Big Ten: Hoosiers-Hawkeyes 103109
Iowa's fourth quarter magic works again
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
6:19
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The thought crossed Kirk Ferentz's mind. The Iowa head coach started to worry that his team's edge-of-the-cliff dance would finally come to a painful end.
"I thought maybe we had dug too deep a hole today," Ferentz said.
As it turns out, there's no hole too deep for Iowa. There aren't enough interceptions to keep Ricky Stanzi from rallying his team. There aren't enough mistakes to keep these Hawkeyes from believing and, eventually, prevailing.
And after escaping a 14-point canyon Saturday against Indiana, Iowa might end up on top of the mountain after all.
Team Comeback did it again, rallying for the eighth time in nine games, this time from its largest deficit of the season, to remain perfect at 9-0. It didn't come down to the final play this time, as Iowa actually could relax in the final three or four minutes of a 42-24 win.
But Ferentz and his players agreed Saturday's rally was the most improbable.
"It's got to be up at the top," Ferentz said. "I know I haven't been in a game like this, and I doubt I've seen one like this because it was just so, so different. You never survive five turnovers, let alone five picks. The odds are, I would almost say nil."
Almost. Iowa defied the odds once again, and the biggest boost came from the man who put the team in the hole.
Stanzi threw a career-high five interceptions Saturday, four in a miserable third quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, Stanzi had completed just 10 of 23 passes for 160 yards and no touchdowns.
A stat line like Stanzi's usually lands the quarterback a seat on the bench, but Ferentz didn't think twice about making a change, despite some boos from the crowd.
"I'm not alone in this one," Ferentz said. "We all believe in Rick Stanzi. The guy has done a hell of a job."
Stanzi has done his best work in the fourth quarter, and the trend continued Saturday.
His first pass went for a 92-yard touchdown to Marvin McNutt. His second went for a 66-yard touchdown to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. He finished the fourth quarter 3-for-3 passing for 177 yards and the two scores.
"The frustration doesn't really mount," Stanzi said. "That's when it can explode on you and cause even more problems for the team. You don't want to let your team down, and everyone on this team has a great job of having that attitude.
"We can all bounce back together."
 |
|
| AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall | |
| Iowa's Ricky Stanzi threw five interceptions against Indiana Saturday but an explosive performance in the fourth quarter helped the Hawkeyes to a 42-24 win. |
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The thought crossed Kirk Ferentz's mind. The Iowa head coach started to worry that his team's edge-of-the-cliff dance would finally come to a painful end.
"I thought maybe we had dug too deep a hole today," Ferentz said.
As it turns out, there's no hole too deep for Iowa. There aren't enough interceptions to keep Ricky Stanzi from rallying his team. There aren't enough mistakes to keep these Hawkeyes from believing and, eventually, prevailing.
And after escaping a 14-point canyon Saturday against Indiana, Iowa might end up on top of the mountain after all.
Team Comeback did it again, rallying for the eighth time in nine games, this time from its largest deficit of the season, to remain perfect at 9-0. It didn't come down to the final play this time, as Iowa actually could relax in the final three or four minutes of a 42-24 win.
But Ferentz and his players agreed Saturday's rally was the most improbable.
"It's got to be up at the top," Ferentz said. "I know I haven't been in a game like this, and I doubt I've seen one like this because it was just so, so different. You never survive five turnovers, let alone five picks. The odds are, I would almost say nil."
Almost. Iowa defied the odds once again, and the biggest boost came from the man who put the team in the hole.
Stanzi threw a career-high five interceptions Saturday, four in a miserable third quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, Stanzi had completed just 10 of 23 passes for 160 yards and no touchdowns.
A stat line like Stanzi's usually lands the quarterback a seat on the bench, but Ferentz didn't think twice about making a change, despite some boos from the crowd.
"I'm not alone in this one," Ferentz said. "We all believe in Rick Stanzi. The guy has done a hell of a job."
Stanzi has done his best work in the fourth quarter, and the trend continued Saturday.
His first pass went for a 92-yard touchdown to Marvin McNutt. His second went for a 66-yard touchdown to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. He finished the fourth quarter 3-for-3 passing for 177 yards and the two scores.
