Creighton advances to 4-0 on young season, after solid 82-59 win over Iowa in Des Moines

From Creighton University Sports Information
Box Score
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Creighton's first match-up with Iowa since 2001 was a lopsided affair, as the Jays drained 9-of-19 three-pointers to post a 82-59 win over the Hawkeyes before 12,746 fans at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Creighton is now 4-0 on the season, while Iowa dropped to 3-1. The game was the third for both teams in the Dale Howard Classic, as both teams will host unbeaten Campbell in the coming days.

Doug McDermott scored 13 of Creighton's first 18 points and the Jays used a 10-0 run to build up a 22-10 lead with 8:09 left in the first half. CU's lead reached 31-18 on a three-pointer by Grant Gibbs. The Jays kept up their hot shooting, moving ahead 45-26 after consecutive treys by CU's Avery Dingman and Josh Jones. Dingman (pictured to right) made three trifectas, while McDermott had 18 points, as the Jays headed to halftime with a 45-29 lead.

Creighton went inside early and often to start the second half, a major reason they outscored the Hawkeyes 40-16 in the paint for the night. Gregory Echenique scored the first five points, while McDermott and Antoine Young also scored in the paint to bring CU's lead to 56-36 with 14:48 to go. That started a 14-0 run that saw CU lead by as much as 66-36.

Creighton led by as much as 33 points (74-41 with 6:16 left) before settling for the final margin.

McDermott led CU with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Echenique added 15 points and nine rebounds and Dingman had a career-best 14 points on 4-of-4 shooting from long-range. Creighton shot 55.2 percent in the game, including 9-of-19 from deep (47.4 percent), while outrebounding the Hawkeyes 43-27 and dishing twice as many assists as Iowa (20-10).

Iowa was paced by 14 points from Josh Oglesby and 13 points from Matt Gatens.

Creighton returns to action on Friday when it closes out play in the Dale Howard Classic with a 7:05 pm game against unbeaten Campbell (3-0).

NOTES: This was the 25th all-time meeting between Creighton and Iowa, but first since the 2001 NCAA Tournament ... Doug McDermott became Creighton's first player with three straight games of 20 points or more since Kyle Korver in 2003 ... Greg McDermott is now 6-4 against Iowa ... Greg McDermott is now 52-4 in his Division head coaching career when scoring 80 or more points, and is 19-1 when his Creighton teams score 70 or more points ... Each of Creighton's last seven teams to start 4-0 or better have reached the postseason ... Creighton's first 12 points came from Iowa natives Doug McDermott and Grant Gibbs ... Creighton has won each of its first four games by double-digits ... Creighton outscored Iowa 18-3 in second-chance points ... Avery Dingman's career-high 14 points came in just 11 minutes ... Gregory Echenique's 15 points were a season-high ... Creighton is now 4-1 in the regular-season since 1998 against Big Ten competition, including a 3-0 mark against Iowa.

It's time to take my black & gold hat off for Iowa vs. Creighton

From 1974 to 1982, my loyalty was often to the Iowa Hawkeyes, in college basketball. But, in 1982, I enrolled at Creighton University, so on Sunday, November 20Th at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, its Creighton University (3-0) vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0).

It doesn't happen very often. The last time it happened was over ten years ago, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with Iowa advancing that day with a 69-56 win. Iowa played the previous two seasons in a home and home vs. Creighton, with the Jays winning both of those games by two and nine points. An earlier game was played in the 1990 non-conference in the old Amana-Hawkeye Classic championship game in Iowa City, losing by six.

Now, it's time for Game 5, since my years at Creighton. It's another neutral court.

Iowa has played three home games. Creighton won on the road at UAB on Wednesday night, 70-60, in the Blazers season opener. It was the first loss at home in the non-conference for UAB, since the 2005 season.

Creighton played at Wells Fargo Arena last season. The Bluejays lost at the buzzer to Iowa State.
This will be the first of three non-conference games vs. Big Ten opponents for the Bluejays this season. First up is Iowa on a neutral court. Creighton will play @ Nebraska and vs. Northwestern at CenturyLink Arena, as well.

