisconsin was given four turnovers inside Iowa 30. Gift wrapped win.

Iowa had back to back games where TD passes happened without a player within 10 yards.

Basically happened with Michigan's trick play, as well.

Iowa's defense will face a stern test in Orlando.
 
Is Spencer Petras better or worse than Nate Stanley?

Stanley had better O-Line play around him.

As @BrewHawk mentioned, what will the O-Line bring in the bowl game.

Ironically, OC Brian Ferentz is 3-0 in bowls.

Then, you have his issues against Purdue and at Wisconsin (2017 and 2021).

Will RB Ivory Kelly-Martin perform well or will we see three RBs in Orlando?

I hope CB Terry Roberts can return. His absence has taken some of the early mojo and energy on special teams down a notch.

Both Kentucky and Iowa have had successful seasons. Both out performed their preseason predictions.

@rucker4 I did have Iowa at 10-2 and 51 as a tiebreaker. But, at 6-0, I wasn't ready to book any trips to Indy.

Thanks to Minnesota, Iowa did get to Indy and played a hot Michigan team, who were equal on special teams all season with Iowa.

Bad match up. Worse loss to Michigan in 40 years quite frankly. Purdue loss felt like the 1961 to 1980 era level.

Wisconsin was given four turnovers inside Iowa 30. Gift wrapped win.

Iowa had back to back games where TD passes happened without a player within 10 yards.

Basically happened with Michigan's trick play, as well.

Iowa's defense will face a stern test in Orlando.
Haha. So you want to ask me questions now despite not answering the easy ones I served up to you that you refuse to answer? hahaha But hey, I'll answer anyway: I think 99 of 100 Iowa fans would take Nate Stanley on talent alone despite the fact Stanley is way down the list of most talented QBs at Iowa. So doesn't speak well for Petras.

I already replied earlier to you about Brian Ferentz, You're trying to put lipstick on a pig with him. Count on one hand in 5 years how many solid games he's had as an OC. Every other game he's been an AVERAGE Offensive Coordinator on his best days, and typically below average on the others. Most Iowa fans share the same opinion so it's not just me.

Special teams are still strong even without Terry Roberts. Let's not overblow this.

Again, Wisconsin dominated Iowa in all phases of our game there this year-- so stop again with the excuses.

Iowa still a good team-- just not mired in all these excuses you keep using. We won 10 games which is fantastic. We lost 3 and in all 3 were beaten bad-- combined score of 93-17.
 
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I don't normally read long paragraphs written on message boards but gotta say I enjoyed your detailed breakdown and analysis. Hope the Cats prevail but I can definitely think of other teams I'd hate losing to way more than Iowa.
Hoping for a great game!
Thanks much same bowie-- there's a name from the past!

Glad you enjoyed my post. I did it with no bias involved and was just being dead honest-- not sugar coating of anything.

I think it will be a great game too-- guessing low scoring. Two teams and two head coaches very very similar.
 
Haha. So you want to ask me questions now despite not answering the easy ones I served up to you that you refuse to answer? hahaha But hey, I'll answer anyway: I think 99 of 100 Iowa fans would take Nate Stanley on talent alone despite the fact Stanley is way down the list of most talented QBs at Iowa. So doesn't speak well for Petras.

I already replied earlier to you about Brian Ferentz, You're trying to put lipstick on a pig with him. Count on one hand in 5 years how many solid games he's had as an OC. Every other game he's been an AVERAGE Offensive Coordinator on his best days, and typically below average on the others. Most Iowa fans share the same opinion so it's not just me.

Special teams are still strong even without Terry Roberts. Let's not overblow this.

Again, Wisconsin dominated Iowa in all phases of our game there this year-- so stop again with the excuses.

Iowa still a good team-- just not mired in all these excuses you keep using. We won 10 games which is fantastic. We lost 3 and in all 3 were beaten bad-- combined score of 93-17.

Iowa lost to Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan. They were blowouts.

Analytics suggest falling behind isn't good for Iowa or most opponents against any of those teams.

Special teams have been inconsistent this season. Terry Roberts is missed. In many games, Iowa had the second best punter.

Brian Ferentz in losses didn't attack the end zone or go vertical.

Thankfully, he did against Minnesota. Otherwise, Iowa vs. Michigan wouldn't have been.

Which Kentucky team do we get in Orlando?

Both teams turned the ball over in their losses.

Both starting RBs are known to fumble. All three QBs are poor in losses with interceptions.

