Who are the most prominent programs around the FBS conferences heading into 2018?

American Athletic Conference

1. UCF (13-0) in the East
2. Memphis (10-3) in the West

• USF (10-2) and Temple (7-6) are 2-3 in West
• Could one of the them sneak up on UCF, with HC Scott Frost at Nebraska now and former Missouri OC Josh Heupel now head coach for the Knights?
• Houston (7-5) hopes to sneak into the conversation in the West

Atlantic Coast Conference

1. Clemson (12-2) in the Atlantic
2. Miami-FL (10-3) in the Coastal

• both Clemson and Miami-FL are consensus picks in 2018 in the ACC  
• could they repeat again in 2018?
• Notre Dame (10-3) is the Top independent again in 2018 and continues to play five ACC teams 

Big Ten Conference

1. Wisconsin (13-1) in the West
2. Ohio State (12-2) in the East

• No one is picking Michigan (8-5) to win the East outright, but they are expected to be in hunt
• Michigan State (10-3) and Penn State (11-2) could sneak into the East again
• Northwestern (10-3) is picked 3rd ahead of Iowa (8-5), but one site has the Wildcats in the West

Big 12 Conference

1. Oklahoma (12-2)

• Texas (7-6) is picked to be the team to knock out the Sooners in 2018, if anyone does it
• TCU (11-3) is next in line in the Big 12 race in 2018, after playing in the title game last year

Conference USA

1. Florida Atlantic (11-3) in the East
2. North Texas (9-5) in the West

• Marshall (8-5) is the best candidate to challenge FAU in the East
• Louisiana Tech (7-6) and UAB (8-5) are 2-3 in the West pecking order, top challengers to North Texas

Mid American Conference

1. Ohio U (9-4) in the East
2. Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West

• Miami-OH (5-7) and Buffalo (6-6) are 2-3 in the East pecking order, top challenges to Ohio U
• Toledo (11-3) won the West last season and is the best candidate to give NIU a challenge

Mountain West Conference

1. Boise State (11-3) in the Mountain
2. Fresno State (10-4) in the West
3. San Diego State (10-3) in the West

• No real contenders beyond the Top 3 according the experts in the MWC in 2018

Pacific 12 Conference

1. Washington (10-3) in the North
2. USC (11-3) in the South

• Arizona (7-6) could be a surprise in the South, despite new HC Kevin Sumlin
• Stanford (9-5) won the North last season, but Washington is a consensus pick in 2018

Southeastern Conference

1. Alabama (13-1) in the West
2. Georgia (13-2) in the East

• Alabama is a consensus pick in the West, despite Auburn (10-4) knocking them off in 2017
• Florida (4-7) and South Carolina (9-4) are tied for 2nd in the East pecking order, top challenges to Georgia in 2018

Sun Belt Conference

1. Arkansas State (7-5) in the West
2. Appalachian State (9-4) in the East
3. Troy (11-2) in the East

• The Sun Belt finally joins the other conferences with a conference title game this season
• Louisiana Monroe (4-8) is the best candidate in the West to sneak up on Arkansas State

Week 2 Game Day: Iowa vs. Ball State at Kinnick Stadium

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) head football coach Kirk Ferentz sees a lot of Northern Illinois in Saturday's foe Ball State (1-0). Both programs are out of the MAC. As a conference, the MAC has a lot of national games in Week 2 against Big 5 conference opponents.

Iowa struggled in back to back seasons against one of the MAC's top programs in Northern Illinois, finishing 1-1. Ball State is 0-2 during that period in MAC West race, finishing 7-1 last year behind NIU.

"When you're looking at Ball State, you're looking at a team that's similar to (Northern Illinois) in terms of the quality of their football and how they're coached," Ferentz said Tuesday during his weekly news conference inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "They're an excellent football team. They play well on the road, well at home, and are balanced offensively, defensively, and on special teams."

The Ball State Cardinals have won 17 of their last 19 regular season games. Ball State finished 10-3 overall last season, and opened its '14 campaign with a 30-10 victory over Colgate, limiting the Raiders to 227 yards and nine first downs. Colgate was 7-5, like UNI in FCS play in '13.

This is a different Ball State program today under head coach Pete Lembo, in his fourth season at the Muncie, Indiana school, best known for alumnus David Letterman. Lembo took over in 2011, after inheriting a 4-8 program.

The Cardinals have improved each season under Lembo, starting 6-6, 9-4 and 10-3. They are 0-2 in bowls, losing to UCF, then Arkansas State, during the past two seasons.

Ball State won at Virginia 48-27 in the only Big 5 conference match up for the Cardinals last year. Lembo beat IU in Bloomington 27-20 in his debut at Ball State in 2011. In 2012, the Cardinals lost at Clemson 52-27, but bounced back at IU with a 41-39 win. So, Ball State is 3-1 vs. Big 5, 2-0 vs. B1G, under Lembo.

The Ball State program is 0-2 in the Iowa series. The Cardinals have been shutout 101-0 combined. Iowa won 56-0 in 2005 and 45-0 in 2010, against two Ball State teams that were a combined 8-15, during the Brady Hoke and Stan Parish eras, respectively, at Ball State.

In '14, Ball State returns both kickers, five starters on offense and six starters on defense from last year. This is considered a rebuilding year in the MAC West, but for now they hope to reload and compete with the best that they face in '14?

Ball State had two 100-yard rushers in its opener (junior Horactio Banks, 134 yards; senior Jahwan Edwards, 109 yards), and first-year, sophomore quarterback Ozzie Mann threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Edwards entered 2014, as the top ground gainer, by career, of any FBS rusher returning in '14.

"They're balanced, and they want to be balanced", said Ferentz. "They've got good play-action off their running game, and their running game is effective and strong.

The Ball State offensive line returns three starters from last year, lead by pre-season all-MAC center, junior Jacob Richard.

"It is going to be another challenge for us. We're going to need to take a step forward and improve this week to be ready for another big game," Ferentz said ahead of the Week 2 game.

Junior Jordan Williams is the top returning wide receiver for Ball State in '14. As a receiving unit, there is less experience in '14 and the Cardinals are breaking in a new signal caller at quarterback, as already mentioned. QB Mann was 2-9 for 29 yards, one interception, in six games, as a freshman.

Ferentz was happy with the team's effort in its 31-23 victory over Northern Iowa, in the season opener, but he said the most displeasing part of the game was the Panthers' ability to produce big plays. Northern Iowa had seven plays of 20 or more yards that accounted for 279 of its 405 yards of total offense.

"Anytime you have something like that, it involves someone on the front end and the secondary," said Ferentz. "It's something we'll continue to work on. If we're going to have a good defensive ball club, we're going to have to eliminate those things, and that's a team thing."

Ferentz called sophomore Greg Mabin'sperformance in his Hawkeye debut one of the highlights. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native had four tackles and came up with the game-clinching interception.

"Greg did a good job his first time out," said Ferentz. "I think I'm safe saying just about anybody who hasn't played that did play did some positive things. Not that they can't get better, but at least there weren't any major gaffes or terrible breakdowns."

Ferentz says the team's downfield passing attack will come with time. Junior Jake Rudock completed 31-of-41 attempts for 256 yards, connecting with 13 different players, but only one completion went for more than 20 yards (a 46-yarder to Derrick Willies). Northern Iowa was flagged for two pass interference calls on two attempts down field.

"There were a couple of opportunities that maybe there was pressure and we didn't see it," said Ferentz. "That's part of offense, and there are going to be a couple of plays where you say `Geez, this was opening up.' As we move forward, we'll be a bit better at that and get a few more of those big plays in the repertoire."

Ferentz says the kicker and punter positions -- and all positions for that matter -- are open, but he is giving junior place kicker Marshall Koehn and junior newcomer punter Dillon Kidd every opportunity to succeed. Koehn was 1-for-2 on field goal attempts against Northern Iowa, while Kidd punted four times for an average of 36.2 yards.

"I know Marshall would have liked to have gotten that one field goal, and we'd feel better about that, and Dillon punted OK," said Ferentz. "He can punt better, has punted better, and I think that'll come.

