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Michigan fan with a question

It will never matter to me how great we are playing and/or how bad Iowa is playing, any time we go to Kinnick Stadium I am worried. Iowa always tends to ride to the occasion against us. This is going to be the toughest game thus far
 
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What exactly are you "saving" it for? I made no predictions as to how either of the teams would perform dimwit. I merely pointed out that your explanation as to why all of Iowa's Offensive Stats - every single one - are bottom of the barrel nationally is bullshit and utterly irrelevant to the stats being awful. Getting lots of "short fields" from the defense does not explain why Iowa is 113th in the country out of 130 FBS schools in Yards Per Offensive Play! The only thing that explains such a thing is crappy offense. In fact, being 113th out of 130 schools in this critical offensive stat defines precisely how bad Iowa's offense has been y-t-d.
I think this is over simplifying it. The stats are crappy, everyone agrees with that. There most certainly are factors that are playing into those crappy stats. The main factor (other than work in progress) IMO is game control. When Iowa's defense and special teams are controlling the game, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to take chances on offense. That means running the ball or using short passes and running clock. You aren't good at math if you don't understand how that can affect yards per play stats, right? When you run the ball into a 9 or 10 man box you aren't going to gain any yards (and you are probably going to lose yards) but guess what, the clock runs, there was no INT, so all is good ... but those "yards per play" numbers sure take a hit. This is one example.

With that said, the Iowa O is still very much a work in progress. The OL has been shuffling, the QB is still inconsistent (but getting better) and there has been dropped balls by the WRs and TEs and backs (mostly earlier in the year). All that has also contributed to the bad numbers (been the main reason actually).

I think that is all most of the Iowa fans have been saying when they say "yes but" when the offensive stats argument comes up.

Take care guys. Safe travels and hope everyone comes out of the game in good shape physically. We have a re-match to worry about ;-).
 
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I will save this post for Saturday night. You may wonder what the hell happened. I've seen this movie before.
I've seen it before too.



 
It will never matter to me how great we are playing and/or how bad Iowa is playing, any time we go to Kinnick Stadium I am worried. Iowa always tends to ride to the occasion against us. This is going to be the toughest game thus far
They rise to the occasion but don't win. Franklin is 4-1 against Iowa with the lone loss being a covid loss.
 
Playing at Iowa is tuff. If this was a home game I wouldn't be all that concerned. Iowa has beaten their fare share of teams loaded with NFL talent at home.
 
I think this is over simplifying it. The stats are crappy, everyone agrees with that. There most certainly are factors that are playing into those crappy stats. The main factor (other than work in progress) IMO is game control. When Iowa's defense and special teams are controlling the game, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to take chances on offense. That means running the ball or using short passes and running clock. You aren't good at math if you don't understand how that can affect yards per play stats, right? When you run the ball into a 9 or 10 man box you aren't going to gain any yards (and you are probably going to lose yards) but guess what, the clock runs, there was no INT, so all is good ... but those "yards per play" numbers sure take a hit. This is one example.

With that said, the Iowa O is still very much a work in progress. The OL has been shuffling, the QB is still inconsistent (but getting better) and there has been dropped balls by the WRs and TEs and backs (mostly earlier in the year). All that has also contributed to the bad numbers (been the main reason actually).

I think that is all most of the Iowa fans have been saying when they say "yes but" when the offensive stats argument comes up.

Take care guys. Safe travels and hope everyone comes out of the game in good shape physically. We have a re-match to worry about ;-).

Really? You were trying to "run clock" against Colorado State when you were trailing at the half 14-7??? Colorado State is 1-3 to-date - not a good team at all. Yet they held Iowa's offense to 278 yards of offense and held Iowa's rushing attack to 54 yards on 32 rushing attempts! Iowa State held Iowa's Offense to 179 yards on 60 Offensive plays! (Iowa State held Iowa's running attack to 67 yards on 39 carries!).

Given that I have a Masters Degree in statistics, I think I understand simple math pretty well.... I also understand bullshit when I see it.
 
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I wouldn't be surprised if these offenses find some things they can do against these defenses. PSU showed a little vulnerability to deep sideline throws against IU when they were in single coverage. And Iowa's scheme can sometimes be broken down by throwing to TEs and backs (which PSU has the personnel to do).