Scoring:
Creighton is lead by sophomore Doug McDermott at 20.3 ppg, while Iowa is lead by three year captain, senior Matt Gatens at 16.3 ppg.

Rebounds:
Creighton is lead by junior Gregory Echenique at 6.7 rpg, while Iowa is currently lead by a true freshman off the bench in Aaron White at 6.0 rpg.

Assists:
Creighton is lead by a former Linn-Mar prep, in Gonzaga transfer, junior Grant Gibbs, who is averaging 4.7 apg. Iowa is lead by senior co-captain Bryce Cartwright at 6.3 apg. Cartwright was very solid in assists last season in the Big Ten.

Head coaches:
Both programs are headed by second year coaches. Creighton hired former UNI and ISU coach Greg McDermott, an Iowa native, took replace sixteen year coach Dana Altman, who is now at Oregon. Altman and McDermott squared off to close out the 2011 postseason last year. Former Siena Coach Fran McCaffery took over Todd Lickliter at Iowa last season. McDermott is 5-4 lifetime as a head coach vs. Iowa. This is the first time he has faced McCaffery head to head.

It should be an interesting game. Both teams are playing better than last season, with a deeper roster for each. It will be Iowa's first real test. Creighton passed its first test at UAB on Saturday night, but Iowa is even bigger, since it is a neighboring state and both teams are looking to keep a win streak going.

Some of the players have faced each other before. Iowa's Gatens and Creighton's Gibbs both played against one another in high school in Iowa.

A Creighton win over Iowa would be a great start in Year 2 for coach Greg McDermott. The same can be said for Coach Fran McCaffery. Go Jays! On Iowa!

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.

24-24 Special at Iowa State again: Cyclones knock off #2 this time in 2OT

Coach Paul Rhoads has become a dragon slayer over three years for the Iowa State Cyclones. On Friday Night in Ames, with a national ESPN audience, the Cyclones (6-4, 3-4 Big 12) knocked off #2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-1, 8-1 Big 12) 37-31 in 2 OT.

Most observers would say it was the biggest victory likely in Iowa State football history. ISU beats a 27 point favorite, after rebounding from a 24-7 third quarter deficit in front of a national television audience to force overtime. On Senior Night, at Jack Trice Stadium, the Cyclones pull off a huge win that throws a huge monkey wrench into the BCS title game pecking order.

For the second time in the 2011 season, ISU takes a game 24-24 into overtime in Ames. In the first OT game, earlier this season vs. Iowa, the Cyclones beat the Hawkeyes 44-41 in 3 OT. Last night, vs. #2 Oklahoma State, the Cyclones forced an interception in Okie State's possession in the second OT. With the ball, the Cyclones took three carries from the 25 yard line right down the Cowboys throat for a 37-31 victory.

David wins! Like the name of the movie Any Given Sunday, there is a reason the games are played on the field. Turnovers can often be a big equalizer.

#2 Oklahoma State made mistakes in Ames. In an emotional charged game, for different reasons for each team, Iowa State prevails. Oklahoma State threw three interceptions, which helped Iowa State get the upset. Sadly, earlier in the day, the Oklahoma State community faced a heavy heart, with the tragic loss of two women's basketball coaches, when the plane they were flying on in a recruiting trip crashed.

In the past three seasons under Paul Rhoads at Iowa State, the Cyclones have pulled off some special games.

• In 2009, in Lincoln, Iowa State 9, Nebraska 7


• In 2010, in Austin, Iowa State 28, #22 Texas 21


• In 2011, in Ames, Iowa State 44, Iowa 41 in 3 OT


• In 2011, in Ames, Iowa State 37, #2 Oklahoma State 31 in 2 OT

For the second time in three seasons, Iowa State is bowl eligible, after winning the season home finale of the season. Unlike 2009, the Cyclones have two games, rather than one left in Big 12 play.

Iowa State will wrap up the regular season with two final road games in Big 12 play. Next Saturday, the Cyclones will head to Norman for a game @ Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1 Big 12), then at Kansas State (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) on December 3Rd.

Fan bases should always remember... any given day! ISU is a program that hasn't won a share of football title in 99 and 100 years, respectively. There is always something special to play for on any given day!