"It's no good if they're looking over their shoulders. You can't do that. It's in fairness to both those guys that we've got to let them complete a little bit and perform, and then we'll see how it goes."

Ferentz said the time will come when redshirt sophomore C.J. Beathard will be inserted into a game as a change-of-pace quarterback, but when is still a question.

"It'll happen," said Ferentz. "I can't tell you when, I can't tell you if it's going to be this week or next week, but it'll happen. It's not a knock on him, but the game (against UNI) was just one of those deals. We'll figure that out, and we've talked about it, but whenever it happens, it'll happen."

Ball State at Iowa is one of many spotlight games that the MAC programs enjoy in Week 2 vs. Big 5 conference teams:

- Northern Illinois @ Northwestern
- Akron @ Penn State
- Central Michigan @ Purdue
- Missouri @ Toledo
- Eastern Michigan @ Florida
- Ohio U @ Kentucky
- Colorado @ UMass

Saturday's Iowa game will kick off at 2:35 p.m. (CT), and it will be televised on ESPN2 with Beth Mowins, Joey Galloway, and Paul Carcaterra on the call.

Our Prediction: Iowa 34, Ball State 14

We see QB Rudock as the player to click, as the Iowa Hawkeyes look to improve, which is expected between Week 1 and Week 2.

The linebackers for Iowa and back 7 on defense are new, with only two returning starters. Growing pains are likely to continue early in the season, as the Hawkeyes seek to prepare for the new B1G West division in 2014.

Iowa Hawkeye Media Day: Year 14 of the Kirk Ferentz era

The University of Iowa held media day for the 2012 Iowa Football team in Iowa City on Monday afternoon. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is entering his 14Th season as head coach.  Ferentz was also offensive line coach from 1981-89, under former head coach J. Hayden Fry.

Ferentz Iowa Football Media Day Press Conference Transcript

The Hawkeyes will kick off the 2012 season at Soldier Stadium in Chicago vs. Northern Illinois, with a 2:30 pm start on ESPNU.

After the visit to the Windy City, Iowa returns to historic Kinnick Stadium for four straight home games including the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series event against Iowa State on Sept. 8. That first of seven home games is sold out, however, a limited number of tickets remain for the next two home events of the Hawkeyes: Sept. 15 against intrastate rival Northern Iowa and Sept. 22 against Central Michigan. 

The Hawkeyes kick off Big Ten play on September 29Th vs. Minnesota at Kinnick.  It will also be the 2012 Homecoming Game for Iowa.

The First Semester and Finals have concluded; Back to College Basketball for Creighton and Iowa

The first semester of the 2011-12 College Basketball season has concluded for Creighton University and the University of Iowa. Both teams have opened 2011-12 in opposite directions. Both teams are lead by second year coaches, in Omaha and Iowa City, respectively. Greg McDermott has the Bluejays headed in a positive direction. Fran McCaffery has a Top 25 recruiting class signed for next season, but year two on the court has been ugly, so far.

The Creighton Bluejays opened the 2011-12 season with seven straight wins and a Top 25 ranking. However, last weekend was a rough weekend for Creighton sports. The men's soccer team lost a semi-final game in the College Cup, while the Bluejays' men's basketball team fell for the first time at St. Joseph's, 80-71.

On the flip side, the Iowa Hawkeyes are off to a rough start in 2011-12, with a 5-5 record. Two key players have opened the season out of sync. Sophomore forward Melsahn Basabe started the season out very slow. He has played better of late, but not to the level he played as true freshman last season. Senior point guard Bryce Cartwright's woes appear to be fueled by a groin injury. Cartwright has missed time on the court lately and his health is extremely important, as Iowa's only true point guard.

Creighton returns home to CenturyLink Center Omaha on Saturday night, when they host Houston Baptist (4-6) for a 7 p.m. tip-off. The Jays have won 14 straight at home, since last season. The Bluejays need to improve on the little things, especially defense and rebounding, as they get ready for two big games next week, at Tulsa on Monday night, followed by a rematch (last year's game, in Evanston) vs. Northwestern on Thursday night; before opening Missouri Valley Conference play, after Christmas.

Creighton forward Doug McDermott has lived up to the preseason expectations of all-MVC and All-America hype. He leads the MVC in scoring (24.0) and rebounding (9.1) this year, and is the first Bluejay since Rodney Buford (in 1997) with seven straight games of 20 or more points.

Senior guard Antoine Young (11.1 ppg., 4.5 apg.) and junior center Gregory Echenique (8.1 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 1.1 bpg.), are honorable-mention preseason all-Valley selections as well. The Bluejays are expected to be a strong program in The Valley, as well as a team to watch in the Field of 68 for the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Like Creighton, the University of Iowa returns to action, after finals week on Saturday night. The Hawkeyes tip-off on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m., with a game vs. in-state Drake (6-3).

Iowa is coming off back to back road losses at UNI and at Iowa State, before finals week.

Two of Iowa's underclassmen -- sophomores Roy Devyn Marble and Melsahn Basabe -- had their best games of the season at Iowa State on December 9Th. Marble had career highs in points (21) and assists (five), while Basabe made 7-of-12 shot attempts en route to 18 points to go along with nine rebounds.

"We want to try to get better. Defensively, we haven't been as good as
we need to be. We want to execute a little better, we had been executing better,
but it's not good enough." - Iowa coach Fran McCaffery

Like the Bluejays, the Hawkeyes will play two additional non-conference games, before opening conference play, after Christmas. The Hawkeyes will play Drake on Saturday night at home, as they begin a four game home swing, including the Big Ten opener on December 28Th vs. Purdue.

Iowa @ Nebraksa as the Heroes Game kicks off on ABC on Black Friday

Omaha was special location to celebrate Thanksgiving for a gathering of twenty friends and family. It was a mix of Cornhuskers, with Hawkeye fans. Several will be at today's game rooting for Big Red.

Which team will show up? An equal question for each fan base heading into the 11 a.m. showdown in Lincoln on ABC Sports. Both teams will not represent the Legends in the first Big Ten title game. A record of 4-3 wasn't worthy of a division title in 2011. The winner today will finish with a 5-3 Big Ten record.

Keys to Iowa-Nebraska game in Lincoln:

1. Which quarterback does a better job of game management, Vandenberg or Martinez?
2. Which defense gets off the field better on third down?
3. Which offense establishes the run better?
4. Who opens up the game and has more big plays?
5. Nebraska is a 9.5 home favorite, so Iowa needs to play a clean game, from a turnover, penalties and miscue prospective.
6. Special teams and the game of field position will be key.
7. Ultimately, this game will come down to physical line play and who consistently wins the battle in the line of scrimmage.

Iowa needs to score points and finish drives. Typically, Nebraska scores 42 points in Lincoln over Iowa, as 1982 and 2000. Last three wins in series, Nebraska has scored 42. Iowa has been dominated, but won in 1981 in Iowa City.

This series us now a conference game. Which team will show up in Lincoln for either side?

Iowa rolls 34-17 as Hawkeyes win all the phases of game. Cornhusker fans look to tar and feather coach Bo Pelini and his staff, after Year 1 in Big Ten.

Are We Ready for some Football: The Heroes Game debuts on Black Friday

For the University of Iowa and its fans, a football game the day after Thanksgiving has been on the mind of a lot of people. Football in the regular season, after Thanksgiving is rather new for most Big Ten programs.

However, for Iowa's opponent on Black Friday, playing football has been a tradition dating back to the days of the old Big 8 Conference and the Nebraska-OU series. After the Big 12 Conference was created, the game was Colorado-Nebraska, in the annual game, after Thanksgiving.

Next: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers, in a new Big Ten rivalry game.

Both teams enter the game 4-3 in the Legends division. Depending on how Michigan (5-3 in the Legends) does hosting Ohio State (3-4 in Leaders) on Saturday, the game is likely for third place in the division. A win by Ohio State on Ann Arbor would throw the winner of the Iowa-Nebraska into a tw0-way tie for second place in the first Legends division race.