Both offenses are similar in 2-0 B1G games. Iowa is #7, Penn State is #8 running the ball, and PSU is #7 and Iowa is #8 passing the ball.

QB Sean Clifford needs to perform better at Iowa, than last week. QB Spencer Petras needs to keep building on getting better week to week, as his numbers have shown.

WR #6 Keagan Johnson has 2 catches for 92 yards, 1 TD. He has played in every game, but he was only targeted in one game at Kinnick. True freshman. Dad was a Husker WR for their great teams in mid-1990s.

Petras on intermediate and long passes in first 4 games was not much different than Tagovailoa for Maryland. Where Maryland shined was in short and quick routes, including YAC.

Both Sean Clifford and Spencer Petras are 1-0 in this series as starting QBs. Will Levis got start in last year's game that Iowa lead 24-7 at half. Last week, Petras fueled by TOs had Iowa up 34-7 at half at Maryland.

Two years ago, it was 7-6 Penn State at half. Iowa is better in the middle OL this year, but had some injuries there at beginning of season.

Both teams have outstanding punters. So, expect a field position game. Iowa longest drive was a 20 play, 95 yard drive in the 2nd Qtr.

At Iowa State, Petras' best quarter was 2nd quarter, 14-3 lead. It was 14-10 at half. Two good drives. One was less than 50 yards, when Iowa flipped with an interception.

Ultimately, both offenses need to work from the field possession the special teams and defense gives them. Both teams have similar punt return performers. Iowa WR #16 Charlie Jones was all-Big Ten last year. He now is playing more as a WR, since Ihmir Smith-Marsette is with Vikings.

These are two good teams. Both are one solid win streaks of 11 and 9, respectively. Penn State has won every game, since 0-5 last year, and loss to Iowa in Happy Valley. No team has done, since Tennessee in 1989.

By the way, Week 6, Tennessee lost on the road to the #10 team in 1989.

I expect a game similar to Iowa at Iowa State or Penn State at Wisconsin. Field position game.

We shall see how it plays out, but Petras is in Year 2 as a starter. Former QB Nate Stanley was 0-3 vs. Penn State. Petras is making throws Stanley missed on. Petras scored on a QB run against Penn State last year. He had two last week, but Clifford will make more run plays outside the pocket.

It should be a good one at Kinnick, just like the 1985 game. Ironically, Iowa beat Michigan by 26 points the previous year. The 1 vs 2 game was a one possession game.
 
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I think this is over simplifying it. The stats are crappy, everyone agrees with that. There most certainly are factors that are playing into those crappy stats. The main factor (other than work in progress) IMO is game control. When Iowa's defense and special teams are controlling the game, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to take chances on offense. That means running the ball or using short passes and running clock. You aren't good at math if you don't understand how that can affect yards per play stats, right? When you run the ball into a 9 or 10 man box you aren't going to gain any yards (and you are probably going to lose yards) but guess what, the clock runs, there was no INT, so all is good ... but those "yards per play" numbers sure take a hit. This is one example.

With that said, the Iowa O is still very much a work in progress. The OL has been shuffling, the QB is still inconsistent (but getting better) and there has been dropped balls by the WRs and TEs and backs (mostly earlier in the year). All that has also contributed to the bad numbers (been the main reason actually).

I think that is all most of the Iowa fans have been saying when they say "yes but" when the offensive stats argument comes up.

Take care guys. Safe travels and hope everyone comes out of the game in good shape physically. We have a re-match to worry about ;-).
Reminds me of the Miss St bowl game where we had no chance to run against their DL. We ran into a brick wall about 10 times in a row and played the field position game. Got VandeBerg in space and gone. Then they had to respect the pass game and the run game opened. Those mighty bastards went down in defeat. Not fancy or sexy but yard stats clearly mean nothing to KF. Not turning the ball over and letting the punter pin the opponent is a winning formula. I just think Mr. PSU will be surprised that Iowa's offense will be better than they expect. It won't make you think it is 2019 LSU or any Alabama team but they have a sneaky way of getting ahead and then sucking the life out of the opponent as the game moves on. And while no one wants either side to have anyone get hurt, a key injury could be the difference but that is nothing you can really predict. In closing, Iowa never has very impressive offensive stats outside of 2002. They have been a consistent winner and one of the better BIG teams for a real long time. It isn't an accident or luck.
 