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.

Senior Day for Iowa: 18 seniors face Michigan State at Kinnick Stadium with 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN2

The Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 3-2 B1G Legends) will kickoff Senior Day with Michigan State (7-2, 4-1 B1G Legends), with first place in the Legends Division on the line. The game is televised on ESPN2 at 11 a.m. Central Time. ESPNs preview.

Iowa has beat Michigan State each time at Kinnick Stadium, since 1989. However, there have been some close games in the series, including a double OT game in 2007, when Iowa beat Michigan State 34-27. Last year, Iowa beat Michigan State 37-6, which was the Spartans lone loss in the Big Ten and the regular season. The Hawkeyes have beat the Spartans seven straight times at Kinnick Stadium by a 15 point margin, but like the 2007 game, this year's game should be a close one. The Spartans are favored by three points.

However, the road has been tough for many teams in 2011. Iowa is 6-0 at Kinnick this year, but 0-3 on the road. Michigan State has lost twice on the road this season with a non-conference game at Notre Dame, then at Nebraska in Big Ten play.

The quarterbacks will be a key position to watch in the Iowa-MSU match up. Senior #8 Kirk Cousins leads the Spartans offensive attack. Last year in Iowa City, Cousins had his worse game, according to Phil Steele, with three interceptions, with two that lead to 13 first half points for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is lead at quarterback by a first year starter, in junior #16 James Vandenberg.

Offensively, Iowa has three of the top performers statistically in the Big Ten, with Vandenberg at QB, sophomore RB #34 Marcus Coker and senior WR #7 Marvin McNutt. Michigan State has one of the Big Ten's best defensive squads. In Iowa's road loss at Penn State, defensive strength from the Nittany Lions kept the Iowa offense off track all game, in a 13-3 loss. Will another top defense cause Iowa problems? With the game at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa's offense should play better? If they are going to defeat Michigan State, they will have to or it could be a long day for the Hawkeyes.

On defense, Michigan State is lead by super sophomores, like DE #2 William Gholston, LB #28 Denicos Allen and CB #31 Darqueze Dennard, all first year starters. Junior DT #99 Jerel Worthy is outstanding, along with two other returning starters in a strong Spartan defensive line. Junior CB #5 Johnny Adams is another good player for the Spartans to keep an eye on.

Success at Kinnick Stadium will start with the play of the offensive and defensive lines. The Iowa-MSU game should be a very physical game. The victory will most likely go to the team that establishes the better line play, whether that be on offense or on defense. Special teams will also be an important aspect of the game.

Senior Day at Kinnick, with a look at the Big Ten statistical breakdown: Iowa vs. MSU:

SCORING OFFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
5. Iowa 5 17 5 17 0 0 0 134 26.8
8. Michigan State 5 14 3 12 1 0 1 109 21.8

MSU is weakest scoring offense of Iowa, UNL and Purdue

SCORING DEFENSE G TD FG XPT 2XP DXP Saf Points Avg/G
t3. Michigan State 5 13 3 13 0 0 0 100 20.0
6. Iowa 5 13 6 10 0 0 0 106 21.2

Strongest scoring defense of teams left for Iowa

TOTAL OFFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
6. Iowa 5 842 994 294 1836 6.2 16 367.2
9. Michigan State 5 600 1042 308 1642 5.3 12 328.4

Iowa beat #2 Northwestern and #3 Michigan and #8 IU at Kinnick in B1G

TOTAL DEFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Avg/G
3. Michigan State 5 647 909 338 1556 4.6 13 311.2
8. Iowa 5 906 1092 367 1998 5.4 13 399.6

Illinois ranks best in this stat, with PSU #2 and MSU #3. Michigan is #4.

RUSHING OFFENSE G Att Yards Avg. TD Yards/G
8. Iowa 5 177 842 4.8 8 168.4
12. Michigan State 5 160 600 3.8 4 120.0

How well will MSU run the ball at Kinnick? Could be biggest factor in game?