Michigan State (6-1 in the Legends) will represent the division in the first Big Ten title game in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 3Rd. The winner of the Penn State (6-1 the in Leaders) at Wisconsin (5-2 in the Leaders) will determine, who plays Michigan State in the title game. Michigan State plays Northwestern (3-4 in Leaders).

Nebraska holds a 26-12-3 advantage in the series that began with a 22-0 Iowa victory in 1891. The teams have not met since 2000 and the Huskers have won the last three meetings. Nebraska prevailed 42-13 in Lincoln in 2000 and won 42-7 in Iowa City in 1999 in the most recent meetings. The 1999 contest in Kinnick Stadium marked Coach Kirk Ferentz' first game as Iowa's head coach.

Iowa's most recent win in the series was a 10-7 victory at Iowa City in 1981. That game marked the first game in which Kirk Ferentz served as an Iowa assistant, being named Iowa's offensive line coach prior to the season.

Nebraska holds a 14-2-1 advantage in games played in Lincoln. Iowa has not won in Lincoln since a 33-13 win in 1933, having lost on its last four visits to Memorial Stadium. The first 10 games in the series were played in either Omaha (eight games) or Council Bluffs (two games). The series was even at 4-4-2 in those 10 meetings.

Nebraska won last meeting in series

Nebraska outscored Iowa 21-0 in the second half in pulling away to a 42-13 win over the Hawkeyes in Lincoln on Sept. 23, 2000, when the teams last met. Iowa drove 76 yards for a touchdown on its opening possession for a 7-0 lead, but the Huskers tied the game midway through the period and the teams were tied 7-7 after one quarter. Nebraska took a 14-7 lead in the second period before Iowa cut the deficit to a single point on Nate Kaeding field goals of 40 and 39 yards. Nebraska scored on a 43-yard pass on the final play of the first half for a 21-13 halftime advantage.

The Huskers dominated the second half. Iowa had just one possession in the final two quarters of more than six plays. Still, Nebraska led by a 28-13 margin before collecting two touchdowns in the final 1:27 of the fourth quarter. The big difference in the contest was rushing yardage, as Nebraska held a 331-47 advantage. In total offense, the Huskers held a 490-299 advantage. RB Ladell Betts led Iowa's rushing attack with 75 yards on 20 carries, while QB Scott Mullen completed 19-40 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions. LB Mike Dolezal led Iowa's defense with 17 tackles. LB Roger Meyer had two tackles for loss and DL Jerry Montgomery recovered a fumble.

Iowa is 7-4 heading into the 2011 game in Lincoln. Nebraska is 8-3. In 2000, Iowa finished 3-9, while Nebraska finished 10-2. This year's game will be like no other in the Iowa-Nebraska series, since the Cornhuskers have now joined the Big Ten Conference.

Iowa at Nebraska Game Notes [PDF]

Iowa picks up first road win of season with 31-21 win @ Purdue

The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 4-3 B1G Legends) finally took care of business on the road, after losing the first three of the season, with a 31-21 win at Purdue (5-6, 3-4 B1G Leaders). Purdue falls to 0-3 on Senior Day under coach Danny Hope. Iowa gets road redemption as the Hawkeyes win at Purdue on a windy day.

"It's good to get the win and being on the road makes it that much better. We knew it was going to be a tough challenge. Credit goes to our
players, they fought and battled hard. It wasn't a pretty game, but they really
worked hard." - Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz

The Hawkeyes have won five of the last six and 17 of the last 23 meetings vs. Purdue. Iowa assures themselves of a winning season, with the win at Purdue.
After losses at Iowa State in 3 OT, at Penn State, at Minnesota; Iowa gets it together with solid road win at Purdue. The Hawkeyes were lead by solid quarterback play from junior James Vandenberg, solid running from sophomore Marcus Coker and solid play by four Iowa receivers, lead by senior Marvin McNutt. On defense, the defensive line put together their best game of the season, lead by seniors Mike Daniels and Broderick Binns.

"It's great to get that monkey off our back. This was a great team win all
around." - quarterback James Vandenberg

Iowa will enjoy this game, but will have to turnaround and get ready for the final Big Ten road game of the season on Black Friday, when the Hawkeyes face Nebraska (8-3, 4-3 B1G Legends) in Lincoln for the first Heroes Game, starting the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry in the Big Ten.

***

Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 B1G Legends) clinched the Big Ten Legends Division with a 55-3 home win on Senior Day over Indiana (1-10, 0-7 B1G Leaders). The Spartans, who beat Iowa last weekend on Iowa's Senior Day, will play the winner of next Saturday's Penn State-Wisconsin game on December 3Rd in the Big Ten's first championship game in Indianapolis. The Spartans will close out the regular season next Saturday at Northwestern (6-5, 2-4 B1G Legends).

Is it time for Iowa to pull off a road win in the 2011 season?

Iowa is 0-3 on the road for the 2011 season. Iowa has two more chances at Purdue this week, then at Nebraska on Black Friday.

Until last weekend, Iowa (6-4, 3-3 B1G Legends) was undefeated at home, but Michigan State dropped Iowa to 6-1 for the season. Iowa's opponent, Purdue (5-5, 3-3 B1G Leaders) this week is 5-1 this season at home, at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Iowa hasn't played in West Lafayette, since the 2007 season and last won there in 2005. The Boilermakers and Hawkeyes haven't faced one another, since 2008, when Iowa beat Purdue 22-17 in the second to last game of the season.

Will three be a charm for Purdue? It will be Senior Day for the Boilermakers. Under Coach Danny Hope, the Boilermakers are 0-2 on Senior Day.

The weather is likely going to be windy at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, as the two teams play on the Big Ten Network (Direct TV 611-1 in HD) with a 11 a.m. start. Last week, in Iowa's 37-21 loss vs. Michigan State, the Hawkeyes' junior QB James Vandenberg struggled against the wind.

Purdue is coming off a big 26-23 OT win at Ross-Ade Stadium over Ohio State last week. Last week for Iowa, the Hawkeyes were coming off a big 24-16 win over Michigan, as they faced Michigan State for the second straight home game.

Will Purdue's fate be similar to Iowa or will they string another victory at home and obtain bowl eligibility? http://Iowa - Black & Gold rivals, in this Big Ten intra-division protected game! Iowa has been 16-5-1, since 1983, while prior to the 1981 win by Iowa, Purdue had a 19 game winning streak over the Hawkeyes.

Both teams have a lot to play for on Saturday. Iowa can secure a winning season for 22011. While, Purdue can secure bowl eligibility and their first win on Senior Day under coach Danny Hope.

So, is there any Hope for Iowa in West Lafayette on Saturday?

• Iowa QB Vandenberg needs to do a better job of game management


• Iowa defense needs to play stronger and avoid "big plays" which hurt Iowa vs. MSU and in other Iowa losses on the road


• Execution is huge, as well proper technique


• Iowa must establish the running game - which they did at Minnesota in their disappointing 22-21 road loss. Who will be the #2 RB for Iowa this week?


• Iowa must finish, unlike @ Minnesota: put points on the board in the red zone on offense


• Iowa defense needs to play strong on red zone


• Ironically, Iowa is a good red zone defense, in conference play


• Special teams: both teams are pretty even, so who win the challenges in this phase?


• Which coaching staff has there club in better position to win?

The Iowa coaching staff for the most part has had Iowa in position to make plays this season. But, in Iowa four losses, players have not stepped up, when the opportunity has been there for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa appears to be in a strong position, if they can get to 28 points @ Purdue.

Purdue needs to hold Iowa to 24 points or less. In regulation, Iowa has been held to 24, 3, 21 and 24 points in the four losses Iowa has had this season.

Prediction:

In 2005, it was Iowa 34, Purdue 17, in Iowa's last victory in West Lafayette, so this time around. Iowa's last road win was @ Michigan in 2010, when the Hawkeyes won 38-28.