"The frustration doesn't really mount," Stanzi said. "That's when it can explode on you and cause even more problems for the team. You don't want to let your team down, and everyone on this team has a great job of having that attitude.
"We can all bounce back together."
Indiana can't get over the hump again
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
5:15
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa's clutch victories away from Kinnick Stadium are the talk of the Big Ten this fall, but the Indiana Hoosiers could easily be the league's road warriors.
Indiana held fourth-quarter leads in all three of its conference road games, against Michigan, Northwestern and Iowa. And all three times, the Hoosiers managed to fall short.
The Hoosiers blew late leads in Ann Arbor and Evanston, but their fourth-quarter collapse Saturday against No. 4 Iowa had to sting the most. Indiana totally controlled the first half and overcame some speed bumps in the third quarter to claim a 24-14 lead.
But from the moment Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt broke free for a 92-yard touchdown, Indiana's hopes for a huge upset, a program-reviving win and a victory that would have moved them closer to bowl eligibility went down the drain.
Iowa dominated the final 12 minutes, scoring 28 points and surging to a 42-24 triumph.
"We played a great football team that made some big plays on us," head coach Bill Lynch said. "There wasn't anything mental about those long pass plays. Those were plays they executed and we didn't stop.
"Our kids were locked in from start to finish. There was not [a letdown]. That wasn't the case."
Indiana could have folded following an 86-yard Tyler Sash interception return that hit several players before falling into the Iowa safety's arms. The Hoosiers also had a touchdown catch overturned by replay and missed a short field goal.
They responded from those mishaps, but Iowa's big pass plays to McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, who raced 66 yards for a touchdown, proved to be too much. Indiana played with a banged-up secondary, as two starters, cornerback Ray Fisher and safety Nick Polk, didn't play most of the game.
The Hoosiers' defensive backs recorded five interceptions, but the fourth-quarter breakdowns cost them in the end.
"Those are big plays that are tough to overcome," Lynch said.
Last week, Indiana blew a 28-3 lead against Northwestern as the Wildcats mounted the biggest comeback in team history. Lynch later lamented that the Hoosiers scored too much too early.
Did it happen again?
"This is a completely different game," Lynch said. "Our kids battled."
 |
|
| AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall | |
| Indiana coach Bill Lynch saw his Hoosiers collapse yet again in the fourth quarter on Sunday. |
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa's clutch victories away from Kinnick Stadium are the talk of the Big Ten this fall, but the Indiana Hoosiers could easily be the league's road warriors.
Indiana held fourth-quarter leads in all three of its conference road games, against Michigan, Northwestern and Iowa. And all three times, the Hoosiers managed to fall short.
The Hoosiers blew late leads in Ann Arbor and Evanston, but their fourth-quarter collapse Saturday against No. 4 Iowa had to sting the most. Indiana totally controlled the first half and overcame some speed bumps in the third quarter to claim a 24-14 lead.
But from the moment Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt broke free for a 92-yard touchdown, Indiana's hopes for a huge upset, a program-reviving win and a victory that would have moved them closer to bowl eligibility went down the drain.
Iowa dominated the final 12 minutes, scoring 28 points and surging to a 42-24 triumph.
"We played a great football team that made some big plays on us," head coach Bill Lynch said. "There wasn't anything mental about those long pass plays. Those were plays they executed and we didn't stop.
"Our kids were locked in from start to finish. There was not [a letdown]. That wasn't the case."
Indiana could have folded following an 86-yard Tyler Sash interception return that hit several players before falling into the Iowa safety's arms. The Hoosiers also had a touchdown catch overturned by replay and missed a short field goal.
They responded from those mishaps, but Iowa's big pass plays to McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, who raced 66 yards for a touchdown, proved to be too much. Indiana played with a banged-up secondary, as two starters, cornerback Ray Fisher and safety Nick Polk, didn't play most of the game.
The Hoosiers' defensive backs recorded five interceptions, but the fourth-quarter breakdowns cost them in the end.
"Those are big plays that are tough to overcome," Lynch said.
Last week, Indiana blew a 28-3 lead against Northwestern as the Wildcats mounted the biggest comeback in team history. Lynch later lamented that the Hoosiers scored too much too early.