RUSHING DEFENSE G Att Yards Avg. TD Yards/G
3. Michigan State 5 214 647 3.0 5 129.4
8. Iowa 5 211 906 4.3 5 181.2

PSU ranks #1 and Michigan ranks #2. Iowa appears to be improving in run offense. Will Iowa show another back vs. MSU? Or, will it continue to be all Marcus Coker attacking MSU's run defense?

PASS OFFENSE G Comp Att Int Pct. Yards Avg. TD Avg/G
5. Michigan State 5 89 148 3 60.1 1042 7.0 8 208.4
6. Iowa 5 73 117 3 62.4 994 8.5 8 198.8

Iowa beat the #1 Northwestern and #3 Michigan at home. Didn't play UW or Illinois.


PASS DEFENSE G Comp Att Int Pct. Yards Avg. TD Avg/G
4. Michigan State 5 64 124 7 51.6 909 7.3 8 181.8
11. Iowa 5 97 156 3 62.2 1092 7.0 8 218.4

#11 and #12 Iowa and Northwestern, respectively pulled off big wins this past weekend.

PASS EFFICIENCY Offense G Comp Att Int Pct. Yards TD Effic.
3. Iowa 5 73 117 3 62.4 994 8 151.2
6. Michigan State 5 89 148 3 60.1 1042 8 133.1

Big game for James Vandenberg vs. MSU.

PASS DEFENSE EFFIC. G Comp Att Int Pct. Yards TD Effic.
6. Michigan State 5 64 124 7 51.6 909 8 123.2
9. Iowa 5 97 156 3 62.2 1092 8 134.1

Purdue and Nebraska rank better in this category.

KICKOFF RETURNS G No. Yards TD Avg.
5. Iowa 5 17 392 0 23.1
7. Michigan State 5 19 417 0 21.9

Field position is always important and Iowa's coverage units have been improving, since ISU game.

PUNT RETURN AVG G No. Yards TD Avg.
3. Michigan State 5 11 109 1 9.9
8. Iowa 5 4 19 0 4.8

Micah Hyde is getting more comfortable and made some big catches on windy day at Kinnick vs. Michigan. Iowa needs to make sure this isn't an area where MSU shines.

INTERCEPTIONS G No. Yards TD Avg.
2. Michigan State 5 7 70 1 10.0
8. Iowa 5 3 103 1 34.3

PSU leads the B1G. Iowa's offense needs to avoid mistakes. Turnovers helped Iowa this past weekend.

PUNTING G No. Yards Avg/P Ret. Avg. TB Net/P
4. Iowa 5 14 535 38.2 16 1.1 1 35.6
9. Michigan State 5 28 1073 38.3 74 2.6 2 34.2

Field position game is always important for Iowa.

KICKOFF COVERAGE G No. Yards Avg. Return TB Net Avg.
3. Michigan State 5 21 1356 64.6 279 6 45.6
6. Iowa 5 27 1655 61.3 455 0 44.4

MSU has 6 TBs to Iowa's 0 in B1G play this year.

FIELD GOALS G Made-Att Pct.
8. Iowa 5 5-7 .714
11. Michigan State 5 3-5 .600

In close games, Alabama witnessed how important FGs can be in last night's game vs. LSU.

PAT KICKING G Made-Att Pct.
t1. Iowa 5 17-17 1.000
Michigan State 5 12-12 1.000

Iowa has been scoring more TDs, basically one more per game than MSU in the B1G.

SACKS BY G No. Yards
1. Michigan State 5 21 151
12. Iowa 5 6 56

Night and day differences when it comes to sacks and pressuring the QB.

SACKS AGAINST G No. Yards
t5. Michigan State 5 10 61
8. Iowa 5 14 107

Which O-Line protects better on Saturday?

FIRST DOWNS G Rush Pass Pen Total Avg/G
8. Iowa 5 46 40 5 91 18.2
10. Michigan State 5 28 47 5 80 16.0

Big plays on offense are always important in games.

OPPONENT 1ST DOWNS G Rush Pass Pen Total Avg/G
7. Michigan State 5 36 45 14 95 19.0
9. Iowa 5 51 54 6 111 22.2

Iowa gives up first downs, but can they hold down the big plays?