In this game, look for Iowa, if they can get off to a good start and control momentum, the line of scrimmage and field position... IOWA 28, Purdue 17, very similar to Iowa's first B1G road win in 2007. That game was at Northwestern, when Iowa entered the game 0-3 on the road in the Big Ten.

Iowa is a .500 Big Ten football team with two games left

Against the top two division teams in the Big Ten, Penn State (8-2, 5-1 B1G Leaders) and Michigan State (8-2, 5-1 B1G Legends), Iowa (6-4, 3-3 B1G Legends) wasn't equal, losing 13-3 at Penn State to open the Big Ten conference season, then losing 37-21 on Senior Day this past Saturday at Kinnick Stadium against Michigan State.

The Hawkeyes are coming off three straight seasons, winning each of their bowl games. In 2009, Iowa played with the Big Ten title on the line at Ohio State, but lost 24-27 in OT. Iowa QB James Vandenberg lead Iowa in that competitive game in Columbus, in relief of starter Ricky Stanzi, who was out due to injury. Stanzi was a key piece in leading Iowa to three bowl wins.

But, in Iowa's four losses in 2011, Vandenberg has often struggled at QB. Iowa's other two losses were on the road, with a 44-41 3OT loss at Iowa State, then a 22-21 loss at Minnesota. Turnovers have been a common denominator in Iowa's four losses this season. In Iowa's latest loss on Senior Day, vs. Michigan State, Iowa was a minus three in turnover margin.

Typically, Quarterbacks lose more games at the Big Ten level, than win them. Balance, with strong offense, defense and special teams are all typically needed. Wisconsin has a good team this year, but special teams have lead to breakdowns and losses. Iowa's special teams breakdowns last year, caused similar results.

Game management is important at the Quarterback position, but all phases need to step up. Since Iowa's 7-1 Big Ten season in 2004, Iowa's special teams have been hit and miss. Iowa has had some good performers, but consistency and execution has caused issues. Both coaching mistakes and player execution problems have been noticed in Iowa City, lately.

In the game Saturday vs. Michigan State, Iowa was victim of another special team breakdown, when the Spartans executed a fake field goal. A good Michigan State defense didn't make it easy for Iowa, but at times, Iowa simply looks out of sync.

Yeah, I don't know. I guess you'd have to say we weren't ready. We
didn't look ready. We left the door open way too many times in all three phases.
It wasn't just any one segment. Little details. Just little things, all the
basics that either help you win or make it tougher to win, Iowa
coach Kirk Ferentz commenting what was the key to MSU game

Iowa will lose 18 seniors, after this season. So, where are the Hawkeyes headed, as they close out the final two games on the road in the Big Ten? Iowa is bowl eligible for the eleventh straight season, but a trip to Detroit is not what the Iowa fans had in mind heading into 2011.

Iowa will face difficult challenges on the road with games at Purdue (5-5, 3-3 B1G Leaders) this week, then a major showdown at Nebraska (8-2, 4-2 B1G Legends) on Black Friday. The games at Purdue and Nebraska will have major bowl implications for all three teams. Both games will have an 11 a.m. kickoff. The Purdue game will be on the Big Ten Network and ABC Sports will air the Nebraska game on Black Friday.

The Hawkeyes were at a crossroads, at 2-2, after the loss at Minnesota. Iowa rebounded with a solid 24-16 win over Michigan (8-2, 4-2 Legends), which was clearly Iowa's best game in 2011. But, unlike returning to the home field of Kinnick Stadium facing Michigan, Iowa will face two major road games, where Iowa is 0-3 for 2011. Next up: @ Purdue on Saturday.

November has arrived and the games get bigger in the B1G

No, the Big Ten isn't playing as strong as the SEC right now. But, as the first weekend of November closes, two big upsets open up the division race in the Legends, while off the field issues hit hard in Happy Valley.

Who will win the Legends Division?

Two games threw a wrench into a couple of teams sites on winning the first Legends division title. First, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, the Iowa Hawkeyes upset Michigan 24-16 to remain in the division hunt. Both teams are now 3-2 in the division. Then, down in Lincoln, Northwestern went on the road, using three quarterbacks, knocked off Nebraska 28-25 to throw the Huskers to 3-2 and into a three way tie for second in the division with Iowa and Michigan.

Michigan State is leading the division with a 4-1 record, after holding off the upset minded Golden Gophers in a 31-24 win over Minnesota in East Lansing. This Saturday, the Spartans will travel to Iowa City with first place on the line. Minnesota will be home for the holidays, due to their the seventh loss of the season, but they can certainly make some noise as a spoiler in final three games of the Big Ten season.

Legends Division Standings

Michigan State 4-1, 7-2

Nebraska 3-2, 7-2

Iowa 3-2, 6-3

Michigan 3-2, 7-2

Northwestern 2-4, 4-5

Minnesota 1-4, 2-7

Game of the Week: Michigan State @ Iowa

Rivalry of the Week: Nebraska @ Penn State

Oldest Rivalry of the Week: Wisconsin @ Minnesota

Leaders Division Standings

Penn State 5-0, 8-1

Ohio State 3-2, 6-3

Wisconsin 3-2, 7-2

Illinois 2-3, 6-3

Purdue 2-3, 4-5

Indiana 0-6, 1-9

Penn State is coming off a bye week. The lone loss for the season came in Happy Valley in Week 2, when Alabama took the Nittany Lions down, in non-conference play. Plenty of off the field distractions for the Nittany Lions heading into the big game with Nebraska? Will the Nittany Lions have the bye week blues? Will the off the field issues hurt Penn State? Nebraska will look to rebound, after a disappointing loss at home.

With help from Minnesota and Purdue, the Nittany Lions could wrap up the division with a win over Nebraska, along with upsets in Minneapolis and West Lafayette, if Wisconsin and Ohio State both go down, respectively. Minnesota is playing better the last two weeks, while Purdue has not, after back to back road losses at Michigan and at Wisconsin. The most recent was a 62-17 loss to the Badgers. If Purdue wants to go to their first bowl game under coach Danny Hope, in his third season, they can't afford many more losses. The Boilermakers return home for the first of two home games, with Ohio State coming to town, followed by Iowa.

Wisconsin heads to Minnesota this week for the first of two road games, before closing out the season at home with division leading Penn State. Illinois enjoyed a bye week to open November, but will host Michigan on Saturday, in the first of two home games.

Northwestern return to Evanston on a two game winning streak and seeking a couple more wins to get bowl eligible. The Wildcats play their final non-conference game of the season, with Rice (3-6, 2-4 C-USA) coming to town, then back to back home games in Big Ten play, with Minnesota and Michigan State.

Indiana gave Ohio State one strong half of play in Columbus, with a 13-13 halftime score. But, freshman QB Braxton Miller pulled Ohio State ahead for a 34-20 win. IU will enjoy a bye week, which will hopefully help the continued development of freshman QB Tre Robinson. The Miller-Robinson game was the first time, since 1988, when true freshman quarterback squared off in Big Ten play.

Thoughts heading into the Week:

• How will Iowa prepare coming off a win over Michigan, third straight for the first time in the series?


• Is this Joe Paterno's final season at PSU?


• Last week, Iowa fans were a little frustrated with Kirk Ferentz and his team's play at Minnesota, so how will Nebraska fans feel with Bo Pelini in staff, after game with PSU?


• Is Kirk Cousins ready to avenge last years debacle in Iowa City, where he threw three INTs and Iowa cruised to a 37-6 win?


• How good will the 2011-12 College Basketball season be, as teams complete exhibition play?

Iowa Hawkeyes open at home at Kinnick with Michigan, as back half of the B1G race begins

It has been a difficult road for Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2 B1G Legends) in 2011. The Hawkeyes are 0-3, with losses at Iowa State (45-42, 3 OT), at Penn State (13-3) and last week with a disappointing 22-21 loss at Minnesota.

Home has been a better place for the Hawkeyes in 2011. Heading into the final two games for 2011, Iowa is 5-0 at Kinnick Stadium, thus far. Of course, the next two weeks will be the biggest challenges at Kinnick in 2011, with the two schools from the State of Michigan.