It should be an interesting one.
 
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Iowa lost to Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan. They were blowouts.

Analytics suggest falling behind isn't good for Iowa or most opponents against any of those teams.

Special teams have been inconsistent this season. Terry Roberts is missed. In many games, Iowa had the second best punter.

Brian Ferentz in losses didn't attack the end zone or go vertical.

Thankfully, he did against Minnesota. Otherwise, Iowa vs. Michigan wouldn't have been.

Which Kentucky team do we get in Orlando?

Both teams turned the ball over in their losses.

Both starting RBs are known to fumble. All three QBs are poor in losses with interceptions.

It should be an interesting one.
I don't think IKM will play. I could be wrong.
 
UK needs to get its run game going and not let Levis throw bad passes. Iowa defense has great hands and will make you pay.

Probably the least imposing 10 win team you ever saw though. And that was with their starting RB.

They have an excellent punter. Don't battle them ugly.
 
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Iowa lost to Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan. They were blowouts.

Analytics suggest falling behind isn't good for Iowa or most opponents against any of those teams.

Special teams have been inconsistent this season. Terry Roberts is missed. In many games, Iowa had the second best punter.

Brian Ferentz in losses didn't attack the end zone or go vertical.

Thankfully, he did against Minnesota. Otherwise, Iowa vs. Michigan wouldn't have been.

Which Kentucky team do we get in Orlando?

Both teams turned the ball over in their losses.

Both starting RBs are known to fumble. All three QBs are poor in losses with interceptions.

It should be an interesting one.
Umm, Levis is the 5th rated QB in the SEC. You arent really equating him with your QB's are you? In fact, Levis is #15 and Petras is #89 in the NCAA. Even more telling, you only faced 1 QB rated higher, Purdue's.
 
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The only knock I know of was the 3 INTs in the MS ST game. Against Iowa, Sean Clifford was known for his INTs, not Levis.
The whole team played a crap game at Miss State. For whatever reason, we never play well there. I added to my previous post, you may not have seen it.
 
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Umm, Levis is the 5th rated QB in the SEC. You arent really equating him with your QB's are you? In fact, Levis is #15 and Petras is #89 in the NCAA. Even more telling, you only faced 1 QB rated higher, Purdue's.
LOL, you are speaking to Hawk Homer #1 in cid
 
@BigBlueFanGA Much respect to you and your vastly statistically higher QB. As mentioned previously, Iowa made it to this Bowl this year on the strength of the defense and special teams play, with the offense (including QB Petras or Padilla) playing “well enough” to win 10 games. Ferentz describes his team like a car that’s not fancy nor flashy, but does alright getting from point A to B, or words to that effect. Bottom line, typically if you can score more than 24 against us, then your odds of winning are pretty decent. But you score less than 24, don’t be surprised if the Hawks are playing the close kind of game it likes, with the winner decided pretty close to the end of the game….should be a good game!
 
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@BigBlueFanGA Much respect to you and your vastly statistically higher QB. As mentioned previously, Iowa made it to this Bowl this year on the strength of the defense and special teams play, with the offense (including QB Petras or Padilla) playing “well enough” to win 10 games. Ferentz describes his team like a car that’s not fancy nor flashy, but does alright getting from point A to B, or words to that effect. Bottom line, typically if you can score more than 24 against us, then your odds of winning are pretty decent. But you score less than 24, don’t be surprised if the Hawks are playing the close kind of game it likes, with the winner decided pretty close to the end of the game….should be a good game!
Well, thanks, since stats are what they are. Question for you. Do you think Petras can beat us in the air?
 
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Depends. Petras has played well in the past with a tight game or in the lead as he seems to manage games well for Kirk, but not as much when we’re down two touchdowns or more (though he did bring us back recently against Nebraska). He’s been in the program for three years total. If Iowa wins, it won’t be solely on Petras’ arm, but more likely a collection of things going our way, such as the turnover battle…
 
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Depends. Petras has played well in the past with a tight game or in the lead as he seems to manage games well for Kirk, but not as much when we’re down two touchdowns or more (though he did bring us back recently against Nebraska). He’s been in the program for three years total. If Iowa wins, it won’t be solely on Petras’ arm, but more likely a collection of things going our way, such as the turnover battle…
Yeah, your defense is gonna have to put up points, and/or special teams. Your offensive numbers just blow my mind when you see the record. I honestly can't wrap my head around it. Do you realize you're 111th in both rushing and passing, 123rd in total offense.. I will say that depending on those defensive/special teams points is a dangerous game. We should haveca fun game, I wish it would get here already.
 