3RD-DOWN CONVERSIONS G Conv. Att. Pct.
6. Iowa 5 22 54 40.7
10. Michigan State 5 25 71 35.2

First and second down will be important on Saturday.

OPP 3RD-DN CONVERT G Conv. Att. Pct.
3. Michigan State 5 24 69 34.8
10. Iowa 5 38 77 49.4

Michigan is #2 in this category, next up Michigan State.

4TH-DOWN CONVERSIONS G Conv. Att. Pct.
9. Iowa 5 4 9 44.4
10. Michigan State 5 3 7 42.9

Both coaches are likely conservative on 4th down.

OPP 4TH-DN CONVERT G Conv. Att. Pct.
t3. Michigan State 5 3 7 42.9
10. Iowa 5 6 8 75.0

Hopefully for Iowa, it will not come done to 4Th down conversions?

PENALTIES G No. Yards Avg/G
1. Iowa 5 22 153 30.6
10. Michigan State 5 33 308 61.6

MSU isn't dirty and physical are they?

OPPONENT PENALTIES G No. Yards Avg/G
2. Michigan State 5 37 293 58.6
5. Iowa 5 29 255 51.0

Who will play more sound on Saturday? Michigan leads B1G in this stat.

TIME OF POSSESSION G Poss. Time Avg/G
t7. Michigan State 5 144:37 28:55
11. Iowa 5 136:54 27:22

Opponent offenses are keeping the ball longer vs. each.

Gained Lost
TURNOVER MARGIN G Fumb Int Total Fumb Int Total Margin Per/G
t4. Iowa 5 3 3 6 2 3 5 +1 0.20
t9. Michigan State 5 0 7 7 5 3 8 -1 -0.20

Huge stat typically, in a game where Iowa has won at Kinnick every game, even OT games, since 1989.

Red Zone Touchdowns Field Goals Lost possession
RED ZONE OFFENSE G Scores-Chances Pct. TDs Rush-Pass Made-Att Fumb Int. Downs Other
5. Iowa 5 15-18 83.3 11 8-3 4-6 1 0 0 0
11. Michigan State 5 8-11 72.7 7 2-5 1-1 0 1 2 0

Only Nebraksa is better (#5) in red zone offense in the Legends.

Red Zone Touchdowns Field Goals Lost possession
RED ZONE DEFENSE G Scores-Chances Pct. TDs Rush-Pass Made-Att Fumb Int. Downs Other
2. Iowa 5 17-24 70.8 12 5-7 5-5 0 3 3 1
8. Michigan State 5 11-13 84.6 8 4-4 3-4 0 0 1 0

Iowa leads defenses in the Legends in this category now.

ON-SIDE KICKS BY G On-side Pct.
t2.Michigan State 5 0-0 0.0
Iowa 5 0-0 0.0

ON-SIDE KICKS AGAINST G On-side Pct.
1. Michigan State 5 0-1 0.0
12. Iowa 5 1-3 33.3

Hopefully, Iowa will not need a onside kick to win.

RUSHING Cl G Att. Yards Avg. TD Long Avg/G
1. Coker, Marcus-IOWA SO 5 124 721 5.8 8 50 144.2
9. Bell, Le'Veon-MSU SO 5 64 311 4.9 2 35 62.2

A healthy Marcus Coker has emerged in conference play.

PASSING AVG/GAME Cl G Comp-Att-Int Pct. Yards TD Long Avg/G
4. Cousins, Kirk-MSU SR 5 89 - 148 - 3 60.1 1042 8 69 208.4
5. Vandenberg, J.-IOWA JR 5 73 - 117 - 3 62.4 994 8 80 198.8

Which QB will have more success on Saturday?

PASS EFFICIENCY Cl G Comp-Att-Int Pct. Yards TD Long Effic.
3. Vandenberg, J.-IOWA JR 5 73 - 117 - 3 62.4 994 8 80 151.2
7. Cousins, Kirk-MSU SR 5 89 - 148 - 3 60.1 1042 8 69 133.1

Iowa just faced the #6 QB in this category with D. Robinson.

RECEPTIONS/GAME Cl G Rec. Yards TD Long Avg/C Avg/G Rec/G
3. McNutt, Marvin-IOWA SR 5 32 546 5 80 17.1 109.2 6.4
4. Martin, Keshawn-MSU SR 5 25 252 3 25 10.1 50.4 5.0
t7. Cunningham, B.-MSU SR 5 22 399 2 69 18.1 79.8 4.4

When Iowa wins, Vandenberg and the offense usually find a way to get the ball to McNutt.

RECEIVE YDS/GAME Cl G Rec. Yards TD Long Rec/G Avg/C Avg/G
2. McNutt, Marvin-IOWA SR 5 32 546 5 80 6.4 17.1 109.2
4. Cunningham, B.-MSU SR 5 22 399 2 69 4.4 18.1 79.8
8. Davis, Keenan-IOWA JR 4 13 229 1 47 3.2 17.6 57.2

The return of Keenan Davis was big in win over Michigan.

TOTAL OFFENSE Cl G Rush Pass Plays Total Yds/G
8. Vandenberg, J.-IOWA JR 5 28 994 151 1022 204.4
9. Cousins, Kirk-MSU SR 5 -45 1042 164 997 199.4

SCORING Cl G TD FG XPT 2XP Pts Pts/G
t2. Coker, Marcus-IOWA SO 5 8 0 0 0 48 9.6
10. Meyer, Mike-IOWA SO 5 0 5 17 0 32 6.4

Iowa needs both these players producing, if they are going to surpass MSU.

SCORING (TDs) Cl G TD Rush Pass Ret. PAT Pts Pts/G
t2. Coker, Marcus-IOWA SO 5 8 8 0 0 0 48 9.6
t4. McNutt, Marvin-IOWA SR 5 5 0 5 0 0 30 6.0

Iowa has a one-two punch on offense, as long as Vandenberg has offense in sync.

SCORING (KICK) Cl G PATs FGs Pts Pts/G
7. Meyer, Mike-IOWA SO 5 17-17 5-7 32 6.4
10. Conroy, Dan-MSU JR 5 12-12 3-5 21 4.2

As Alabama found out vs. LSU and Iowa vs. Minnesota, you have to execute and put points on the board.

PUNT RETURN AVG Cl G No. Yards TD Long Avg.
2. Martin, Keshawn-MSU SR 5 10 73 0 15 7.3

Iowa has dipped in this category. How many games has Martin played vs. Iowa in his career?

KICK RETURN AVG Cl G No. Yards TD Long Avg.
4. Bernstine, J.-IOWA SR 5 12 300 0 62 25.0
7. Hill, Nick-MSU FR 5 16 364 0 62 22.8

Each has a 62 yard return... which KOR team will play better on Saturday?

ALL PURPOSE Cl G Rush Rcv PR KR Yards Yards/G
3. Coker, Marcus-IOWA SO 5 721 38 0 0 759 151.8
9. McNutt, Marvin-IOWA SR 5 26 546 0 14 586 117.2

Does Iowa get on sync agaisnt defensive minded MSU team?

PUNTING Cl G No. Yards Long Avg.
6. Sadler, Mike-MSU FR 5 28 1073 51 38.3
7. Guthrie, Eric-IOWA SR 5 14 535 49 38.2

Coverage units need to step up in this game.

FIELD GOALS Cl G Made Att. Pct. Made/G
6. Meyer, Mike-IOWA SO 5 5 7 71.4 1.00
t9. Conroy, Dan-MSU JR 5 3 5 60.0 0.60

Will this game come down to the little things, such as a FG?

FIELD GOAL PCT Cl G Made Att. Long Pct.
6. Meyer, Mike-IOWA SO 5 5 7 47 71.4
9. Conroy, Dan-MSU JR 5 3 5 50 60.0

Iowa and MSU both typically are sound in special teams.

PAT KICKING PCT Cl G Made Att. Pct.
t1. Meyer, Mike-IOWA SO 5 17 17 100.0
Conroy, Dan-MSU JR 5 12 12 100.0

In the Iowa-Michigan game, we witnessed how important an XP can be.

TACKLES (All positions) Cl G Pos. Solo Ast. Total Avg/G Sacks
5. Morris, James-IOWA SO 4 LB 21 23 44 11.0 0.0
8. Gholston, W.-MSU SO 4 DE 15 22 37 9.2 3.0
10. Nielsen, Tyler-IOWA SR 4 LB 16 18 34 8.5 1.0
t11. Bernstine, J.-IOWA SR 5 DB 18 24 42 8.4 0.0
Kirksey, C.-IOWA SO 5 LB 23 19 42 8.4 0.0
t17. Lewis, Isaiah-MSU SO 5 17 21 38 7.6 0.0
Miller, Tanner-IOWA SO 5 DB 28 10 38 7.6 0.0
t23. Bullough, Max-MSU SO 5 LB 11 23 34 6.8 1.5
t36. Robinson, T.-MSU SR 5 19 12 31 6.2 0.0

Sophomores lead MSU in defense.

SACKS Cl G Pos. Solo Ast. Yards Total Avg/G
t2. Allen, Denicos-MSU SO 5 LB 4 2 38 5.0 1.00
11. Gholston, W.-MSU SO 4 DE 2 2 20 3.0 0.75
t14. Binns, B.-IOWA SR 5 DL 2 1 21 2.5 0.50
t17. Adams, Johnny-MSU JR 5 CB 2 0 18 2.0 0.40
Rush, Marcus-MSU FR 5 DE 2 0 17 2.0 0.40

MSU will get pressure from a variety of players over the defense. Iowa needs Binns to play solid again and other players to step up in game vs. MSU.

TACKLES FOR LOSS Cl G Pos. Solo Ast. Yards Total Avg/G
7. Gholston, W.-MSU SO 4 DE 6 3 29 7.5 1.88
t10. Allen, Denicos-MSU SO 5 LB 4 4 40 6.0 1.20
Binns, B.-IOWA SR 5 DL 5 2 32 6.0 1.20
19. Rush, Marcus-MSU FR 5 DE 4 1 21 4.5 0.90

TFL will help defenses get off the field and force offenses to get behind the sticks. What will we see Saturday?

PASSES DEFENDED Cl G BrUp Int. Total Avg/G
t1. Hyde, Micah-IOWA JR 5 4 1 5 1.00
Robinson, T.-MSU SR 5 2 3 5 1.00
t8. Binns, B.-IOWA SR 5 4 0 4 0.80
t16. Lowery, B.J.-IOWA SO 4 3 0 3 0.75

Iowa needs some breaks in pass defense to continue.

INTERCEPTIONS Cl G No. Yards TD Long Avg/G
1. Robinson, T.-MSU SR 5 3 6 0 6 0.60
t3. Lewis, Isaiah-MSU SO 5 2 39 1 39 0.40

MSU has two ball hawks in pass defense. Iowa needs to step up and likely force some, if they plan to upset MSU.

FUMBLES FORCED Cl G No. Avg/G
t7. Nielsen, Tyler-IOWA SR 4 1 0.25
Gholston, W.-MSU SO 4 1 0.25

Forcing turnovers... big for Iowa and MSU on occassion!

FUMBLES RECOVERED Cl G No. Avg/G
t3. Nielsen, Tyler-IOWA SR 4 1 0.25
t7. Bigach, Steve-IOWA JR 5 1 0.20

Defense often wins championships. The Legends division race will be on the line at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. Who steps up?

Iowa has won 16 of last 21 finales at home. Iowa has had MSU's number at Kinnick, since 1989. Kirk Cousins had worse game of his career at Iowa LY in 37-6 loss. Cousins threw three INTs leading to 13 Iowa points.

MSU has a new OC this year and 3 of 5 new starters in offensive line, so those two areas likely are part of MSU's dip in offense in 2011. Iowa's defense has dipped due to loss of talent to NFL and graduation.

Iowa 27, MSU 22 when looking at B1G games
How much will Kinnick be worth for Iowa? 5 points?
MSU opponents 20, Iowa opponents 21 games

Numbers are good for Iowa, but MSU has played better opponents? We shall see, our game prediction is Iowa 27, Michigan State 22.