Did it happen again?
"This is a completely different game," Lynch said. "Our kids battled."
Video: Iowa's Stanzi on win over Indiana
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
5:03
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi discusses the Hawkeyes’ latest come-from-behind win -- a 42-24 victory over Indiana on Saturday.
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes owe 70,000 people a box of Rolaids.
It hasn't been easy all season for Iowa, and today's game probably caused the most panic, as the Hawkeyes twice found themselves down 14 points. But for the eighth time in nine games, the Hawkeyes rallied for a win with a dominant fourth quarter.
Iowa remains perfect at 9-0 and still has a chance to reach the national title game. The Hawkeyes will likely drop in the polls, but they don't care right now. It's all about survival, baby.
Quarterback Ricky Stanzi was awful in the first three quarters, throwing five interceptions, but responded with a brilliant fourth quarter as Iowa piled up 28 points.
You have to feel for Indiana, which played hard but broke down in the fourth quarter for the second straight game.
I'm heading down to interviews now but will have much more on a wild one at Kinnick Stadium.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes owe 70,000 people a box of Rolaids.
It hasn't been easy all season for Iowa, and today's game probably caused the most panic, as the Hawkeyes twice found themselves down 14 points. But for the eighth time in nine games, the Hawkeyes rallied for a win with a dominant fourth quarter.
Iowa remains perfect at 9-0 and still has a chance to reach the national title game. The Hawkeyes will likely drop in the polls, but they don't care right now. It's all about survival, baby.
Quarterback Ricky Stanzi was awful in the first three quarters, throwing five interceptions, but responded with a brilliant fourth quarter as Iowa piled up 28 points.
You have to feel for Indiana, which played hard but broke down in the fourth quarter for the second straight game.
I'm heading down to interviews now but will have much more on a wild one at Kinnick Stadium.
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa's rallies have transpired in different ways this season, but few saw this one coming.
After looking lifeless in the first half and falling behind 24-14 at the end of the third quarter, the Hawkeyes have stormed back to take control. Iowa now leads 35-24 as things are totally falling apart for Indiana. What a strange game for the Hoosiers secondary, which picked off four passes but endured several inexcusable breakdowns that led to Iowa touchdowns.
Iowa rediscovered its rushing attack on its last drive, as freshman Brandon Wegher ran to paydirt.
Credit Iowa once again for fighting back -- this marks its eighth come-from-behind win this season -- though the Hawks will take a hit in the polls.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa's rallies have transpired in different ways this season, but few saw this one coming.
After looking lifeless in the first half and falling behind 24-14 at the end of the third quarter, the Hawkeyes have stormed back to take control. Iowa now leads 35-24 as things are totally falling apart for Indiana. What a strange game for the Hoosiers secondary, which picked off four passes but endured several inexcusable breakdowns that led to Iowa touchdowns.
Iowa rediscovered its rushing attack on its last drive, as freshman Brandon Wegher ran to paydirt.
Credit Iowa once again for fighting back -- this marks its eighth come-from-behind win this season -- though the Hawks will take a hit in the polls.
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Say what you want about the Iowa Hawkeyes, but they flat out own the fourth quarter.
Consider the case of junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi. In the first three quarters today, he completed 10 of 23 passes for 160 yards with five interceptions (four in the third quarter) and no touchdowns. Iowa needed only 24 seconds to score twice in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, he's 2-for-2 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, as Iowa took its first lead at 28-24. Wideouts Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos deserve most of the credit, as both players are having incredible games.
Indiana looks finished as Ben Chappell just threw an interception to cornerback Shaun Prater.
Iowa has outscored its opponents 86-38 in the final quarter this season.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Say what you want about the Iowa Hawkeyes, but they flat out own the fourth quarter.
Consider the case of junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi. In the first three quarters today, he completed 10 of 23 passes for 160 yards with five interceptions (four in the third quarter) and no touchdowns. Iowa needed only 24 seconds to score twice in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, he's 2-for-2 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, as Iowa took its first lead at 28-24. Wideouts Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos deserve most of the credit, as both players are having incredible games.
Indiana looks finished as Ben Chappell just threw an interception to cornerback Shaun Prater.