Yeah, your defense is gonna have to put up points, and/or special teams. Your offensive numbers just blow my mind when you see the record. I honestly can't wrap my head around it. Do you realize you're 111th in both rushing and passing, 123rd in total offense.. I will say that depending on those defensive/special teams points is a dangerous game. We should haveca fun game, I wish it would get here already.
I would venture to guess if you researched few teams have ever gone 10-3 with an offense as bad as Iowa's has been. Getting to even 300 yards total offense in a game for us is astounding. This has been the product of a very conservative approach, a very inexperienced and young OL, a very limited QB in ability, and a weak WR core (arguably our two best WR are true freshmen) overall.

Iowa's defense did put up lots of points early in the year and was stellar in the first 6 games-- creating LOTS of turnovers too. But in the last 7 games the defense gave up twice as any points per game as in the first 6 games and did not create turnovers anywhere close to how they did the first half of the year-- mainly because they just spent way too much time on the field all year because of such a poor offense.
 
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I would venture to guess if you researched few teams have ever gone 10-3 with an offense as bad as Iowa's has been. Getting to even 300 yards total offense in a game for us is astounding. This has been the product of a very conservative approach, a very inexperienced and young OL, a very limited QB in ability, and a weak WR core (arguably our two best WR are true freshmen) overall.

Iowa's defense did put up lots of points early in the year and was stellar in the first 6 games-- creating LOTS of turnovers too. But in the last 7 games the defense gave up twice as any points per game as in the first 6 games and did not create turnovers anywhere close to how they did the first half of the year-- mainly because they just spent way too much time on the field all year because of such a poor offense.
Yeah but really, y'all had a miraculous season considering all that. Ferentz is a very good coach. He has played his hand pretty darn well. Tradition helps a lot. The players play up to expectations.
 
Yeah but really, y'all had a miraculous season considering all that. Ferentz is a very good coach. He has played his hand pretty darn well. Tradition helps a lot. The players play up to expectations.
Thanks! Again, Iowa football has blessed it's fans in a large way since the 1981 season-- which was the season that ended 19 straight losing seasons and was Hayden's 3rd year at Iowa-- Rose Bowl year. Hayden created the culture the rest of the way. Ferentz picked up the torch in 1999 and needed two years to build the program back up, then he took off with it. We've had an amazing ride and when fans not familiar with Iowa look at this program's achievements dating back 40 years they really are astounded.

Iowa usually doesn't beat themselves. Might feel like plain vanilla football but it's been very winning football. Ferentz himself has lead Iowa to 4 top 10 finishes in the country in his time here, numerous bowl games, sent dozens of guys to the NFL (we are tied with Clemson for 6th currently in most players in NFL), have held our own against Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State overall. We probably take it for granted in a way-- especially that stat again that only Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Georgia, and Notre Dame have more guys currently in the NFL does Iowa and Clemson (tied). Who woulda thunk?

Yes, very strong tradition at Iowa. And STABILITY-- two Head Coaches over the past 43 years!
 
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Quick question back atcha - we don’t expect to do much running, especially with Goodson out and your ability to stop the run, but what’s the experience level/talent of your defensive back 7?
 
UK needs to get its run game going and not let Levis throw bad passes. Iowa defense has great hands and will make you pay.

Probably the least imposing 10 win team you ever saw though. And that was with their starting RB.

They have an excellent punter. Don't battle them ugly.
Yeah, we're like the Shreck of college football.
Yeah, your defense is gonna have to put up points, and/or special teams. Your offensive numbers just blow my mind when you see the record. I honestly can't wrap my head around it. Do you realize you're 111th in both rushing and passing, 123rd in total offense.. I will say that depending on those defensive/special teams points is a dangerous game. We should haveca fun game, I wish it would get here already.
Just some Iowa history to give you an idea of the winning numbers in the recent past against good teams.

2016 Iowa vs #3 Michigan (14-13) Iowa with 230 total yards, 66 through the air.

2018 Iowa vs #18 Mississippi State (27-22) Iowa with 199 total yards. -15 yards rushing.

2019 Iowa vs #8 Minnesota (23-19) Iowa with 290 total yards.

2021 Iowa vs. #4 Penn State (23-20) Iowa with 305 total yards.

There are more examples of such wins going further back in history, but this illustrates how Iowa can get to a 10-3 record with a crappy offense.