First up, Iowa hosts Michigan (7-1, 3-1 B1G Legends), who features the most explosive QB in the B1G, with junior Denard Robinson. Robinson and his teammates have lost two straight to Iowa. A win today by Iowa would be a first in the Iowa-Michigan series, with Iowa winning three in a row.

Iowa has four games left in the B1G in November and control their own destiny, despite the 0-3 road record and two losses in the B1G, since they face the Legends division teams tied presently for first place the rest of the way. The final crossover game, with a Leaders team will be very important too, as well.

• vs. Michigan (7-1, 3-1 Legends)


• vs. Michigan State (6-2, 3-1 Legends)


• @ Purdue (4-4, 2-2 Leaders)


• @ Nebraska (7-1, 3-1 Legends)

Michigan may be the most difficult of the next four games for Iowa, due to Iowa's defense and how it will match up against Robinson at QB for the Wolverines. All four games will be difficult, based on the inconsistency of the Iowa offense, defense and special teams.

Playing at Kinnick Stadium should be a factor for Iowa?

After three games on the road in 2011, if this Iowa-Michigan game was on the road, Michigan would be a heavy favorite. But, as most teams have found in the Big Ten on the road, any given Saturday. All three tri-leaders in the Legends Division have a loss and all three came on the road.

Iowa features on offense three of the top play makers in the conference, with junior QB James Vandenberg, sophomore RB Marcus Coker and senior WR Marvin McNutt. Iowa will likely have to score plenty of points on Saturday, if they are successful to pull off their third win in a row over Michigan. It would be a huge upset for some Iowa fans, but some media talking heads do have Michigan on upset alert heading to Kinnick. Michigan is 1-1 this season on the road.

Iowa better bring A Game in all four phases of the game. Yes, four phases, since coaching and the intangibles may be as huge in getting Iowa back on track, after the disappointing 22-21 loss last week. Iowa's offense, defense and special teams will have to play strong, balance, balance for Iowa, in this big home game.

Prediction: IOWA 37, Michigan 35

DEFEND Kinnick Stadium

57Th meeting in the Iowa-Michigan series

Trick or Treat: Will the Hawkeyes bring Floyd home to Iowa City for a November run in the B1G?

The last time the University of Iowa headed to Minnesota, they returned home to Iowa City without Floyd of Rosedale last season, after losing to the Gophers 27-24. The Hawkeyes (5-2, 2-1 B1G Legends) face Minnesota (1-6, 0-3 B1G Legends) at 2:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. Iowa becomes bowl eligible for the 11Th straight year with a win on Saturday in Minneapolis. However, Minnesota is just looking for something to build on.

Iowa has plenty on the line heading into a Legends title race in November. Minnesota is looking for their first Big Ten win under new coach Jerry Kill. A match up between two Legends teams will be on the line at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The Iowa defense has given up the big play a more in 2011, than the typical defense under Iowa DC Norm Parker. Iowa is young in many spots in 2011, but if the Hawkeyes are going to continue to be in the hunt in November for the Legends division, the Hawkeyes need to step up on the road in Minneapolis. Iowa junior QB James Vandenberg is 0-3 in road starts in his career as a starter.

Iowa should get Floyd back for the winter, but this Iowa team hasn't won on the road yet, so this is far from a given. This is another rivalry game, with a trophy on the line. Currently, the Hawkeyes have zero trophy-game trophies in the trophy case. The Hawkeyes have three straight bowl trophies in the case, but those were other teams and Iowa needs to find some Mojo heading into November. A win on the road is the first step for the young Hawkeyes.

Our prediction is a little conservative here...

Iowa 29

Minnesota 18

At QB, both teams are lead by first-year juniors, with Vandenberg for Iowa and MarQueis Gray for Minnesota. Vandenberg has some good skills throwing the football, with the ability to make the chains move with his feet. Gray is a nice athlete, who has played WR in his career and is a quality QB carrying the football. His passing game has work, but he is facing an Iowa defense, who has given up some big plays this season, with the majority by air.

Iowa redzone defense has been good in 2011, but overall both teams are giving up plenty of yards to their opponents. Who plays stronger on third down and gets off the field sooner will be a major key on Saturday?

On Saturday, the best defense may likely be a solid offense. Both teams will need to establish strong line play on offense and keep the ball. Special teams will be very important, as well. How balanced will both teams be on Saturday? Iowa is capable of some big plays on offense and Minnesota's defense has given up plenty of offense to opponents thus far in 2011.

For Iowa, senior DE Broderick Binns will have a homecoming of sorts, with a return to his hometown for Saturday's game. Iowa's DEs will have a do a good job of containment vs. Minnesota's QB Gray. Iowa's other DE is sophomore Dominic Alvis, who will be backed by senior Lebron Daniel. This is an area of the game to watch in Minneapolis.

Iowa has been banged up at linebacker, so it will be injury to see who will take the field. How physical will Iowa be vs. Minnesota. In last year's win, Minnesota played well physically on both sides of the ball. Under Kirk Ferentz, line play and playing physical, assignment football has been Iowa's bread and butter. Will Iowa bring it on the road on Saturday?

Two other Iowa colleges face big road tests on Saturday. The University of Northern Iowa, ranked #2 in FBS, travels to #3 North Dakota State for a huge Missouri Valley Football Conference game. The Bisons beat Minnesota in Week 4. UNI's lone loss came @ Iowa State to open the 2011 season. The game will kickoff at 3 p.m. on FCS (DirecTV channel 617). A win on the road would be huge for the Panthers on their title run in 2011.

Iowa State (3-4, 0-4 Big 12) travels to Texas Tech (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) on Saturday for a 6 p.m kickoff on Fox Sports Net. The Red Raiders pulled off the upset in Norman last week. The Cyclones are just looking for some positives, after struggling in Big 12 play, after winning three straight games by comeback in non-conference play.

Other Big Games:

Northwestern @ Indiana at 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network

Michigan State @ Nebraska at 11 a.m. on ESPN

Purdue @ Michigan at 11 a.m. on ESPN2

Missouri @ Texas A&M at 11 a.m. on Fx

UAB @ Marshall at 11 a.m. on Comcast

Florida vs. Georgia in Jacksonville at 2:30 p.m. on CBS

Oklahoma @ Kansas State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

Illinois @ Penn State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

Baylor @ Oklahoma State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2

Navy @ Notre Dame at 2:30 p.m. on NBC

Iowa @ Minnesota at 2:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network

South Carolina @ Tennessee at 6:15 p.m. on ESPN2

Iowa State @ Texas Tech at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Net

Wisconsin @ Ohio State at 7 p.m. on ESPN

Stanford @ USC at 7 p.m. on ABC

Arizona @ Washington at 9:30 p.m. on Comcast

It's been a long grind in the Iowa-Northwestern series for the Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 0-1 B1G Legends) have lost the last five out of six games over the Northwestern Wildcats (2-3, 0-2 B1G Legends) , with three straight losses in the series at home. Both teams are a combined 0-3 in the B1G heading into the 6 p.m. kickoff at Kinnick Stadium on the Big Ten Network on Saturday night.

Iowa's last win in the series was in 2007 in Evanston, when the Hawkeyes, a +1 road underdog, beat Northwestern 28-17. Ironically, Iowa's last loss to both Iowa State and Penn State, before this season was in 2007. So, does it mean anything on Saturday for Iowa? We shall see.

Northwestern has beat Iowa five games, in the past six:

• 28-27 in 2005 in Evanston, Northwestern was a +3 underdog


• 21-7 in 2006 in Iowa City, Northwestern was a +20 underdog


• 22-17 in 2008 in Iowa City, Northwestern was a +8 underdog


• 17-10 in 2009 in Iowa City, Northwestern was a +15 underdog


• 21-17 in 2010 in Iowa City, Northwestern was a +10 underdog

Iowa hasn't held Northwestern to less than 17 points, since the 2002 win in Iowa's 62-10 victory at home. Iowa ruined Northwestern's Rose Bowl bid in 2000, with a 27-17 win at Kinnick. The Wildcats were coming off a 54-51 shootout at home vs. Michigan. Iowa won the 2001 game in Evanston 59-16.

