Game Week (UM) | Friday Afternoon Hawkeye Links

Just links...

Iowa vs. Michigan Predictions
Hawkmania - Rockin' Out, 1980's Hawkeye Style
Great Moments in Iowa-Michigan History, #1: Iowa 12, Michigan 10 (1985)
Video: Friday Four Downs
Hawkeyes hope ‘the script’ has happy ending
Michigan: Ten Things to Watch
Iowa-Creighton game likely for Wells Fargo Arena
BLACK HEART GOLD PODCAST 40: PRESENTING UBERPOD 2.0
McCaffery's Co-Chairs of Johnson County Relay For Life
Hawks will get taste of new Big House
Random player quotes from basketball media day
Julian Vandevelde to be featured on ESPN College Gameday
Michigan’s Rodriguez wants time Ferentz had
Great Moments in Iowa-Michigan History, #2: Iowa 34, Michigan 9 (2002)
Rested Iowa ready for road test
It’s party time for McCaffery, Hawkeyes
Did you know?: Week 7
Iowa at Michigan (What to expect)
Detroit News staffers predict U-M outcome
U-M vs. Iowa is big, but every game's big for Rich Rod
Bowen comfortable in new role with Iowa

Game Week (UM) | Prediction Time Plus Hawkeye Links

Denard.

Thankfully Michigan State held him in check last week, if you want to call it that. Robinson still accumulated a little over 300 yards total. What MSU did do was not allow Denard to control the game. I figured they would pound the ball and put together long scoring drives to keep the ball out of Denard's hands. They did that. They also hit on four plays of over 40 yards. Michigan's defense is what we thought it was, a sieve.

The Hawkeye defense will be tested, moreso the fans that sometimes can't stomach the bend-but-don't-break concept we'll see Saturday. The key containing Denard will be not allowing the big play. The Hawks will play the percentages and wait for him to make a mistake. Similar to what Michigan State was successful doing. MSU allowed Michigan to drive the field in short bouts and then Robinson turn it over when the field shortened, in the redzone.

Prior to the season I believed Michigan would hand Iowa their first loss. After the 2009 game in Kinnick I walked away extremely impressed with Michigan's athleticism and speed in the offensive backfield. The misdirection is still a key to their zone read option but the threat of the big gain is now Robinson instead of the running backs Michigan had last season.

Iowa's defensive line has to win their individual battles and maintain gap control. The Hawkeye line backers have to roam free and be careful to not overrun the wide sweeps because Robinson can cut back on a dime and has incredible speed that will lead to a quick six. The Hawkeye secondary has to be sound and can't get caught staring into the backfield. If they do Michigan's big wide receivers will be open on the streak when Robinson fakes the option and pulls up to pass.

In the end I think Iowa's defense does just enough to stall Denard and company and force enough turnovers to win this tough road test. The Hawkeyes will be able to loosen up the box by having success with the vertical passing game leaving ARob lanes to run. The Hawks will want to keep the defense fresh and put together long drives of runs and short crossing routes. The middle was wide open last year and it looked open still against MSU. Reisner time!

Final Score: Iowa 32 Michigan 20
MVP: Ricky Stanzi

Hawkeye Links,

Michigan injury report
Playing in Ann Arbor has big implications


As promised, more on Hawkeye Hoops Media Day:

2010 Hawkeye Basketball Media Day
10/14/2010: Iowa Media Day notebook
Keeler: Iowa’s McCaffery works hard to get word out
PHOTOS: Hawkeye media day
In it together
Iowa Men's Basketball Media Day
Future of in-state basketball games undetermined
Hoops: Player Quotes from Media Day
Carver sees happy days again
Hlas column: It’s high time that it’s go-time at Carver-Hawkeye

Game Week (UM) | Football Links and Hawkeye Hoops Media Day

Let's get started with news and stories coming from Iowa City and new Hawkeye basketball coach Fran McCaffery's Media Day.

Here is the link to Hawkeye Sports and McCaffery's complete transcript.

Also, from Hawk Central, Past Hawkeye basketball media days.