Iowa has outscored its opponents 86-38 in the final quarter this season.
Don't count out Stanzi or the Hawkeyes
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
2:51
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Why should a team leave a quarterback in the game when he has thrown five interceptions?
Ricky Stanzi just showed you why.
Mr. Fourth Quarter did it again, finding Marvin McNutt on a crossing route that went for a 92-yard touchdown, as Iowa has closed the gap to 24-21. After throwing four interceptions in the third quarter, Stanzi once again didn't flinch, proving again that resiliency is his best trait as a quarterback. McNutt deserves a ton of credit, as he beat Donnell Jones and was off to the races. It marked the fourth longest touchdown pass in team history.
Iowa has owned the fourth quarter all season, outscoring its opponents 72-38. Let's see if the Hawkeyes have another comeback left in them.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Why should a team leave a quarterback in the game when he has thrown five interceptions?
Ricky Stanzi just showed you why.
Mr. Fourth Quarter did it again, finding Marvin McNutt on a crossing route that went for a 92-yard touchdown, as Iowa has closed the gap to 24-21. After throwing four interceptions in the third quarter, Stanzi once again didn't flinch, proving again that resiliency is his best trait as a quarterback. McNutt deserves a ton of credit, as he beat Donnell Jones and was off to the races. It marked the fourth longest touchdown pass in team history.
Iowa has owned the fourth quarter all season, outscoring its opponents 72-38. Let's see if the Hawkeyes have another comeback left in them.
IU finally capitalizes on Stanzi miscue
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
2:30
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Regardless of how this one turns out, Indiana deserves credit for being extremely resilient and not letting things fall apart.
Tyler Sash's 86-yard interception return could have been the Hoosiers' downfall. Things got worse after a short missed field goal. But Indiana's defense came up big again, as linebacker Matt Mayberry picked off quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who now has thrown a career high four interceptions. The Hoosiers' front seven has had an exceptional game in pressuring Stanzi.
The Hoosiers played it smart on third-and-16, picking up a good chunk of yards to set up a shorter field goal attempt. Nick Freeland nailed it to put IU up 24-14.
There's no doubt Iowa deserves to lose this game, but the Hawkeyes know how to win, no matter how tough the circumstances.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Regardless of how this one turns out, Indiana deserves credit for being extremely resilient and not letting things fall apart.
Tyler Sash's 86-yard interception return could have been the Hoosiers' downfall. Things got worse after a short missed field goal. But Indiana's defense came up big again, as linebacker Matt Mayberry picked off quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who now has thrown a career high four interceptions. The Hoosiers' front seven has had an exceptional game in pressuring Stanzi.
The Hoosiers played it smart on third-and-16, picking up a good chunk of yards to set up a shorter field goal attempt. Nick Freeland nailed it to put IU up 24-14.
There's no doubt Iowa deserves to lose this game, but the Hawkeyes know how to win, no matter how tough the circumstances.
Wild play gives Hawkeyes new life
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
2:15
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The magic of the Iowa Hawkeyes continues.
Iowa is right back in the game just when it seemed like the Hawkeyes had dug themselves too deep of a hole. Safety Tyler Sash picked off his sixth pass of the season and returned it 86 yards to the end zone after a wild sequence. Iowa now trails 21-14.
On third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, linebacker A.J. Edds hit quarterback Ben Chappell as he threw. The pass hit Hoosiers right tackle James Brewer and then Iowa defensive tackle Christian Ballard before Sash grabbed the ball and raced untouched to the end zone.
Indiana seemed poised to increase its lead after Ricky Stanzi threw his third interception and his second of the half. The Hoosiers can't allow themselves to fall into the same trap as last week, when they collapsed at Northwestern.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The magic of the Iowa Hawkeyes continues.
Iowa is right back in the game just when it seemed like the Hawkeyes had dug themselves too deep of a hole. Safety Tyler Sash picked off his sixth pass of the season and returned it 86 yards to the end zone after a wild sequence. Iowa now trails 21-14.
On third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, linebacker A.J. Edds hit quarterback Ben Chappell as he threw. The pass hit Hoosiers right tackle James Brewer and then Iowa defensive tackle Christian Ballard before Sash grabbed the ball and raced untouched to the end zone.
