Game primer: Iowa vs. Maine
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
How green is Greene?
Running back Shonn Greene is getting the start in the Iowa backfield after spending the 2007-08 school year at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids to get his grades in order. He hasn’t played in a football game since October 2006, so he’s bound to show some rust. He’ll be key to Iowa’s success this season.
Protection, please
Last year, the Hawkeyes’ offensive line surrendered a Big Ten-high 46 sacks. Every player in the two-deeps is back, as is senior Rob Bruggeman, who’ll start today at center. Bruggeman missed all of last year with a knee injury. The line should be improved and will have a huge size advantage against Maine.
Under center
Junior Jake Christensen started every game last season but didn’t play well enough to be a lock to start this season. Kirk Ferentz opened up the quarterback competition in the spring, and sophomore Ricky Stanzi pushed Christensen for the job. Christensen will start today, but Stanzi is going to play.
Around the end
Sophomore defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard flashed signs of potential late last season, bringing energy to the Hawkeyes defense. With Matt Kroul and Mitch King on the inside, Ballard and Clayborn are going to have opportunities coming around the end. This unit has the potential to be one of the best in the Big Ten.
Getting their kicks
Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker have gone back and forth through camp battling for the starting place-kicker job. Murray played last year and made 7 of 10 field goals and 16 of 18 PATs. Mossbrucker is a true freshman with a strong leg. Murray will kick off. Ferentz has not said who will take the first field goal or PAT today.
WHO HAS THE EDGE?
When the Hawkeyes have the ball
The biggest difference between Division I-A and I-AA, or FBS and FCS, is depth, and the Hawkeyes’ depth on the offensive line will wear down a talented Maine front. Look for the Iowa offense to start slow but pick up bigger chunks of yards on first down as the game moves along. Advantage: Iowa
When the Black Bears have the ball
Maine running back Jhamal Fluellen is a good one, having rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. But he’s also small, and he’ll have trouble standing up to the beating he’ll take from the Iowa defense. Also, Iowa’s front four will get after two Maine quarterbacks who like to run. Advantage: Iowa
Special teams
The Black Bears bring in two freshmen kickers and a punter who averaged only 38 yards per boot last season. Iowa punter Ryan Donahue was one of the best in the Big Ten by season’s end last fall, and both Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker are capable kickers. Advantage: Iowa