In the game that cried, "bring on instant replay," in Kirk Ferentz's first season as Iowa's head coach, Northwestern beat Iowa 26-24 in Evanston in 1999, after an apparent fumble on their final scoring drive. The call on the field was player was down. If replay had been used in the game, indisputable evidence was fumble on the field. Northwestern kept the ball inside and scored the final TD in the closing seconds. The Big Ten Conference at the end of the season commented about the mistake on the field. The talk of using replay in Big Ten games was on the radar.

Iowa has a true sophomore at placekicker and a fifth year senior walkon at punter. Iowa PK Mike Meyer, like punter Eric Guthrie, arrived at Iowa as a walkon. Special teams will be very important on Saturday. Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, like Kirk Ferentz for Iowa, takes pride in special teams and taking advantage of turnovers and mistakes from their opponents. In Iowa's lost in 2008, five Iowa turnovers fueled Northwestern to a 22-17 win over the Hawkeyes on Homecoming. Turnovers have been a problem in Iowa's losses.

Iowa will enjoy Homecoming next Saturday, with a game vs. Indiana (1-4, 0-2 B1G Legends). By the way, the Hoosiers play at Wisconsin on Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN2, as the Badgers (5-0, 1-0 B1G Leaders) come off a bye week.

Iowa doesn't have a strong defense in 2011. However, in the B1G opener in Happy Valley, the Hawkeyes held Penn State to only 13 points. The problem was on offense for the Hawkeyes, where Iowa only mustered three points, with only one red zone appearance the entire day. The defense wasn't pretty for Iowa, but the offense needed to be checked for a pulse, after the first quarter. Penn State's defense is good, but how good?

Opportunity knocks! Iowa opens the next four out of five games of the 2011 season at Kinnick Stadium. Ferentz's squad looks for success against the 'new' Wildcats on Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium.

"It's going to be a big challenge for our football team. We are excited to be
back in Kinnick again where our fans continue to be absolutely fantastic. It
should be a great environment, too." - Kirk Ferentz.

Iowa fans, as well as the Iowa's defense, have one big concern on Saturday night, with Northwestern's quarterback Dan Persa. The Northwestern quarterback has given the Hawkeyes fits in the past. Dispite being slowed by a torn Achilles tendon on the final TD play in last year's Iowa win, Persa has now returned for B1G play and ranks number four in passing efficiency.

Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg had a rude awakening in Happy Valley last Saturday. Vandenberg's first major game day experience, was when Ricky Stanzi went down vs. Northwestern in the 2009 game. Iowa opened the game up 10-0 in 2009, but the Stanzi injury early in the second quarter on a sack, fumble and touchdown, threw Vandenberg into a 10-7 game against the Wildcats, as a redshirt freshman. The Wildcats scored 10 straight and won 17-10 to continue the streak.

How will Vandenberg rebound on Saturday? Iowa entered last week's Big Ten Penn State upbeat about a no-huddle offense. Vandenberg was a leader in all games in passing efficiency, but with two interceptions and no touchdowns at Penn State, his numbers dropped. Entering the B1G, Vandenberg had ten touchdowns and only one interception in leading Iowa to a 3-1 start. Can the Iowa offense find some Mojo vs. a Northwestern defense that ranks among the B1G and nation's weakest?

For Iowa to win on Saturday, the Hawkeyes will have to score touchdowns. The Iowa defense will have to keep tabs on Persa enough to give the Hawkeyes an opportunity. Last week, the defense held Penn State to 13 points. Northwestern appears to have a much better offense, than Penn State, in their ability to score. Army held Northwestern to 14 points, the lowest point total of the year, but Persa was on the sidelines. Like Army, Iowa needs to be disciplined against Northwestern, if they are going to win.

A Mike Meyers FG could be huge on Saturday, along with QB James Vandenberg, RB Marcus Coker, the receivers and enough defense for the Hawkeyes. Our pick: Iowa 31, Northwestern 27

Elsewhere around the B1G:

• Purdue (3-2, 1-0 B1G Leaders) @ Penn State (5-1, 2-0 B1G Leaders) at 11 a.m. on BTN, Nittany Lions will be without top receiver senior Derek Moye, ouch!


• Michigan (6-0, 2-0 B1G Legends) @ Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 B1G Legends) at 11 a.m. on ESPN, the Wolverines are lead by QB Denard Robinson ... while MSU is coming off a bye week.


• Indiana (1-4, 0-2 B1G Leaders) @ Wisconsin (5-0, 1-0 B1G Leaders) at 11 a.m. on ESPN2, the Badgers are coming off a bye week against Kevin Wilson, who has lost 18 scholarship players, since arriving at IU this off season.


• Ohio State (3-3, 0-2 B1G Leaders) @ Illinois (6-0, 2-0 B1G Leaders) at 2:30 p.m. on ABC, the Fighting Illini beat the Buckeyes back in 1989, the last time we saw the Buckeyes enter this game unranked.


• Minnesota (1-5, 0-2 B1G Legends) and Nebraaka (5-1, 1-1 B1G Legends) both have bye weeks. The Cornhuskers will travel to Minnesota next Saturday!

The Cyclones travel to Columbia as a Homecoming opponent: Iowa State (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) @ Missouri (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) for a 1 p.m., no TV game. Hopefully, the Cyclones can overcome the odds and pick up another road win. They beat Nebraska in '09 in Lincoln and Texas in '10 in Austin.

The B1G Season begins in Happy Valley for the University of Iowa

Iowa (3-1, 0-0 B1G Legends) @ Penn State (4-1, 1-0 B1G Leaders) on ABC at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 8Th. This series typically has been about the visitor, with 14 of the 23 games won by the visitor in this series. Iowa is 7-4 lifetime in Beaver Stadium. Iowa has won eight of the last nine, with the lone loss in Beaver Stadium in 2007. Iowa has won three in a row over the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Kirk Ferentz is 8-2 vs. Joe Paterno, one game behind all-time leader Lloyd Carr, who stands 9-2 over Joe Pa. Will his young Iowa Hawkeyes move him to #1 with Carr?

Wow, who would have thought the Iowa Hawkeyes would do that to the Penn State Nittany Lions over the years? Iowa has won 50 Big Ten games over the past ten seasons, while Penn State has won 45 games over the past ten in the B1G. Iowa leads the series lifetime 12-10.

So, who wins in Happy Valley on Saturday?

Vegas says Penn State. The Computer (Jeff Sagarin) suggests Penn State. The Gazette picks all go for Iowa this week. Our Pick: Iowa 28, Penn State 27

So, what should we look for in Happy Valley? Iowa opens Big Ten season ...

Quarterback play is always extremely important. For Iowa, this will be #16 junior James Vandenberg's third start on the road in his career. For Penn State, they are playing two quarterbacks with #1 sophomore Rob Bolden, who started in last year's 24-3 loss @ Iowa, and #11 junior Matt McGloin. Vandenberg has thrown for 10 TDs and ran for 3 TDs in four games, while the two-headed monster for PSU have five TD passes in five games. Vandenberg has tossed one INT, while Bolden has thrown four picks. Last year in Iowa City, Bolden threw a Pick 6 to Iowa CB Shaun Prater, who is a senior now.

Vandenberg is 0-2 as a road starter for Iowa. Both games were 24-24 games at the end of regulation. In Vandenberg's first start in college in '09, Vandenberg lead Iowa, with a Big Ten title on the line in Columbus to a 27-24 loss in OT. He was only a redshirt freshman, but he made outstanding plays to keep Iowa in a tight game. In the first road game of '11, Vandenberg and the Hawkeyes fell short at Iowa State, in a 44-41 loss in three overtimes. Will the third road start be a charm for Vandenberg? It likely will have to be, if Iowa is going to win for the eighth time in 12 visits in the series.