Indiana seemed poised to increase its lead after Ricky Stanzi threw his third interception and his second of the half. The Hoosiers can't allow themselves to fall into the same trap as last week, when they collapsed at Northwestern.
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Quick analysis from halftime at Kinnick Stadium, where Indiana leads No. 4 Iowa 21-7 (upset alert!).
Turning point: After Iowa had closed the deficit to 14-7, star cornerback Amari Spievey muffed a punt and Indiana recovered inside the red zone. It marked the second turnover for Iowa. The Hoosiers converted for a touchdown and took a 21-7 lead to the locker room.
Best player in the half: Indiana junior quarterback Ben Chappell has been terrific so far, completing 12 of 19 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He has made smart decisions and did a great job recognizing the blitz and finding Damarlo Belcher in the end zone with nine seconds left in the half. Honorable mentions go to Belcher and fellow wideout Mitchell Evans.
What Indiana needs to do: Keep the pressure on and forget what happened last week when the Hoosiers blew a 28-3 lead and lost to Northwestern. Chappell should continue to attack, and Indiana shouldn't get away from the run with Darius Willis. The Hoosiers must make Ricky Stanzi win this game and take away the run.
What Iowa needs to do: How about showing up to play? The Hawkeyes look woefully unprepared for this game. This team is used to being behind, but the sloppiness in the first 30 minutes is really uncharacteristic. Iowa needs to force a few turnovers and take better care of the football.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Quick analysis from halftime at Kinnick Stadium, where Indiana leads No. 4 Iowa 21-7 (upset alert!).
Turning point: After Iowa had closed the deficit to 14-7, star cornerback Amari Spievey muffed a punt and Indiana recovered inside the red zone. It marked the second turnover for Iowa. The Hoosiers converted for a touchdown and took a 21-7 lead to the locker room.
Best player in the half: Indiana junior quarterback Ben Chappell has been terrific so far, completing 12 of 19 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He has made smart decisions and did a great job recognizing the blitz and finding Damarlo Belcher in the end zone with nine seconds left in the half. Honorable mentions go to Belcher and fellow wideout Mitchell Evans.
What Indiana needs to do: Keep the pressure on and forget what happened last week when the Hoosiers blew a 28-3 lead and lost to Northwestern. Chappell should continue to attack, and Indiana shouldn't get away from the run with Darius Willis. The Hoosiers must make Ricky Stanzi win this game and take away the run.
What Iowa needs to do: How about showing up to play? The Hawkeyes look woefully unprepared for this game. This team is used to being behind, but the sloppiness in the first 30 minutes is really uncharacteristic. Iowa needs to force a few turnovers and take better care of the football.
IU off to hot start against sloppy Hawks
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
1:09
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa has built its reputation on rallying, and the Hawkeyes need to live up to it again. The Hawkeyes fell behind 14-0, which marked their largest deficit of the season, before responding with an impressive drive.
Indiana has dominated most of the first half, making big plays on both sides of the ball and beating Iowa at the line of scrimmage. Running back Darius Willis and wideout Mitchell Evans have been terrific on offense, and the IU defensive line is getting into the Iowa backfield.
Ben Chappell made a gutsy throw to put Indiana up by two touchdowns, finding Evans in the end zone despite three Hawkeyes defenders in the area.
Iowa has been sloppy in almost every aspect of the game. You know things are going bad when star punter Ryan Donahue shanks one for 9 yards. The Hawkeyes have committed penalties and missed blocks and coverage assignments.
Perhaps the 85-yard scoring march will light a fire under the nation's fourth-ranked team.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa has built its reputation on rallying, and the Hawkeyes need to live up to it again. The Hawkeyes fell behind 14-0, which marked their largest deficit of the season, before responding with an impressive drive.
Indiana has dominated most of the first half, making big plays on both sides of the ball and beating Iowa at the line of scrimmage. Running back Darius Willis and wideout Mitchell Evans have been terrific on offense, and the IU defensive line is getting into the Iowa backfield.
Ben Chappell made a gutsy throw to put Indiana up by two touchdowns, finding Evans in the end zone despite three Hawkeyes defenders in the area.
