Both the Hawks and Clones enjoyed successful opening weekends. Iowa dominated Eastern Illinois surviving a knee scare to QB Ricky Stanzi, and Iowa State survived three turnovers to relatively dominate Northern Illinois in a game that many expected them to lose. While the Hawks are the heavy favorite in this game anyone who follows this series knows that anything can happen this Saturday. I am going to try to shorten these a little this season. I will at least write more about the opponent in the first several paragraphs for a sort of condensed version and then leave the rest for the hardcore readers (or for those of you who have a ton of time on your hands).
Iowa State runs a QB read- option based spread offense. They run the "check with me" style where they set up on the line of scrimmage right away to possibly take advantage of a defensive substitution, and then read the defense and check with the offensive coaching staff to get a play call or audible. All of their formations feature the shotgun snap. They feature three main formations: a balanced four receiver set featuring a tight end as a flexed slot with the tailback lined up next to the quarterback, a three x one tight end set with the tight end flexed out next to the slot creating a trips set, and a balanced three x one tight end set with the tight end lined up on the line of scrimmage opposite of the slot. They feature a couple of two tight end formations familiar to Iowa fans and a five wide set with both their regular personnel and five wides.
The basis of the run game is the QB read- option. They block this play two ways- the standard zone and they pull the guard occasionally. They run an outside option play, a counter that can be run off of motion or with the tailback lined up next to the QB, a couple of variations of a QB draw and a tailback draw, and finally a QB sneak that they like to run quickly while the defense is still setting up. I am sure they have some slot and outside receiver reverses left in the playbook that we will see on Saturday.
This passing game features mostly quick passes and focuses on the perimeter of the defense. Most of their passes are completed inside of ten yards of the line of scrimmage. ISU doesn't take a lot of shots down-field and when they do it is mostly done with either a moving pocket or play-action. They run a lot of slip screens to any of the receivers, especially when they are lined up in some variation of a Trips formation. The Clones do not attack the deep middle of the field often, out of lack of ability or scheme.
On defense the Cyclones run a base 4-3. Last season ISU tried to stop Iowa with just their front seven and were pretty successful early in the game. Versus NIU the Clones realized that Grady couldn't throw it into the ocean if he were deserted on an island and were able to play eleven in the box at times to try to stop the run. I doubt that they try that versus Iowa but wouldn't be surprised to see Sims or O'Connell walk up into the box occasionally on first or second down. If ISU forces Iowa into obvious passing downs they switch to a basic Nickel defense shifting starting corner Ter' Ran Benton inside over a slot and taking Mike Matt Tau 'fo 'ou off the field. The Clones didn't show an extensive pressure package versus NIU but you can bet it's coming Saturday. One thing worth noting was that if a DE was standing some sort of zone blitz was in the works. One last thing about their defense. They hustle. Every player runs until the whistle blows. Defensive tackles and ends are involved in tackles twenty yards down-field or way across the field. They are aggressive and might pick up some silly penalties but they are aggressive penalties.
Special teams seems to be a work in progress in Cyclone land. Placekicker Mahoney struggled with both his field goals and his kick off depth and the kick cover team was a little sluggish. Iowa State's only punt traveled 18 yards. Punt Returner Josh Lenz did a nice job of getting under the ball and showed a little flash on a short slant route. Kick returner and corner Leonard Johnson is a very dangerous returner. The other returner is freshman Shontrelle Johnson a tailback who showed a little shake on a catch out of the backfield.
The key match ups for Iowa in this game are as follows:
Micah Hyde versus Sedrick Johnson- Johnson is a big and physical wide out. He can adjust well to a poorly thrown ball and is big enough to win a designed fade or jump ball. ISU ran at least three designed Fades or back shoulder throws for him last week. Hyde needs be ready to be tested and respond to a physical challenge. Johnson isn't any tougher than DeMaryius Thomas and he played very well against him in limited PT in the Orange Bowl.
Arnaud versus Binns/ Ballard or Clayborn on the QB option keeper- if Parker has the backside DE stay home and defend the QB on this play they must stop or at least slow Arnaud. Austen is a load at 6'3 230 and he is shifty enough to usually make the first guy miss and fast enough to make plays with his feet. If these guys can make take away this part of the play than the rest of the defense can concentrate on Robinson. Last season Iowa used the outside linebackers as the contain on this play so it may be up to Hunter or Neilsen. Whomever has this assignment must own it.
Robinson, Alvarez, Lamaak, Hicks versus Klug, Ballard/ Daniels, Tarpinian, Hunter- Iowa needs to stop this play without getting a safety involved. Robinson hits hole quickly and he doesn't need a large crease to squirt through either. Last season Robinson made a living on this play versus the Hawks. Klug and Ballard are much better players than they were at this time last season and Daniels can rotate in with very little drop off. Tarp is better known for his pass cover ability but this could solidify him in the minds of Hawk fans if he were to rise up and stuff this play multiple times on Saturday. Hunter is a very instinctive run defender but he needs to stay home and kill any type of cutback to the weak side of the field.
Neilsen, Clayborn, Klug, Tarpinian versus Osmele, Alvarez, Lamaak, Franklin, Darks on edge runs- when ISU sees a numbers advantage to the wide side of the field and especially to the strong side of their line I think they will try to check into some type of run that attacks the edge. It is imperative that Tyler Neilsen defeats his blocks or at leasts sets the edge at or near the line of scrimmage and turns the run back inside. Clayborn and Klug should be able to win their match ups more often than not and Tarpinian needs to be shedding blocks and flowing downhill, too.
DJK, McNutt, Sandeman versus Benton, Young, Reeves- Benton is very aggressive and vulnerable to the deep ball and double moves. Both Young and Reeves gave a lot of cushion in limited PT versus NIU and Young should have given up a long TD on a straight post pattern. All three of these receivers are more talented and experienced than these corners that will be covering them. Leonard Johnson has a chance to match up but the other three do not consistently.
Reumpolhamer versus Gettis/ MacMillan or Vandervelde- Reumpolhamer was very active last Saturday. He generated a good push, was active with his hands and managed to find the ball while crashing the line. He was the one interior defensive lineman who generated a pass rush. MacMillan played well on Saturday but the staff has been very high on Gettis, if he is good to go on Saturday it is a good bet we will see him. Vandervelde also looked pretty good on Saturday. If he can remain healthy he should be Iowa's leader and possibly Iowa's most consistent lineman.
Part II will be the old version of the match ups syncing player versus player.
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