Out of Towner: Hawkeyes Face Big Test at Home
Welcome back Hawkeye faithfuls to another weekend of Iowa football. This weeks matchup promises to be a little more of a nailbiter than last Saturdays blowout of the Cyclones and should prove to be a better indicator of our chances this season of remaining a legitimate Big Ten contender.
Arizona brings in a tough team coached by IA alum and former All Big-10 safety Mike Stoops whose team has raced to a 2-0 start this season behind and offensive unit eerily similar to a typical Big-10 stylee offense.
The Arizona Wildcats boast the nation's second ranked rusher in Nic Grigsby, who has already ammassed 325 rushing yards in his first two games. The rest of the offense, with a solid front five (no sacks given up this season) and efficient quarterback play, has been putting up solid numbers so far, including 559 yards of total offense last week against Northern Arizona and an average of 26 points per game.
They will be without star tight end Rob Gronkowski though, who is out with back problems. The Wildcat defense looks similarly strong, giving up only 408 yards of total offense in their first two outings for an average of only 11.5 points per game.
The Hawkeyes come into Kinnick Saturday to try and extend the nation's 6th longest winning streak of 6 games and improve upon their winning ways at home (have won 39 of last 47). Iowa's Defense is key to a win at home and will prove to be the biggest test of the year so far. If they can keep Grigsby and company down to Iowa's average of only 9.5 points allowed per game the offense should be able to do the rest.
This is assuming of course that Ricki Stanzi can somehow miraculously not throw an interception this week (I know you can do it Ricki!) and the offensive line shows up and dominates the line of scrimmage like they did against the hapless (just can't help throwing in a jab) Cyclones. All told, I like our chances and this should prove to be an exciting game to watch.
My prediction, 24-17 and a 3-0 start to our season.
A couple of things to remember to those of you fans lucky enough to go to the game (see you there), remember this is the annual blackout game so try not to be the only idiot in the stands wearing a bright gold t-shirt. Sometimes it's good to stand out. This is not one of those times. Also try to keep in mind that this is an afternoon game (2:35) and tailgaiting/binge drinking should be paced accordingly. While a moderate to heavy buzz is nothing to be ashamed of, don't be that asshole behind me who is so drunk he falls on my head shortly after dropping his mustard laden hotdog on the hot co-ed next to me.
Unacceptable. Save that shit for the bars after the game. I actually saw a guy so drunk two weeks ago he kept falling down trying to pull his pants up outside the bar. Perfectly acceptable, not to mention hilarious, behavior given the right venue.
On that note, let's get ready for a big game and a great weekend. Have fun, drive fast, take chances and GO Hawkeyes!!!
Questions, comments, hatemail, or tickets to homecoming can be sent to pixleyjackson@yahoo.com.
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