Out of Towner: Hawks Hope to Blow Away Cyclones
The always exciting in-state rivalry between the U of I Haweyes and the ISU Cyclones is set to take center stage again Saturday morning at 11 a.m. as our boys head down to Ames (that town smells like cow poop) to bounce back big from a less than impressive season opener last week vs. UNI. There is a lot riding on this game, the least of which in my eyes is the Cy-Hawk trophy (which should by now really be named the Hawk-Cy trophy). What should matter most to every red-blooded, corn-fed Iowan football fan is bragging rights.
By this of course I mean the right to taunt everyone you pass by who happens to be wearing a red State shirt or hat, call friends who happen to be ISU fans (I don't personally have any myself) to belittle them for their lack of standards and ideals, and/or your general bragging and boasting about having the best team in the state to whomever will listen. This and a 2-0 record going into next week are what really matters. And who knows, maybe a good ol' fashioned beat-down will launch us back into the AP top-25.
So how do our boys go about bringing these wonderful things into our lives? Well, by not playing anything at all like they did last Saturday. With Kyle Calloway back at right tackle and guard Julian Vandervelde back in at least a limited role, the offensive line should find some much needed cohesion. Controlling the line of scrimmage is a must this game (and every game) and having these two veterans back should be of great benefit.
Adam Robinson will get the start in the backfield this week after a weak performance by Paki Omeara last week (16 yds on 10 carries) and looks to improve as the season progresses. I'm hoping that if the running game remains stagnant again throughout the first half that freshman phenom Brandon Wegher will get a chance. I suppose we should just hope he won't be needed because Robinson is leaving cleat marks on the backs of ISU defenders. Wishful thinking.
Some keys to the game will include stopping the running threat of the Cyclones starting QB Austen Arnaud who rushed 16 times last week for 78 yards and a touchdown in their win over North Dakota State. Defensive pressure on Arnaud is an absolute must. Please, Norm Parker, pleeeeease show blitz once in a while! I beg you! Offensively, beware of throwing the ball too much to Moeaki. They will be looking at him. Spread the ball around a little more and go to him when its there. Stanzi forced a lot of passes into some pretty narrow gaps last week and his luck can't last forever. No turnovers this weekend dammit!
Lastly, and maybe most important, is the level of intensity the Hawks bring to the game. I tripped over last weeks intensity level. Seriously. Almost sprained my ankle. And this goes for you fans as well. Last weekend I saw what amounted to about 30,000 frightened, deer-in-headlights looks and shocked silences throughout the game. Let's get loud. Let's get crazy. Let's get drunk and revel in another University of Iowa Hawkeye dominant performance! UI 34, ISU 21.
So Hawkeye faithfuls unite once again Saturday. This game will likely be an indication of how our season is going to go, so get your asses to the game (I'll see you there) or anywhere else you can get to to support your team. And remember, we are supposed to win this game. 6.5 point favorites even. We are not afraid! We are the Hawkeye Nation!
Questions, comments, hatemail, or tickets to homecoming can be sent to pixleyjackson@yahoo.com.
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