Will Penn State win on Saturday? Defense typically fuels Penn State, but quarterback play will be extremely important. A quarterback often doesn't have to win the game, but he can't lose the game for his team. Most would believe that McGloin is the one to watch, if a PSU QB is going to shine. The offensive players to keep an eye for Penn State will be #6 senior WR Derek Moye, when the QBs are throwing the ball, but it is Penn State's run game that will test Iowa's rebuilt defensive line. At RB, #25 sophomore Silas Redd leads the Nittany Lions ground attack, but could some reserve RB come out and cause Iowa's defense trouble?

Iowa has typically done a good job slowing Penn State's ground game over the past decade. Iowa sent three linemen to the NFL this off season, so Iowa's top DT #93 senior Mike Daniels and DE #91 senior Broderick Binns, a starter in '09, need to help Iowa new line mates, including former walk on and PA native, DT # 87 senior Thomas Nardo, who is coming off a Big Ten defender of the week game in Week 4.

How much will the bye week slow Iowa? Will the Hawkeyes get off to a quick start?

Over the last five years, we have heard a lot of about Penn State's HD offense, which lost more than won vs. Iowa.

Iowa comes in with a new no-huddle offense. Iowa has three outstanding WRs this season, who have all ten TD passes in Iowa's offense over the past four games. Marvin McNutt, #7 a senior leads the unit with four TDs, with #6 junior Keenan Davis and #11 redshirt freshman Kevonte Martin-Manley, with three each.

Iowa's traditionally strong TE corp can go four deep, but consistency has been lacking, after sending four TEs to the NFL over the past four seasons. Walk-on #85 junior Zach Derby has been the most consistent, but #1 senior TE #39 Brad Herman and #86 sophomore C.J. Fiedorowicz can move the chains, if they are playing well. Inconsistency has moved Iowa to a no-huddle three WR set more in '11.

Heading into Beaver Stadium on Saturday ... how much will Iowa use the run game on offense? Will it be the pass setting up the run or will Iowa stick to the tradition of using the run to set up play action and the Hawkeye bread and butter over the past decade? Iowa is lead on the ground by #34 sophomore Marcus Coker. After losing true freshman Mika'll McCall to a season ending injury in the opener, Iowa has finally brought in #33 true freshman Jordan Canzeri in Week 4. He is a small 5-9 180 pounds out of Troy, NY. Other running backs for Iowa are walk-on #3 junior Jason White and #28 true freshman Damon Bullock out of Texas. Look for both to come out and be in the slot on passing plays in Iowa's offense.

While we have heard about the offense so far, both Iowa and Penn State are built traditionally on solid 4-3 defense schemes that look to have the linebackers make plays on the field. Iowa will likely play a little 3-4 on defense, especially, if PSU wants to attack Iowa with the short passing game. In the 3-4, Iowa will likely blitz more. Otherwise, Iowa likes to establish line play with the four defensive linemen.

Iowa has two of the leading tacklers in the B1G right now, with sophomores #44 James Morris and #20 Christian Kirksey. Iowa's leadership at LB is #45 senior Tyler Nielsen. Iowa's fourth LB is another sophomore in #31 Anthony Hitchens. Iowa is lean on numbers, but this is a good group developing for the Hawkeyes.

For Penn State, will MLB #40 sophomore Glenn Carson off the field talking lead to success on the field for the Nittany Lions vs. Iowa? B1G fans will be disappointed again to not see Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti this season, due to an early ACL injury. The leadership now turns to OLBs #6 junior Gerald Hodges and #34 senior Nate Stupar.

The Penn State secondary is banged up, but everyone who starts is a junior or senior. Iowa's secondary has two of the better CBs in the B1G with #28 Prater and #18 junior Micah Hyde. Iowa was second to Florida over the past three seasons in forcing interceptions. Iowa has new starting safeties, since the Pitt game, with #4 senior SS Jordan Bernstine, who missed ISU game, and #5 sophomore Tanner Miller, who played as a true last season, but missed the Spring coming off a shoulder surgery. Bernstine has emerged as a leader. Both should be strong in run support.

Special teams often play a huge role in the outcome of the Iowa-Penn State series. Iowa's young kickoff return coverage team will have identify #2 senior Chaz Powell, who already has one return for a TD this season. Iowa could be very solid in the kicking game, as former walk-on PK #96 Michael Meyer continues to grow into the job, after arriving in Iowa City last season only to win the placekicking job. His long is 50 yards.

Iowa lost four year starting punter Ryan Donahue, who is now with the Detroit Lions, after beating out a veteran punter as a free agent. However, a 6-6 245 fifth year senior, #6 Eric Guthrie has filled the position well, so far, and Iowa leads the conference in net punting (43.1).

We have seen some very exciting games over the years in this series. Many of the game have come down to the wire. Two games in Happy Valley (2000, 2002) finished in overtime. The 2011 game should be very similar.

Keys to the game:

• Controlling the line of scrimmage


• Field position


• Special teams


• Big plays


• Turnovers

The team that plays the better game will likely win this game. The 1983 and 2002 wins in Happy Valley were shout outs, with Iowa winning 42-34 and 42-35 OT, respectively. On the flip side, we saw a 6-4 game in 2004, another Iowa win. PSU typically beats Iowa with a strong one-sided game, as the 27-7 win in 2007 shows.

Look for a close game on Saturday, which should give Iowa, the underdog, a good opportunity to win on the road. We shall see.
Three great games on ABC today (Central Time):

• Red River Rivalry in Dallas: Oklahoma vs. Texas at 11 a.m.


• Iowa @ Penn State at 2:30 p.m.


• Ohio State @ Nebraska at 7 p.m.

Other B1G games on Saturday:

• Minnesota @ Purdue at 11 a.m. on ESPN


• Illinois @ Indiana at 1:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network


• Michigan @ Northwestern at 6 p.m. on Big Ten Network


• Bye weeks for Michigan State and Wisconsin

Some other games on TV to consider:

• Louisville @ North Carolina at 11 a.m. on ESPN2


• Mississippi State @ UAB at 11 a.m. on Comcast


• Florida @ LSU at 2:30 p.m. on CBS


• Air Force @ Notre Dame at 2:30 p.m. on NBC


• Miami-FL @ Virginia Tech at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN


• Arizona State @ Utah at 2:30 p.m. on Comcast


• Auburn @ Arkansas at 6 p.m. on ESPN


• Georgia @ Tennessee at 6 p.m. on ESPN2


• Iowa State @ Baylor at 6 p.m. on FSN


• Texas A&M @ Texas Tech at 6 p.m. on FX


• Colorado @ Stanford at 6:30 p.m. on Versus


• Washington State @ UCLA at 11 p.m. on Comcast

October has arrived and the first weekend of B1G conference football is in the books

It is a beautiful weekend here in Eastern Iowa, weather wise, as Autumn has clearly arrived. We also have witnessed the opening weekend of Big Ten football, with five conference games being completed, in the new Legends and Leaders divisions.

What do we know, after Week 1 of Big Ten conference play?

Coaching stability is an important part of Big Ten football. Also, strong QB play is very important. In winning championships, defense is often a key component, as well.

Wisconsin (5-0, 1-0 in B1G Leaders) has a very good offensive coordinator (Paul Chryst) to complement head coach Bret Bielema and the rest of the Badgers' coaching staff. Further, NC State transfer QB Russell Wilson is an upgrade at QB for the Badgers in 2011. While a lot of love is going to be thrown out at the Badgers five weeks into the season, are the Badgers as strong as last year's team overall?

The Badgers are clearly the team to beat in the Big Ten, but despite the upgrade at QB, the defense may not be as strong as last year's team and we will have to let the season play out before we compare the Badgers to elite in the FBS. How would the Badgers perform right now vs. LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma or Boise State?