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You might want to check our record against them since 2004 game that ended in infamous 6-4 defeat. They have beaten us 8 or 9 times I believe
In the last seven games, PSU is 6-1.
In the last 10 games, PSU is 6-4

The PSU didn't do well against Iowa in the "Dark Years". But the Dark Years are ancient history at this point.

Franklin has shown he can win in Kinnick. Some of these players have won in Kinnick (some of them twice). What happened in 2003 doesn't matter much at this point.
 
Really? You were trying to "run clock" against Colorado State when you were trailing at the half 14-7??? Colorado State is 1-3 to-date - not a good team at all. Yet they held Iowa's offense to 278 yards of offense and held Iowa's rushing attack to 54 yards on 32 rushing attempts! Iowa State held Iowa's Offense to 179 yards on 60 Offensive plays! (Iowa State held Iowa's running attack to 67 yards on 39 carries!).

Given that I have a Masters Degree in statistics, I think I understand simple math pretty well.... I also understand bullshit when I see it.
I have already talked about the CSU game in another thread (since you have a masters degree, I trust you should be able to find it). CSU was stacking the box and run blitzing. Nice defense if you can stop teams from going over the top. Iowa had one long TB pass and a couple other nice long over the top chunk plays as well (one was nullified by a Petras INT a few plays later), so that was actual progress for the Iowa O if you are looking at silver linings in that crap game. It wasn't a great day for Iowa on several fronts.

In the IU and ISU games you damn right they were running clock. After getting up 2 scores in both games they could afford it (just don't screw things up ... that might have been a better plan for PSU and Clifford at the beginning of 2020 no?). The Maryland game the O played well, but hey, Maryland sucks I guess so that doesn't count LOL (and they were running clock pretty much starting midway through the 3rd quarter). That is the game where short field really comes into play.

Anyway, you give Iowa's offense zero credit, that is fine ... you'll see a better offense than you expect on Saturday night. They are moving in the right direction ... and BTW, what juggernaut offenses has PSU played so far?
 
Auburn is ranked 17th in the country in total offense which is higher than anyone Iowa has played.
Did you see who Auburn ran up those numbers against? Alabama State, Akron and Georgia St.

 
What exactly are you "saving" it for? I made no predictions as to how either of the teams would perform dimwit. I merely pointed out that your explanation as to why all of Iowa's Offensive Stats - every single one - are bottom of the barrel nationally is bullshit and utterly irrelevant to the stats being awful. Getting lots of "short fields" from the defense does not explain why Iowa is 113th in the country out of 130 FBS schools in Yards Per Offensive Play! The only thing that explains such a thing is crappy offense. In fact, being 113th out of 130 schools in this critical offensive stat defines precisely how bad Iowa's offense has been y-t-d.
He's going to do what most all message board posters do. Make a stupid statement and if by some fluke they win, they'll come back and proclaim how right they are. And if/when they lose, you'll never hear from him again. A typical Iowa inferiority complex poster.
 
Both offenses are similar in 2-0 B1G games. Iowa is #7, Penn State is #8 running the ball, and PSU is #7 and Iowa is #8 passing the ball.

QB Sean Clifford needs to perform better at Iowa, than last week. QB Spencer Petras needs to keep building on getting better week to week, as his numbers have shown.

WR #6 Keagan Johnson has 2 catches for 92 yards, 1 TD. He has played in every game, but he was only targeted in one game at Kinnick. True freshman. Dad was a Husker WR for their great teams in mid-1990s.

Petras on intermediate and long passes in first 4 games was not much different than Tagovailoa for Maryland. Where Maryland shined was in short and quick routes, including YAC.

Both Sean Clifford and Spencer Petras are 1-0 in this series as starting QBs. Will Levis got start in last year's game that Iowa lead 24-7 at half. Last week, Petras fueled by TOs had Iowa up 34-7 at half at Maryland.

