Iowa Preview 2011
Michigan travels to Kinnick Stadium to challenge the Iowa Hawkeyes for a 11:00 a.m. tussle. #13 Michigan (7-1) is a 3.5 point favorite over the Hawkeyes (5-3) after Iowa lost to the Minnesota Gophers, 22-21) in the annual Floyd of Rosedale tilt. Michigan holds a 40-12-4 advantage over Iowa; however, the Hawkeyes are tough at Kinnick Stadium. They have won 54 of 65 games dating back to 2002, and 22-4 from the 2008 season till now including 5-0 in 2011. Iowa have won 4 of the last 7 between the two schools including two in a row, but has never defeated Michigan three times in a row. Michigan has won 15 of 21 games played at Kinnick Stadium.
On Offense, Iowa is led by Junior Quarterback James Vandenburg; he is 62% accurate with 140 of 225 for 1918 yards, 17 TDs and only 4 interceptions. He is the #15 most efficient passer nationally and #2 in the Big Ten. His favorite target is Senior Marvin McNutt who has 48 catches for 858 yards and 9 TDs ranking him #2 in the Big Ten in receptions and reception yards. Floyd will have his hands full defending McNutt. The other wideout is Junior Keenan Davis; he has 30 catches for 463 yards and 4 TDs. Redshirt Freshman Michigander Kevonte Martin-Manley has 23 catches for 243 yards and 3 TDs. The workhorse of the offense is Sophomore running back Marcus Coker; he has amassed 969 yards on 182 carries for 10 TDs and is ranked #9 nationally in rushing. Coker is tied with Denard Robinson for #3 TD scorer in the Big Ten with 60 points. He is a bruiser at 230 lbs. The offensive line is anchored by Senior Right Tackle Marcus Zusevics. Senior Adam Gettis mans Right Guard. Junior James Ferentz is the center. Juniors Matt Tobin in at Left Guard and Riley Reiff is the Left Tackle. This is a typical "blue collar" offense for Iowa. They come right at you, and dare you to stop the run; then, they dare you to cover their talented, well coached wide-outs prepared by former Wolverine player and coach Erik Campbell. Sophomore Brad Rogers is the fullback, and Junior Zach Derby is the Tight End, and both are typically used as blockers for Coker and the running game. Derby has 9 catches for 86 yards. While their offense isn't one of the Big Ten's best this year, they have scored 41 or more points four times and 31 or more points six times this year, and they showed they are capable of a comeback with a huge 4th quarter rally beating Pittsburgh when behind 10-27 in the 4th quarter for a 31-27 win.
On Defense, the Hawkeyes are led by Sophomore Linebackers Christian Kirksey and James Morris; both have 76 tackles each on the season so far. They cover the perimeter well on both sides. Senior Tyler Nielsen is the Inside MIKE Linebacker. Sophomore Anthony Hitchens and Senior Tom Donatell will also play at Linebacker. Up front, Seniors Mike Daniels and Thomas Nardo are the tackles. Senior Broderick Binns and Sophomore Dominic Alvis are the ends. Seniors Lebron Daniel and Joe Forgy will also see action at end. Of their 13 sacks, Daniels leads the team with 4, Binns has 3 and also has 5 quarterback hits, 3 tipped passes and 6.5 tackles for loss. Senior Cornerback Shaun Prater and Junior Micah Hyde are the cornerbacks. Senior Jordan Bernstine is the Strong Safety, and Sophomore Tanner Miller is the Free Safety. Juniors Greg Castillo and Collin Sleeper may also see action int he backfield. Hyde has 6 pass break ups and 3 interceptions. This is another tough Hawkeye defense with Norm Parker coordinating the group. Both Michigan and Iowa enter this game as the two most efficent red zones defenses in the Big Ten.
Special Teams for the Hawkeyes are solid! Sophomore Mike Meyer leads Iowa in scoring, hitting 12 of 16 field goals and all 31 extra points for 67 points; he also kicks off. Senior Eric Guthrie is a solid punter; he averages 42 yards per boot with 9 of 24 downed inside the 20, 10 fair catches in 24 attempts. Defensive Back Micah Hyde is their punt returner, and Safety Jordan Bernstine is their kickoff returner.
If we come out of Iowa with a win, it will be because our offense will get us out to an early lead and our defense will be able to hold off the Iowa comeback. If Iowa wins, they'll hold us under 20 points. It is pretty obvious that we must stop Coker and their running game, and take our chances with our cornerbacks covering McNutt and Davis. Iowa will definitely be trying to limit any big plays, and thwart us in the red zone. We are much more efficent on 3rd down conversions than Iowa so time of possession will be a big factor in the outcome here. The kicking game and field position will be a real key in this one, and of course turnover advantage.
Michigan 27 Iowa 10
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