Those wins have happened because of field position (punting), turnovers, special teams plays and efficient defense that rises up in the red zone, limiting the opponent to FGs. The offense is good enough to allow the defense to rest and make adjustments.

There are exceptions, such as Iowa beating #6 Ohio State 55-24 with 487 yards total, split evenly between rushing and passing. They had no answer that day, mostly due to a wonderful schematic advantage that Iowa discovered with their two first round TEs, Hockenson and Fant.

I see a closer game hinging on mistakes. If Iowa can limit big plays and win the turnover battle, they should win the game. If not, then the Cats may run away and hide. I really like our defense this year, despite what they showed in the second half vs a very good Michigan offense (that did the same thing to Ohio State the week before).
 
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I really like our defense this year, despite what they showed in the second half vs a very good Michigan offense (that did the same thing to Ohio State the week before).
Iowa defense gave up 26 points a game last 7 games vs. 13 a game first 6. Fellt a lot had to do with defense just wearing down by being on the field so much. Hoping the time off since end of regular season will play big for them.
 
fistfight in a telephone booth baby!

Iowa is my favorite team in that conference and i spent a little time in council bluffs and ames when i was stationed in nebraska

iowaegians (?) — are good people

:)
 
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Well, thanks, since stats are what they are. Question for you. Do you think Petras can beat us in the air?

It may be Alex Padilla, not Spencer Petras? Padilla is healthy. Some are curious on Petras being 100%.

Neither have been outstanding, but they did help contributed to 10 wins.

Iowa was only 4-3 in final 7 games. Kentucky was 5-3 in SEC slate they faced.

Ultimately, it will come down to 60 minutes and head to head. Kentucky is a 3 point favorite.

Both programs have been competitive their past 3 bowl games, though it has been two seasons, since Iowa played in a game.
 
It may be Alex Padilla, not Spencer Petras? Padilla is healthy. Some are curious on Petras being 100%.

Neither have been outstanding, but they did help contributed to 10 wins.

Iowa was only 4-3 in final 7 games. Kentucky was 5-3 in SEC slate they faced.

Ultimately, it will come down to 60 minutes and head to head. Kentucky is a 3 point favorite.

Both programs have been competitive their past 3 bowl games, though it has been two seasons, since Iowa played in a game.
I think your depth chart was released and it showed Petras.
 
We will find out more. @TomKakert from Rivals' Hawkeye Report is one person who repeated it. What is the extent of Spencer Petras' injury.

I don't doubt he is Iowa's #1 at 13-5 as a starter compared to Alex Padilla at 3-0 over past two seasons. Petras didn't start Nebraska game, but was better in relief. Threw a better ball for a change.

I think your depth chart was released and it showed Petras.

Many Hawkeye fans have witnessed depth charts as being a possible example of who is #1, but Iowa's new starter at LT is another question, since #2 is listed and he started Michigan game and throughout most of the season, except due to an injury.

Over the course of 13 games, we have witnessed a number of different players start on offense for Iowa. C Tyler Linderbaum has started every game, but may be only offensive position in which that can be said. I suspect TE Sam LaPorta may have started all 13. Sometimes, Iowa has a given play and unit may have pushed a person into a start.

Frankly, I wouldn't have a problem seeing Alex Padilla as a starter. He fits the role well. I think Spencer Petras is a solid #2. He stepped up well in Nebraska game.
 
We will find out more. @TomKakert from Rivals' Hawkeye Report is one person who repeated it. What is the extent of Spencer Petras' injury.

I don't doubt he is Iowa's #1 at 13-5 as a starter compared to Alex Padilla at 3-0 over past two seasons. Petras didn't start Nebraska game, but was better in relief. Threw a better ball for a change.



Many Hawkeye fans have witnessed depth charts as being a possible example of who is #1, but Iowa's new starter at LT is another question, since #2 is listed and he started Michigan game and throughout most of the season, except due to an injury.

Over the course of 13 games, we have witnessed a number of different players start on offense for Iowa. C Tyler Linderbaum has started every game, but may be only offensive position in which that can be said. I suspect TE Sam LaPorta may have started all 13. Sometimes, Iowa has a given play and unit may have pushed a person into a start.

Frankly, I wouldn't have a problem seeing Alex Padilla as a starter. He fits the role well. I think Spencer Petras is a solid #2. He stepped up well in Nebraska game.
I think you guys expected Williams to start at RB but Ivory Kelly Martin is getting the nod. Plumb at LT.

 
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