Nebraska (4-1, 0-1 B1G Legends) is breaking in a new OC in 2011, with Tim Beck, elevated from RB coach. Sophomore QB Taylor Martinez and his Cornhusker teammates received a "rude welcome" to the B1G, with a road night game opener in Madison against the defending Big Ten co-champions. The Badgers beat Nebraska 48-17, as Martinez made too many costly mistakes, along with others for the Cornhuskers. New PK/punter junior Brett Maher is a bright star for the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska has really struggled against Top 10 teams as of late. The
Cornhuskers have lost 16 of their last 18 games against Top 10 teams since the
start of the 2000 season... 11 of the losses have been by double digits,
including 6 by at least 20 points. - ESPN

Ohio State's new head coach Luke Fickel, in for departed Jim Tressel, didn't find Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 B1G Legends) a very easy opponent in the Big Ten opener at home.

Despite the MSU 10-7 win at Ohio State to open the 2011 season, Michigan State's offense struggled in Columbus. New OC Dan Roushar, promoted from OL coach, doesn't have senior QB Kirk Cousins and the Spartans run/pass game is struggling more than not, after a 11-2 season in 2010. Former OC Don Treadwll is head coach now at Miami-OH. The Spartans lost big twice in 2010, with a 6-37 loss at Iowa and a 7-49 loss in Capital One vs. Alabama.

The Ohio State Buckeyes (3-2, 0-1 B1G Leaders) nearly were shut out at home for the first time, since 1982 vs. MSU on Saturday. The suspensions are over, after Week 5. However, quarterback play is the weakest for the Buckeyes, then any season under Tressel. The 2004 Buckeyes had trouble going 4-4 in the Big Ten. Right now, the Buckeyes need to get something going. A road trip to Lincoln is ahead this week.

How easy will Nebraska's home opener in the B1G vs. Ohio State be this week? Both teams are licking wounds right now. Ohio State will get suspended players back on offense, as well as a reserve DE. Both teams need better quarterback play, if they are going to compete in 2011.

The Michigan Wolverines (5-0, 1-0 B1G Legends) beat Minnesota 58-0, after opening 2011 with five straight home games. Sometimes a coaching change is good and the Wolverines appear to be headed in the right direction under new coach Brady Hoke, with OC Al Borges and DC Bryan Mattison. However, just how good will the Wolverines finish? Last year, the Wolverines started 5-0 to finish 7-6 and in 2009, started 4-0 to finish 5-7. There is a trend towards improvement, but is Michigan ready to contend for a B1G division title in Hoke's first season. Junior QB Denard Robinson is exciting and healthy through five games. The defense can't be worse than what they were under former coach Rich Rodriquez and staff.

Sometimes coaching changes work well, but Minnesota (1-4, 0-1 B1G Legends) sadly is hurting right now. Head coach Jerry Kill, who arrived from a successful short run at Northern Illinois, has serious health concerns, after suffering a seizure, after the loss to Miami-OH in Week 3. He was on the sidelines, but he has been missing significant time during the week, since he is seeking medical attention for his condition. Alos, key playmakers were out for the Golden Gophers right now, with junior QB MarQueis Gray and senior RS/CB Troy Stoudermire out.
The 0-58 loss by Minnesota, tops the 0-55 loss to Iowa in 2008, in the final game the Gophers played in the Metrodome.

Illinois (5-0, 1-0 B1G Leaders) enjoyed another victory over Northwestern, as they came back from a 10-28 deficit late in the third quarter at home, to defeat the Wildcats 38-35 to remain undefeated for the first time, since 1951. Head coach Ron Zook has found some stability in the coaching staff, as OC Paul Petrino and DC Vic Koenning begin second season in Champaign. Further, second-year QB sophomore Nathan Scheelhaase threw for a career highs: 391 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Michigan travels to Northwestern for a game in Evanston this week. However, Northwestern (2-2, 0-1 B1G Legends) senior QB Dan Persa still remains a question for the Wildcats, as he recovers from a setback, another leg/foot injury in Champaign. Persa made his first start of the season, after being lost late last year, after being injured on the final score in a win over Iowa in '10. His injury didn't help Northwestern in Champaign on Saturday. This is the first meeting between the two programs, since Northwestern's 21-14 win over Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2008. Michigan has back to back road games with Northwestern this week, then a trip to East Lansing on October 15Th.

Penn State (3-2, 0-1 B1G Leaders) traveled to Bloomington and despite a sluggish offense, Nittany Lions beat Indiana 16-10 to open the Big Ten with a win. The Nittany Lions still continue to go with two quarterbacks, as sophomore Paul Bolden and junior Matt McGloin share time. Bolden played poorly in Bloomington and McGloin lead the Nittany Lions to the lone touchdown drive. Joe Pa is in his 46Th season at Penn State. They have never lost to IU.

Iowa (3-1, 0-0 B1G Legends) enjoyed a bye week to get ready for Penn State in the Big Ten opener at Penn State. Iowa has won nine of the last 11 games over Penn State. The Hawkeyes will travel to Happy Valley, but the first off the field distraction was tabulated for the 2011 season, with second-string freshman quarterback A.J. Derby arrested over the weekend. So, much for a perfect bye week.

Iowa's coaching staff is lead by head coach Kirk Ferentz, OC Ken O'Keefe, and DC Norm Parker, all enjoying their 13Th season in Iowa City leading the Hawkeyes. Junior QB James Vandenberg has been up and down, but lead Iowa to a 21 point comeback win over Pitt in Week 3 and played well in the win over ULM to close out non-conference play. Iowa needs better consistency in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. If the Hawkeyes can staff healthy, and find success in Happy Valley and early in the Big Ten, the Hawkeyes may find themselves competing for a B1G division title.

Indiana (1-4, 0-1 B1G Leaders) lacked much on offense in the debut of new coach Kevin Wilson in Big Ten play. The road will not get any easier, as undefeated Illinois comes to Bloomington this week for a Leaders division rivalry game. Sophomore QB Dusty Kiel made his first career start vs. Penn State, replacing sophomore Edward Wright-Baker.

Purdue (2-2, 0-0 B1G Leaders) after a 10-38 loss vs. rival Notre Dame in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers are still unsettled at quarterback, like Penn State, with two players rotating at the position. Third year head coach Danny Hope has junior Caleb TerBush and senior Robert Marve rotating at quarterback. Sophomore Rob Henry was the likely #1 heading into 2011, but a season ending injury cost Henry for the season.

Minnesota @ Purdue highlights the fifth game of the week in the Big Ten on October 8Th. Both teams have been struggling. Michigan State and Wisconsin will enjoy bye weeks before the Spartans host Michigan on October 15Th, while Wisconsin enjoys Homecoming vs. Indiana on the 15Th.

In closing, Wisconsin is the team to beat in the race for the Rose Bowl. Fitting, since the Wisconsin Badgers represented the Big Ten in the last Rose Bowl. Are the Badgers a BCS title game contender? Let's see how things fall out in the Big Ten first. After all, the Badgers did come up short 19-21 to TCU last season. Of course, 2011 is a new season!

Michigan State and Ohio State are co-champs from last year, though OSU was stripped of victories last year, due to NCAA violations. The Spartans need to play better if they are going to make a run at the Legends division title. Ohio State has a lot of questions right now, especially with their quarterback play.

Illinois is playing well, but they have nearly lost three staight games at home, vs. Arizona State, Western Michigan and Northwestern. The schedule is favorable for Illinois with the toughest B1G games at home and the games they should win on the road. Ron Zook's seventh season in the B1G and only one winning season in the Big Ten (6-2 in '07). Could this be another year of success?

It should be a great October in College Football, as conference play hits full bore.

On a sad note, Iowa State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) was unsuccessful vs. Texas in Ames on Saturday night. After beating Texas for the first time ever in Austin in 2010 (Cyclones won 28-21), the Cyclones were roughed up 14-37 by the Texas Longhorns (4-0, 1-0 Big 12). ISU self distructed and Texas is improved from last season's team that finished 5-7.

The Red River Showdown will be played this week, with Oklahoma (4-0, 0-0 Big 12) playing their rival Texas in Dallas. Iowa State travels to Baylor (3-1, 0-1 Big 12), who fell short at Kansas State (4-0, 1-0 Big 12), by the score of 35-36.