Game primer: Iowa vs. Indiana
Here is a quick primer for Iowa’s game at Indiana, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
In the red zone
Iowa’s offense has been failing to deliver inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. On the year, the Hawkeyes have converted red-zone chances at a Big Ten-low 73.1 percent, scoring only 12 touchdowns in 26 trips. Last week at Michigan State, Iowa had two turnovers inside the Spartans’ 20, which cost them the game.
Sack count
Indiana piled up nine sacks in last year’s 38-20 win at Iowa City. This year, the defensive line is just as good, led by ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. Middleton, who led the nation in sacks a year ago, is off to a slow start, but Kirlew ranks fifth in the nation with five QB takedowns. This will be the best defensive line Iowa has faced.
Big plays
Big plays have killed Iowa in this series the past two seasons. Last year, the Hoosiers had scoring plays of 39 and 71 yards. This season, Marcus Thigpen has a run and receptions of longer than 75 yards, and QB Kellen Lewis has a run and a pass of longer than 75 yards. The Hawkeyes must make IU sustain drives.
Playing two
Indiana will play two quarterbacks — starter Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell. Lewis is a dual-threat athlete, while Chappell is a more traditional drop-back passer. When Chappell is in the game, Lewis likely will line up at receiver, where he has two receptions for 17 yards this season. Both have shown they can thrown the ball.
Turnovers
Iowa has a minus-6 turnover margin in two Big Ten games. That’s last in the conference. The Hawkeyes committed five turnovers in a 22-17 loss to Northwestern and three last week in a 16-13 loss to Michigan State. It’s safe to say the turnovers cost Iowa those two games. The offense is playing well, if it could just hang onto the ball.
WHO HAS THE EDGE
When the Hawkeyes have the ball
Indiana ranks sixth in the Big Ten against the run, and Iowa is going to run, run, run with Shonn Greene. The Hoosiers defensive line is much better against the pass than it is against the run, and the Hawkeyes O-line should be able to control things up front. And the run will set up the pass. Advantage: Iowa
When the Hoosiers have the ball
Until the Hawkeyes successfully defend against Kellen Lewis, the Indiana offense has the edge in this matchup. Iowa’s defense has played very well against traditional offenses with traditional QBs, but against the spread with mobile QBs who can pass, it’s a whole different story. Advantage: Indiana
Special teams
Austin Starr has only six field-goal attempts, but last season he was one of the most reliable kickers in the nation. Freshman Chris Hagerup averages 43.5 yards a punt, compared to 41.9 for Iowa’s Ryan Donahue. Marcus Thigpen is a very dangerous return man. Advantage: Indiana
Prediction
The Hoosiers aren’t as good as they’ve been the past two seasons. Losing receiver James Hardy, who killed the Hawkeyes for three seasons, left a significant hole in the offense that has not been filled. Expect Iowa to get control of its turnover issues and win the game. Iowa 24, Indiana 20
