Before the game, it was assumed the only positions whare we had an advantage were QB and WR. Some felt we had the advantage at safety but others were less convinced give Nwangpu's 5-star reputation.
After the game and reviewing the replay, not so much. The difference at QB and WR was huge, but other positions were certainly breaking ISU's way. I feel our DBs are significantly better than theirs, the TE's were a push, the Oline was a push [they were better in run blocking and we were superior in pass blocking], and the Dline was harder to Guage. Our DL seemed to get more pressure on the QB but that may have been because of the marked difference in quality of the QBs.
Iowa had a better RB [I would love a 225 lb RB with speed] and markedly better Linebackers, even with major improvement in our LB play from week 1. The physical difference was not great at all, in totality. Just at LB and RB, and that was countered by QB and WR.
Mouse got outcoached early. Going away from under center on the original series was (hopefully) a rooky mistake. Good news is he adjusted quickly and got his feet under him. We had 340 yards the last 3 quarters. We were more inconsistent, but we will not see a defense that salty for awhile.
After the game and reviewing the replay, not so much. The difference at QB and WR was huge, but other positions were certainly breaking ISU's way. I feel our DBs are significantly better than theirs, the TE's were a push, the Oline was a push [they were better in run blocking and we were superior in pass blocking], and the Dline was harder to Guage. Our DL seemed to get more pressure on the QB but that may have been because of the marked difference in quality of the QBs.
Iowa had a better RB [I would love a 225 lb RB with speed] and markedly better Linebackers, even with major improvement in our LB play from week 1. The physical difference was not great at all, in totality. Just at LB and RB, and that was countered by QB and WR.
Mouse got outcoached early. Going away from under center on the original series was (hopefully) a rooky mistake. Good news is he adjusted quickly and got his feet under him. We had 340 yards the last 3 quarters. We were more inconsistent, but we will not see a defense that salty for awhile.