08-27-2012, 09:36 PM
Offense:
QB - ISU has a slight advantage because their two QB's played extensively last year, but both had effective as well as ineffective performances. Both QB's totalled a collective 2,700 yards, but also had more interceptions than TD's.
TU's new QB's main drawback is that he is somewhat of an unknown factor, athough he is the only TU player to set foot in Jack Trice Stadium. If he matches ISU's QB's, we will be in good shape.
RB - This should be a big TU advantage because of not only their production, but their depth. But of course, the main factor with the run game is how well the OLine plays.
OLine - The advantage should be with the Iowans here. They have three returning starters from last year and are the typical BCS "big" line. Three of their linemen are bigger than any starter we have. The difference between BCS level teams and the rest of us, is in the OLines IMO.
Receivers - As far as the wideouts, I think there is a big advantage for TU. ISU has a good, solid, proven WR in Josh Linz, but IMO he'd have trouble starting for us, but would be in the rotation. We are bigger and probably as fast and skilled as ISU at this critical area.
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Defense
DLine should be an advantage for TU. We have 3 of the top four back and are reasonably deep. ISU is basically breaking in 3 of their top four. Hopefully, TU's questionable OLine will be able to counter the ISU "questionable" DLine. At the DLine comparison, its TU all the way IMO.
LBer is a big advantage to ISU. Their main two LBers have received All Conference honors and in a league like the B12, that is a significant honor. TU would be competitive here if Shawn Jackson were in the game, but unfortunately, he's been sent to the principals office for a good tongue lashing and three game suspension. Brown, Jennings and either Martin or Hawkins will play hard, but IMO won't be at the level of ISUs main LBer crew.
Secondary: Huge advantage to TU. If the WR's is a big advantage for us on offense, then the secondary is a massive advantage for us on D. We will basically have all four of our secondary starters back if you include Flanders after his academic "sitout". I look for this to be a difference maker in the game. BTW, one of the starting CB's for ISU is only 5'7". Our universally tall receivers can probably take advantage of this mismatch IMO.
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Kicking - I think our freshman kicker will be better than their freshman kicker. They have a very good punter who averaged 45 ypp. Cole Way must step up and punt well or we may be looking at field position problems. Slight advantage to ISU.
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Coaching: I think both schools' staffs are pretty much equal except for our Defensive Coordinator. He's the man! IMO
Slight advantage to TU here.
QB - ISU has a slight advantage because their two QB's played extensively last year, but both had effective as well as ineffective performances. Both QB's totalled a collective 2,700 yards, but also had more interceptions than TD's.
TU's new QB's main drawback is that he is somewhat of an unknown factor, athough he is the only TU player to set foot in Jack Trice Stadium. If he matches ISU's QB's, we will be in good shape.
RB - This should be a big TU advantage because of not only their production, but their depth. But of course, the main factor with the run game is how well the OLine plays.
OLine - The advantage should be with the Iowans here. They have three returning starters from last year and are the typical BCS "big" line. Three of their linemen are bigger than any starter we have. The difference between BCS level teams and the rest of us, is in the OLines IMO.
Receivers - As far as the wideouts, I think there is a big advantage for TU. ISU has a good, solid, proven WR in Josh Linz, but IMO he'd have trouble starting for us, but would be in the rotation. We are bigger and probably as fast and skilled as ISU at this critical area.
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Defense
DLine should be an advantage for TU. We have 3 of the top four back and are reasonably deep. ISU is basically breaking in 3 of their top four. Hopefully, TU's questionable OLine will be able to counter the ISU "questionable" DLine. At the DLine comparison, its TU all the way IMO.
LBer is a big advantage to ISU. Their main two LBers have received All Conference honors and in a league like the B12, that is a significant honor. TU would be competitive here if Shawn Jackson were in the game, but unfortunately, he's been sent to the principals office for a good tongue lashing and three game suspension. Brown, Jennings and either Martin or Hawkins will play hard, but IMO won't be at the level of ISUs main LBer crew.
Secondary: Huge advantage to TU. If the WR's is a big advantage for us on offense, then the secondary is a massive advantage for us on D. We will basically have all four of our secondary starters back if you include Flanders after his academic "sitout". I look for this to be a difference maker in the game. BTW, one of the starting CB's for ISU is only 5'7". Our universally tall receivers can probably take advantage of this mismatch IMO.
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Kicking - I think our freshman kicker will be better than their freshman kicker. They have a very good punter who averaged 45 ypp. Cole Way must step up and punt well or we may be looking at field position problems. Slight advantage to ISU.
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Coaching: I think both schools' staffs are pretty much equal except for our Defensive Coordinator. He's the man! IMO
Slight advantage to TU here.