Comparing Iowa and LSU (lots of numbers)

this is why we either need table formatting or mono-spaced font.

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LSU (No. 17) will be Iowa’s third strongest opponent (behind MSU and OSU).

Iowa (No. 30) will be LSU’s sixth strongest opponent (behind Auburn, Alabama, A&M, UGa, and Ole Miss).

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This is insulting to me.

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Me too. That's what happens when you lose to Ole Miss.

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Iowa (No. 30) will be LSU’s sixth strongest opponent (behind Auburn, Alabama, A&M, UGa, and Ole Miss).

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Thank god for that.

I think all this goes out the window since we'll be playing a new qb with a different style offense. Makes it interesting.

some good statistical work there. It does not account for trends though. I'd like to think that the hawks have improved a lot this year. It's a huge challenge for Iowa.

thanks, great info, love stuff like this..well done

Sorry, this got longer than I intended....

Most Iowa fans had no idea what to expect from this group before the season after coming off a tough year in 2012

Most people forget that despite our struggles in 2012, we had 5 losses by a total of 15 points, so even with all the issues of injuries and BAD QB play, they still weren't that far off.

Much of this was due to our HORRIBLE QB play last year and a young and struggling DL. Not to mention a new OC that seemed to struggle to get his system implemented and Phil Parker's first year as the DC. Iowa also had a decimated OL in 2012 losing our best 2 linemen for the year. So it was not an easy time.

That QB finally graduated and there was a shakeup with a number of the assistant coaches for the first time in the Ferentz era. This was a great thing as these new assts have breathed much needed youth, knowledge and life into the program. We are already seeing this on the recruiting trail and you can just tell that there is a change to the teams formerly stale approach.


Iowa has vastly improved from the beginning of the season and particularly the 2nd half of the season in 2013 we saw great strides. Offensive consistency has been the real issue. IMO, this is mostly due to a lack of play makers at the WR position. They have improved and we've seen flashes from Tevaun Smith and Damond Powell but the group as a whole have dropped too many balls for my liking and aside from these 2(at times) haven't shown the ability to make people miss in the open field.

Part of the inconsistency could also be that we started Jake Rudock, a true soph at QB who had ZERO career snaps before the season started. There was a lot of 2nd guessing from the fan base behind not giving Rudock a single snap last year even with our QB having one of the worst seasons of any QB in the country (I believe the only BCS school to have 1 QB take every single snap) So there was a ton of mystery coming into the season at such a crucial position but there was a lot of buzz that Rudock would be just fine. He has done as good of a job as you could ask for under the circumstances. He has played very well on the road which says a lot.

Our strengths are our LB's our TE's and the OL which is now at full strength. Our DL was very shaky last year and was a big reason for our struggles. The DL has played very well this year and IMO is underrated a bit. This D is on track with most of the solid D's that the Hawks have had over the years.

Many believe our 3 SR LB's are possibly the best LB group in the country. I feel confident at least 2 of the 3 will be solid NFL players but wouldn't be surprised if all 3 make it. They will be really missed next year but we do have some capable younger guys. Down the stretch they played as well as any LB group I've seen come through Iowa and we've had some good ones. It was fun to watch them react to plays without hesitation this year and just blow up plays. I'm sure our DL play had a lot to do with this but they are solid.

Overall we've had pretty solid CB play with the exception of a few breakdowns, particularly Desmond King, a true freshman has played well. He has been a pleasant surprise. I believe the other CB, BJ Lowery, might be leading the country in deflections. (at least near the top). They're not elite type guys but they are in the mold of typical Hawkeye CB's and we have several that are in the NFL.

Our weakness on might be the safety position. I think Miller and Lowdermilk have done a great job against the run but tends to let receivers get behind them on occasion and has led to some breakdowns. Against LSU's talented receivers, that scares me a lot.

One thing that has been a constant at Iowa is that Ferentz has them ready to play in bowl games. I am hoping for a good game down to the wire.

LSU may be capable of getting away from Iowa on the scoreboard if their young QB can make them pay with his feet which opens things up. Iowa has traditionally struggled more with a mobile QB.

I certainly think Iowa could pound away physically on LSU and control the game from that standpoint. I don't think Iowa would blow out LSU unless they get demoralized from the ground and pound and take risks that cost them big plays and then Iowa were to control the clock.

I believe it will be a combination of Iowa grinding down LSU for scores and LSU making a few big plays. It should be exciting.

Others have said, I agree, IF LSU scores 30 you should win. While improved, iowa is just not that explosive.

Most teams come out, stack the box and play our WRs 1 on 1.

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Others have said, I agree, IF LSU scores 30 you should win. While improved, iowa is just not that explosive.

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IMO, it's pretty simple.

Iowa in this game is the constant. LSU is a wildcard; in part because of the QB situation, general inconsistent play, and apparent poor bowl prep recently.

Not to sound like a dick, but it's LSU's to lose.