They lost to Northern Illinois do I need to say more. They do not have a corner back that can cover our receivers add in a mobile quarterback like Jennings and it could get ugly. They are not a team that can play behind. Jump on them quick and game over.
Hawker does a good job of discussing the differences in "athletes" and those who say Iowa plays with a bit of a chip on their shoulders are right. I'm a huge LSU fan but I got a chance to listen to Ferentz talk at my place of business last year and he readily admits their athletes don't compare with Alabama's or LSU's (his exact words) but what they work on is getting those players to play to their strengths and play within their schemes to the best of their abilities. Iowa likes to maul people on the lines - they ultimately try to wear their opponent down over the course of a game. This year, their linebackers are stellar and the strength of their defense. Offensively, they certainly aren't flashy - if we can't cover their tight ends, they will run amok as they use them alot to catch 10-15 yard routes and they are also good run blockers. Running backs are pretty much north and south runners - offensive line is where Ferentz does a excellent job in my opinion as they typically are able to push people around. The common argument to that is the quickness of an opponents defensive line but when Iowa runs the ball as much as they do, it neutralizes the speed factor to some degree. Ferentz rarely takes chances, as I said earlier in this thread, he will take his chances of punting it to the opponent and trust his defense to win the field position battles - for the most part, this works. Someone else said a key is to get ahead of Iowa early - that makes great sense as Iowa's QB this season is a first-year starter who is prone to throwing picks when in obvious passing situations. Traditionally though, even if Iowa falls behind early they won't deviate much from their gameplan which is ball control via the ground game. Iowa will come ready to play, there is no doubt about that - if LSU does the same and our DL holds their own against their OL such that we control their running game, LSU should come away with a solid victory barring major offensive miscues.
I was reading the a&m boards after we trounced them; they are paralyzed with the fear of being in the SEC without the talents of Manziel. They all know--know for a fact!--that their introduction to the SEC was "lubricated" by the play of JFF. Rightly so, they expect that the next few years may relegate them to the level of Vandy or OleMiss. Then again, look what OleMiss can accomplish when our guys are drinking Ambien cocktails......
It was known that last year was to be Mike Sherman's best team. This was told to me by more than one a&m insider. Well they have a HC locked in for a number of years, welcome to the SEC.
I don't understand why everyone is talking down about Iowa. From a talent level maybe it's different levels but if the LSU team has the attitude of the fans and comes out flat we will be in for a battle. Always remember any team can win any game. That's why we play.
Quick question: I see where LSU will be the home team in the Outback. Given you sometimes wear white for home games in Death Valley, what's the likelyhood that you would choose white for the bowl game? Also, I see the Tigers will be staying at the Westin Harbour Island. I'm jealous.... great hotel, great bar scene for New Year's.... damn!
