Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Heatland Trophy Game: Iowa vs. Wisconsin this Saturday


It should be an interesting chess match between Iowa's coach Kirk Ferentz and Wisconsin's coach Bret Bielema. Iowa enters the game in the 7th place with a 1-2 record in the Big Ten. Wisconsin is tied for the cellar at 0-3.


Actually, the coaching staff will be involved in an interesting chess match.


Both fan bases have had their frustration at times with their respective coaching staffs. Both teams have experienced issues at quarterback this season.


In many ways, this game is a battle of youth vs. experience in the coaching staffs.


Iowa's defensive coordinator is Norm Parker, a wise veteran, who has experienced success at two conference schools. While, Bret Bielema cut ties with his defensive coordinator from '07 and promoted a younger man for the job this season. Some of the challenges on the defensive side for Wisconsin could be attributed to youth in the coaching staff.


On the field, both Iowa and Wisconsin are young at various positions.


Iowa has lost two straight to Wisconsin. Last year's game was a a close battle, but Wisconsin really controlled the game.


It will be interesting to see how the first quarter goes for each team. Iowa just ended a three game losing streak with an important road win at Indiana, 45-9, this past weekend. On the flip side, Wisconsin is on a three game losing streak highlighted this past weekend by a 7-48 loss at home to my #2 team in the nation, Penn State.


This is a huge game for Iowa, since a bye week will follow this weekend's game with Wisconsin. The Badgers likely want to get the losing ways out of their system too.


peace

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