Hawkeye Basketball: Cartwright hoping third team also the last one
Iowa's McCaffery hoping to re-energize fan base


more to come later this evening...


Hawkeye Links,

Video: Iowa-Michigan prediction
No conference can match Big Ten in quarterback play
VIDEO: This week’s ‘The Keeler Show’
The Big Ten Betting Extravaganza: Week 7
Robinson's foes see shades of Randle El
Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez joins list of elusive QBs
Maize N Brew: Black Heart Gold Pants Q&A
10/14/2010: Talkin’ Hawks podcast (Iowa at Michigan)
POLL: Bring Us Your Iowa-Michigan Fears
What to watch in the Big Ten: Week 7
Iowa at Michigan: Statistics
Top Ten Reasons Why Iowa Will Lose to Michigan!
Fifth-year senior steps in when, where needed for Hawkeyes
Big Ten predictions: Week 7
Great Moments in Iowa-Michigan History, #3: Iowa 30, Michigan 27 (2003)
The Big Analysis — Michigan
On Iowa Podcast with Marc Morehouse and Scott Dochterman
Major challenges ahead for Iowa defense
The Matchups: Iowa v Michigan

Game Week (UM) | Ferentz Call-in Show Notes and Hawkeye Links

I'll have my own updates and some of the best of Twitter from Coach Ferentz's call-in show from Carloooos O'kelly's.

RT @marcmorehouse: I'm hearing that Kirk Ferentz got bumped on ESPN's College Football Live. Look for him tomorrow. Tune in, 2:30 central, I think.

RT @Andy_Hamilton: Iowa picked up its first 2011 wrestling commit tonight from 2x South Dakota state champ Kris Klapprodt. He's projected at 174/184.

RT @bvak: Dolph: Meyer at top of list for season's pleasant surprises.

RT @bvak: Dolph: Clayborn double and triple teams has opened it up for Ballard.

RT @bvak: Dolph: Morris never played MLB in high school.  Amazing accomplishment.  Will only get better.

RT @bvak: Dolph: Daniels not necessarily a pleasant surprise.  He saw it coming.  Has potential to be a Mitch King.

RT @bvak: Dolph: Stanzi just as good as Cousins.

Ferentz: I haven't paid much attention to what happened (in Madison), I haven't checked my card (chuckle). I'm staying out of that one.

Ferentz: Had a good week of practice. Last week rested older guys and tried to move the new guys along. Nicked up more than he likes, good chance for them to bounce back. Bye week came at a good time.

Ferentz: Tarp is going to make the trip, hoping he can play. Troy Johnson is 100%. Morris good example, never know what's going to happen. Have to always be preparing.

Ferentz: Rogers had catch-up work at RB. Coker only had two weeks of camp time. Both been practicing better. Coaches and players are more confident after the last couple weeks.

Ferentz: Paki is cleared to go. He's back and will boost special teams.

Ferentz: Really good job so far (for the Oline). Couple bumps (Arizona) but making good progress. Work hard, good attitude.

Ferentz: Extra time helps prepare for Michigan's defense. Michigan's D starts up front with Martin, young guys on the back end.

Tommy from Des Moines: rah blah sowss shaskso blaah 9:30 swka sopssnes ba= uh sla ughhhhhhhhhh

Ferentz: Norm is making progress and will hopefully be in the office not next week but hopefully the next. Michigan and interesting match-up for the Hawkeye defense.

Ferentz: Next man in at RB is either Marcus Coker or Brad Rogers, Paki might be there too.

Ferentz: Wait and see on kickers. Plan right now, Meyer has done a good job, Murray is finally healthy. Meyer would be the guy if they were playing tomorrow.

Dolph: Hawk's bball media day is tomorrow. Fran MacCaffery show starts in a few weeks. Ferentz is excited.

Ferentz: Denard is an exciting and explosive football player. Reminds Ferentz of Randle El of Indiana. Can hurt you several ways.

Dolph: Michigan's longest scoring drive of the year is 5:30.

Ferentz: Have to play positions well, it's a great challenge.

Dolph: Do you open your gaps or widen up a bit?