Two years ago, it was 7-6 Penn State at half. Iowa is better in the middle OL this year, but had some injuries there at beginning of season.

Both teams have outstanding punters. So, expect a field position game. Iowa longest drive was a 20 play, 95 yard drive in the 2nd Qtr.

At Iowa State, Petras' best quarter was 2nd quarter, 14-3 lead. It was 14-10 at half. Two good drives. One was less than 50 yards, when Iowa flipped with an interception.

Ultimately, both offenses need to work from the field possession the special teams and defense gives them. Both teams have similar punt return performers. Iowa WR #16 Charlie Jones was all-Big Ten last year. He now is playing more as a WR, since Ihmir Smith-Marsette is with Vikings.

These are two good teams. Both are one solid win streaks of 11 and 9, respectively. Penn State has won every game, since 0-5 last year, and loss to Iowa in Happy Valley. No team has done, since Tennessee in 1989.

By the way, Week 6, Tennessee lost on the road to the #10 team in 1989.

I expect a game similar to Iowa at Iowa State or Penn State at Wisconsin. Field position game.

We shall see how it plays out, but Petras is in Year 2 as a starter. Former QB Nate Stanley was 0-3 vs. Penn State. Petras is making throws Stanley missed on. Petras scored on a QB run against Penn State last year. He had two last week, but Clifford will make more run plays outside the pocket.

It should be a good one at Kinnick, just like the 1985 game. Ironically, Iowa beat Michigan by 26 points the previous year. The 1 vs 2 game was a one possession game.

Both teams have played 5 games to-date (a much more robust data set than the numbers you're cherry-picking) and the two teams Offensive numbers, especially YPP, are not remotely similar, you're bullshit notwithstanding. LMAO
 
Both teams have played 5 games to-date (a much more robust data set than the numbers you're cherry-picking) and the two teams Offensive numbers, especially YPP, are not remotely similar, you're bullshit notwithstanding. LMAO

It's about conference play. Agree to disagree, but it is the 9 games that matter most. The preseason is important to get the 6+ but it is about games that count towards Indianapolis.
 
It's about conference play. Agree to disagree, but it is the 9 games that matter most. The preseason is important to get the 6+ but it is about games that count towards Indianapolis.

No, you're full of shit - all games count toward your average season stats. By the way genius, all games count toward your chances to make the CFB Invitational Tournament. But to say that a teams average offensive stats in all 5 games (334 Offensive Plays in Iowa's case) is less statistically meaningful than their stats in two games (144 Offensive Plays in Iowa's case) is just absurd bullshit.
 
He's going to do what most all message board posters do. Make a stupid statement and if by some fluke they win, they'll come back and proclaim how right they are. And if/when they lose, you'll never hear from him again. A typical Iowa inferiority complex poster.
I don't think Iowa has to feel a lot of inferiority at all. We have become a force. My biggest concern is that I think you have a really good coach and staff. Obviously talented but if Iowa has not figured out how to beat 'more talented' teams then we would be Illinois.
 
No, you're full of shit - all games count toward your average season stats. By the way genius, all games count toward your chances to make the CFB Invitational Tournament. But to say that a teams average offensive stats in all 5 games (334 Offensive Plays in Iowa's case) is less statistically meaningful than their stats in two games (144 Offensive Plays in Iowa's case) is just absurd bullshit.
So what is your score? 27-16 IOWA is mine. I would not be shocked in the least if we hang 34. But KF generally keeps the game low and close in BIG TIME games against the best. But this is a great week to show our cards in light of how nationally pundits and fans think our offense is pure trash. We score just enough and sometimes KF wants it that way. Other times (like USC and Maryland) he likes to pour it on. The offense isn't great. But definitely good enough. We have made a living on great D and good enough O.
 
I don't think Iowa has to feel a lot of inferiority at all. We have become a force. My biggest concern is that I think you have a really good coach and staff. Obviously talented but if Iowa has not figured out how to beat 'more talented' teams then we would be Illinois.
If you beat PSU you have a great chance to win out due to the weak B1G West. If you pull it off, hats off to you. But please explain how Iowa has "become a force". Your last conference title was shared with Michigan in 2004. The math on that is 17 years ago. The occasional home upset of a top ten team can make you feel good but a "force"?
 
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Iowa had a 'bad offense' in 2019 too until they opened up the playbook and hung 49 on USC, beating them with speed. This team has speed and playmakers that have been held back to show nothing much more than vanilla. Not saying Iowa has a great O but the reason we have such low yardage output is we get LOTS of short fields and don't get many penalties. Also, in the rare occasion our defense has a bad game (giving up 20 is bad for Iowa D), the offense tends to pick up the slack and play calling on O is a function of the defense and ST play.
This team has speed and playmakers that have been held back to show nothing much more than vanilla.

Saving the true Iowa for the NC game against Alabama, I see. That Ferentz is a fox, that's for sure.
 
If you beat PSU you have a great chance to win out due to the weak B1G West. If you pull it off, hats off to you. But please explain how Iowa has "become a force". Your last conference title was shared with Michigan in 2004. The math on that is 17 years ago. The occasional home upset of a top ten team can make you feel good but a "force"?
Really? I never ever said elite. But a force. Tough. Not an easy win even in bad years. How do we get our asses whooped by you in 2016 (last time we were blown out) then knock off 3 Michigan the very next week at home? That was a bad year for us and still found a way to be relevant as a force but not elite. Then you get years like this when we can be elite for the year. 2012 was trash for us. Other than that, how long has it been since Iowa was the easy win on the schedule? We are on or close to PSU level more often than not. Do you think Iowa averages out as 11th of 14th over the past 20 years? If so, you're misinformed.
 
Really? I never ever said elite. But a force. Tough. Not an easy win even in bad years. How do we get our asses whooped by you in 2016 (last time we were blown out) then knock off 3 Michigan the very next week at home? That was a bad year for us and still found a way to be relevant as a force but not elite. Then you get years like this when we can be elite for the year. 2012 was trash for us. Other than that, how long has it been since Iowa was the easy win on the schedule? We are on or close to PSU level more often than not. Do you think Iowa averages out as 11th of 14th over the past 20 years? If so, you're misinformed.
I never said elite either. Seriously, read a post before you get pissed about it. But if it makes you feel good, I'll say Iowa is awesome. A force. Amazing. Stupendous. Incredible. Fantastic. The toughest team in the land. But not elite. Better??
 
Really? I never ever said elite. But a force. Tough. Not an easy win even in bad years. How do we get our asses whooped by you in 2016 (last time we were blown out) then knock off 3 Michigan the very next week at home? That was a bad year for us and still found a way to be relevant as a force but not elite. Then you get years like this when we can be elite for the year. 2012 was trash for us. Other than that, how long has it been since Iowa was the easy win on the schedule? We are on or close to PSU level more often than not. Do you think Iowa averages out as 11th of 14th over the past 20 years? If so, you're misinformed.
Do you realize that no one cares about you or what you post?
 
This team has speed and playmakers that have been held back to show nothing much more than vanilla.

Saving the true Iowa for the NC game against Alabama, I see. That Ferentz is a fox, that's for sure.
Hey look, I don't like this. Any Iowa fan who never misses a play let alone a game will tell you it is like KF will open it up only if the D is off that day. Most times we really don't have to score a ton. KF could not give a crap usually about 'style points.' He is conservative at the core and yet once in awhile you see them just open it up and look as good as anyone. 2019 USC- Slovis is handling a sick Iowa D just fine. Puts 24 up by early 3rd (we have not given up more than 24 in 28 games in a row). Gets smashed and hurt his throwing shoulder when Iowa was up 31-24. How did Iowa get 31 in the 3rd? Because we had to score and not use our TOP killing clock and trying to string 15 plays on 70 yards drives. They were done, stayed at 24, we hung 49. How the game goes will dictate a lot of what Iowa does. If you are off on offense and our D is holding up like expected, we will kill clock and keep it close so long as we have a lead. Remember the 2 safeties we gave you in 2004? You could not do a thing on offense and 6 point was enough to hold up so KF played kill the clock.
 
Other than that, how long has it been since Iowa was the easy win on the schedule?

Hey look, I don't like this. Any Iowa fan who never misses a play let alone a game will tell you it is like KF will open it up only if the D is off that day. Most times we really don't have to score a ton. KF could not give a crap usually about 'style points.' He is conservative at the core and yet once in awhile you see them just open it up and look as good as anyone.

Conservative doesn't mean that you are constantly holding things back. If you want to say so for this year, by all means. We'll have that answer in less than 24 hours.

Years prior, you did what you could. You have been a very good team, but a force? No.

Agent of upset? Sure. And thank you for taking out Michigan in '16. That was necessary for us.
 
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Did you see who Auburn ran up those numbers against? Alabama State, Akron and Georgia St.


Auburn is over. Penn State is 2-0 and heading to Kinnick for a Big Ten game.

Iowa and Penn State are both good teams, as Kirk Ferentz shared.

Two Ohio youngsters going head to head with Iowa's DC and Penn State's OC.

Brent Pry and Brian Ferentz will go head to head playing calling, when Iowa is on offense.

Let's not forget special teams. Both teams respect and build on the importance of it.



I don't see 2004, 6-4 type game. I think it will be less than 62 points combined, like last year.

This game reminds me of Iowa's last Top 5 matchup in 2015. That was one physical game in Indianapolis. It should be a good one in Kinnick.

My first Iowa-PSU game, since 2010. The Iowa fans have witnessed two one possession losses in 2017 and 2019, like the first time I heard Iowa beat Penn State during my lifetime.



Again, I don't see that type of game, because these two teams are better than that. On Iowa. Beat State.



Welcome to Kinnick Stadium, if you have made the trip for tomorrow 👋🏼
 
Iowa has 10 blue chip players on the roster.

PSU has over 40.

Iowa is very well coached and that makes up for some talent deficiencies but (on paper) the talent level isn't even close.

Iowa is a VERY consistent 9 win team, year in and year out, which in this day in age is very impressive. They are not an elite level team. This year's team is slightly over achieving this year, although I would argue they haven't really played anyone yet (IU and ISU were over rated; KSU and CSU are cupcakes).

I will concede that we don't 100% know what this PSU team is yet (Wisconsin isn't as good as we thought, but Auburn appears to be pretty good). Maybe they can beat OSU and win the East.

We do know that PSU does not rely on turnovers (being +2.5 TO per game is not sustainable) to win games.

So it is possible that Iowa wins on Saturday. But I doubt it.
You could think the talent level isn't close if you just rely on recruiting ratings from high school. Every year teams like Penn St will have much higher ranked recruiting classes. Yet Iowa is tied with Clemson for 6th with current players on NFL rosters.
PSU may be more talented this year, we shall find out. But basing it solely off recruiting rankings from their high school days is not very accurate.
 
I don't think Iowa has to feel a lot of inferiority at all. We have become a force. My biggest concern is that I think you have a really good coach and staff. Obviously talented but if Iowa has not figured out how to beat 'more talented' teams then we would be Illinois.
You're hilarious. Your entire fanbase has always had an inferiority complex. You, you're just delusional.
 
You could think the talent level isn't close if you just rely on recruiting ratings from high school. Every year teams like Penn St will have much higher ranked recruiting classes. Yet Iowa is tied with Clemson for 6th with current players on NFL rosters.
PSU may be more talented this year, we shall find out. But basing it solely off recruiting rankings from their high school days is not very accurate.
Iowa does do a nice job of putting guys into the pros. But let's say both PSU and Iowa each end up with seven guys from our current rosters who make NFL squads (that just a total guess on my part, but let's roll with is for argument). The difference is the other 37 guys on the two deep. PSU's supporting cast and depth is more talented (on paper) than Iowa's. That obvious does not guarantee victory -- I'm just pointing out the roster differences.
 
Big game this weekend...everything i read on this game is about the iowa defense...What about PSU defense against iowa's offense, which to me is the biggest advantage in the game...Clifford is also the better QB and will rush for some yards when iowa is dropping back IMO
I am pretty confident that PSU wins this game. I'm not a believer in Iowa.
 
Especially if Clifford is done. Clifford was slicing up this defense

Pretty sure Clifford has bruised ribs from way he was gingerly walking and holding side while walking on sideline. If so, he's done for day - it's just really painful and you can't execute a throwing motion.
 
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