Iowa has been sloppy in almost every aspect of the game. You know things are going bad when star punter Ryan Donahue shanks one for 9 yards. The Hawkeyes have committed penalties and missed blocks and coverage assignments.
Perhaps the 85-yard scoring march will light a fire under the nation's fourth-ranked team.
Iowa's Stanzi stumbles out of the gate
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
12:39
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi is having a nightmarish Halloween so far.
Stanzi has yet to complete a pass -- a screen to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was called back on a penalty -- and tossed his ninth interception of the season when he overthrew tight end Tony Moeaki. The junior took a sack when he had receivers open down the field and missed wideout Marvin McNutt on a hitch pattern.
Iowa fans need to hope Good Stanzi shows up in the second quarter.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi is having a nightmarish Halloween so far.
Stanzi has yet to complete a pass -- a screen to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was called back on a penalty -- and tossed his ninth interception of the season when he overthrew tight end Tony Moeaki. The junior took a sack when he had receivers open down the field and missed wideout Marvin McNutt on a hitch pattern.
Iowa fans need to hope Good Stanzi shows up in the second quarter.
Indiana runs over Iowa on opening drive
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
12:14
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- So much for my prediction that Indiana won't have many sustained drives against No. 4 Iowa.
It wasn't so much that the Hoosiers scored on their opening possession, but how they did it. Indiana's offensive line totally manhandled Iowa, blowing the Hawkeyes' talented defensive front off of the line of scrimmage. Freshman running back Darius Willis had huge holes to run through, and Iowa lost contain on several plays.
After shutting down Michigan State for most of last week's game, Iowa looked lifeless as Indiana marched 69 yards in 11 plays. The Hoosiers effectively used wide receiver Mitchell Evans in the Wildcat formation down in the red zone, and Evans had a nice 9-yard cutback run.
IU leads 7-0.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- So much for my prediction that Indiana won't have many sustained drives against No. 4 Iowa.
It wasn't so much that the Hoosiers scored on their opening possession, but how they did it. Indiana's offensive line totally manhandled Iowa, blowing the Hawkeyes' talented defensive front off of the line of scrimmage. Freshman running back Darius Willis had huge holes to run through, and Iowa lost contain on several plays.
After shutting down Michigan State for most of last week's game, Iowa looked lifeless as Indiana marched 69 yards in 11 plays. The Hoosiers effectively used wide receiver Mitchell Evans in the Wildcat formation down in the red zone, and Evans had a nice 9-yard cutback run.
IU leads 7-0.
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- A few personnel updates before kickoff today at Kinnick Stadium.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- A few personnel updates before kickoff today at Kinnick Stadium.
- Iowa wide receiver Colin Sandeman isn't on the field for warm-ups and likely will miss the game after sustaining a head injury last week at Michigan State. Sandeman has nine receptions for 70 yards this season.
- Hawkeyes starting safety Brett Greenwood is warming up and should give it a go after hurting his neck in a nasty collision with fellow safety Tyler Sash last week.
- Defensive end Adrian Clayborn looks fine after dealing with a knee injury. Freshman running back Brad Rogers is in uniform.
- Indiana cornerback Donnell Jones is warming up with a brace on his right elbow, which he dislocated a few weeks ago. Starting linebacker Will Patterson also is warming up with a club on his left hand.
Iowa's Parker to coach from press box
October, 31, 2009
10/31/09
10:42
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa veteran defensive coordinator Norm Parker will coach from the press box today because of an illness.
Parker, 68, normally spends games on the field. He has battled diabetes for years and coached from the box for much of the 2004 season after having a toe removed from his foot. Parker had another toe removed before this season because of an infection.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa veteran defensive coordinator Norm Parker will coach from the press box today because of an illness.
Parker, 68, normally spends games on the field. He has battled diabetes for years and coached from the box for much of the 2004 season after having a toe removed from his foot. Parker had another toe removed before this season because of an infection.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
Brian Bennett
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
BIG TEN TEAM COVERAGE
RECRUITING NATION
Michigan: WolverineNation
Follow everything Michigan at WolverineNation: Michigan Wolverines football, basketball, news, recruiting and more.