Ferentz: Have to keep him in front of you, have to contain the outside. Have to watch for the quick change of direction. Michigan has a big Oline. Secondary has to stay back because he can stop and pass too.

Ferentz: Poggi, Getz, Derby all doing well as young players in practice. Getz has moved to Leo LB. All have great futures.

Dolph: Shane Dibona has looked good on special teams.

Ferentz: Fun to watch players grow up in front of your eyes.

Ferentz: (asked about zone blocking vs. straight ahead against Michigan) Michigan has big guys up front, Iowa may be the smallest Oline. Not sure where everyone gets Iowa's big Oline from.

RT @bvak: KF: Chuck Long did a great job as honorary captain during MI game last year.  (How can you screw that up?)

RT @bvak: KF: Break down by position; players make DVD's and take them home (regarding game film).


Hawkeye Links,

Is it time to overhaul the Coaches Poll?
BHGP-MNB Q&A OMG BBQ
Denard Robinson vs the Iowa Hawkeye defense: Explaining this matchup to the Atari Generation
Say Hello To Iowa's Denard Robinson
BlogpLOL Week Six: Boise State Reaches Critical Mass
Great Moments in Iowa-Michigan History, #4: Iowa 24, Michigan 23 (1990)
Dynamic receiver considering Iowa offer
Michigan’s receivers pose challenge for Hawkeyes
Norm Parker close to returning
Hawkeyes get taste for home cooking
Big Ten stock report: Week 7
What we know and what we don't know about Iowa
Hawkeye Recruit Roundup: Week 7
Big Ten awards race tracker: Week 7
Lightning Fast Newbie Quarterbacks: Good For the Big Ten?
Meet the Hawkeye Newcomers: Zach McCabe
Still a lot to learn about Iowa, Michigan
New era for Iowa basketball
Evaluating college football at the midterm point
KCRG and Cedar Rapids Gazette Webcast
Johnson in the spotlight vs. Michigan
Michigan Wolverines Taking Extra Steps to Prepare for Hawkeyes Visit This Saturday
Michigan running back Vincent Smith relishes chance to break free, looks forward to Hawkeyes
Wolverines Looking to Avoid Repeat of Last Season
Big Ten Harvest: Midseason Reaping
'Slim' chance Martavious Odoms returns this season, status of Will Campbell and more Michigan football notes
Robinson to be front and center
Defensive woes still plague UM
Hawkeyes' Vandervelde ready for his closeup
Shoelace up next for Hawkeyes

Game Week (UM) | Ferentz Media Day and Other Hawkeye Links

Coach Ferentz met with the media today to discuss the teams preparations for their trip to Ann Arbor. To read the full transcript click here.

Here are some quick hits from Rob Howe's Hawkeye Insider dot com Twitter account (make sure you follow Rob for more updates like these).

RT @HawkeyeInsider: Tarpinian has a shot to play this week but KF did not sound optimistic.

RT @HawkeyeInsider: Sash said that walkon WR Nick Kuchel has been taking scout team reps at QB to replicate Denard Robinson.

RT @HawkeyeInsider: Norm will not make trip to Michigan and is still weeks away according to Coach Ferentz.

RT @HawkeyeInsider: Stanzi says #Iowa offense can take a lot from what MSU did against #Michigan defense.

RT @HawkeyeInsider: Coach Ferentz said he expects Jordan Bernstine to be back for Michigan after he missed PSU with injury.

RT @HawkeyeInsider: College Game Day in town working on Vandervelde feature about singing ability. Should air around 10 am central on Saturday.

But that's not all. Here are a compilation of links from today's Hawkeye media sources:

• Iowa football: Johnson anxious for opportunity
• 10/12/2010: Iowa football notebook
• Harty: Michigan defense a mystery
• No. 15 Iowa seeks to slow Michigan QB Robinson
• Michigan struggles vs. run; Robinson not convinced
• Michigan: Ferentz on the Side
• Tuesday video — Players
• All Adam, all the time
• Iowa kicker Daniel Murray waits for another opportunity
• Iowa’s scout team Denard Robinson is no slow poke
• Tuesday talk — Michigan

Here are some other various links pertaining to Iowa athletics from around the web:

• McCaffery makes first appearance at Linn County I-Club
• Big Ten Heisman update: Week 7
• Great Moments in Iowa-Michigan History, #5: Iowa 9, Michigan 7 (1981)
•  Group to honor Bump Elliott at dinner
• BlogPoll: Week 6
• Coach McCaffery Ready to Turn Program Around
•  Big Ten Power Poll - Post Week 6
•  How Much Production From Denard Robinson Can Iowa Allow?
•  Defensive breakdowns continuing to plague Wolverines
• Some Bye Week Scouting: Thoughts on Michigan
• Big Ten: Mostly air, but sometimes bus is better
• Brett Morse relishes unsung fullback role
• Recruit Hamilton leading Ohio team to success
• Keeler: Midseason Big Ten awards
• Big Ten Week 6 rewind/Week 7 preview

And finally, ESPN.com's Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg did a series this week of midseason reviews. Here is the Iowa review along with Iowa's future Big Ten opponents.

• Midseason review: Iowa
• Midseason review: Michigan State
• Midseason review: Minnesota
• Midseason review: Northwestern
• Midseason review: Michigan
• Midseason review: Ohio State
• Midseason review: Wisconsin

Game Week (UM) | Film Breakdown How to Stop Denard

Okay, so I'm going to try something new. I found a copy of Michigan against UMASS on YouTube (I think, it looks like a crusty non-HD version though) and am going to attempt to figure out a way to stop Denard.




As you see UMASS ran a 3-4 defense here. Keep in mind Iowa runs a 4-3, usually a 4-3 Over. I think Denard took a handoff, which is weird since he is the QB, but he went on to embarrass the UMASS defense. On this one particular play I stopped counting at 23 missed tackles.

The key for the Hawks will be the defensive line controlling their gap. They can't allow the Michigan Oline to get to the second level and block their linebackers. The secondary can't get caught looking into the backfield or Michigan will hit the quick pass off the QB fake option.

Unlike UMASS, Iowa has to take better angles that were seen in the video. I liked the effort of the UMASS defense, they didn't give up and continued to chase even after diving and missing. Iowa can't dive and miss Denard or he may break off another 99 yard run like seen here.

Game Week (UM) | Monday Afternoon Hawkeye Links

As I predicted there was little movement for the Hawkeyes in the Polls this past weekend. While Florida lost and dropped below Iowa, Michigan State took care of DeNard and jumped the Hawks. Since the BCS rankings are to emerge in a couple of weeks there has been plenty of speculation as to who is where. The BCS Guru has his week 6 projections out and the Hawkeyes dropped a few spots. No doubt the Hawkeye strength of schedule took a hit this past Saturday.

In other news, if you are like me and couldn't make it to the end of another horrible Sunday Night Football game let alone see WHO-TV's sports soundoff, you missed this. Chris Hassel puts together an ISU fan bitchmade anthem, kinda.

ESPN.com has the TV times for the slate of Big Ten games on October 23rd. The Hawkeyes will host Wisconsin at 2:30 and it will be broadcast by ABC and ESPN.

The game notes, including two-deeps have been released for Iowa at Michigan. You can visit Hawkeye Drive here to see them. Biggest change there is Tarpinian not listed as middle linebacker. MLB is going to be an important position this week against Michigan, we'll have to see what develops there this week.

From BHGP:

• Does Michigan Even Have a Football Team? Or, All Hail the World's Best Flag Football Club
•  "The card says so." - 2 Bs
• Wha Happened? Week Six Around The Big Ten

From Hawk Central:

• Big Ten offenses lighting up scoreboards
• Young's past gives Hampton hope for the future
• Woodbury still considering Hawks
• Hawkeyes prepare to face Michigan star Robinson

From ESPN:

• Big Ten midseason overview
• Video: One good thing
• Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 7
• What we learned in the Big Ten: Week 6

Cedar Rapids Gazette:

• UM defense not holding up its end of the deal
• Iowa’s Chaney happy playing any role
• Hlas column: Michigan shouldn’t send waves of fear through Hawkeyes
• Readers: I need your best questions about the 1985 Michigan-Iowa game