1) Red zone defense... the Hawks posted an amazing 59% in Big Ten play. Opposing teams can move the ball if they have patience and a short passing game, but will bog down in the red zone... and come away empty 40% of the time. (No team in the SEC was below 80% in RZD, for example) 2) Red Zone Offense... The Hawks were 2nd in Big Ten play at 88%. We were 31-35 attempts with 16 TD's and 15 FG's. LSU was a respectable 83%. 3) Turnover Margin... The Hawks led the Big Ten in turnover margin. LSU had trouble holding on to the ball this year... and, although EACH game produces its own stat, the Hawks have proven to be much more opportunistic this year. 4) Offensive Chemistry... it took us a while, with all our running back injuries, to find an offense. Although we still have zip for a running attack (last of 117 teams, ouch), we have "found a way" and our offense has looked better each week. LSU had a great offensive showing against Arkansas, but may not have the feeling of chemistry that Tate and the Hawk offense feel. (in other words, your QB's have not proven to be as consistent as Tate) 5) Home Game??.... Not only are we 22-1 when wearing black, we will probably outnumber Tiger fans by about 2-1 at the game. Hawkeyes travel VERY well. On the bright side for all LSU fans... we are definitely one-dimensional. If your staff can "solve" Tate, it will make for a long day for the Hawkeyes. We are not as deep or "5-starred" as LSU, so it's very important that our offense plays well enough to keep the defense rested. And, finally, both teams are well coached and very disciplined. It would be quite surprising for either to blow the other off the field. He who can put up 24 points will win this game, imo.
Hey I am at work didnt mean for that to be so short I meant it as a Joke. Be ack in a little while to give you legit reasons
While the fans disrespect your conference trust me the football team will prepare for you loike any SEC opponent. I don't know what mindset will be for the game but all things being equal you boys are going down. This ain't Florida. