Phil likes the matchups in this game and Jed looks at the venue as his big factor.
based on actual performance to date, here is what most seem to be saying re match-ups:
based on actual performance to date, here is what most seem to be saying re match-ups:
- PSU run game vs Iowa = +++ advantage to Iowa. all 3 of our opponents have disrupted our run game. last year we ran well vs Iowa, but Iowa looks better on front 7, and our OL is struggling. QB running for PSU will be key. do we rush for over 100 yds total in game?
- PSU pass game vs Iowa = +++ advantage to PSU. not sure Iowa can cover our WR/TE and RB's.
- Iowa run game vs PSU = +++ advantage to Iowa. Iowa RB is a great back. we have had a very hard time stopping anyone running. our DE and LB positions are weak and get moved. key is if we can actually get some 3 and outs. so far we hardly ever get anyone 3 and out.
- Iowa pass game vs PSU = + small advantage Iowa. we are missing Reid and Amani at CB, so new guys are playing. Iowa QB is going to be good, and far better than anyone we have seen.
- STs = ++ advantage to PSU.
- Venue = +++ Iowa - this has been proven many times.
- Motivation = + Iowa
- Net = PSU wins if we make big plays in abundance and force some punting. If this looks like the Pitt or GS game on DEF, we will lose unless we can get at least a +TO margin to offset our issues. I cant buy the theory that we have been holding back a magical playbook and there will be all kinds of new things never seen. the Pitt game was in doubt and we had to fight for that game.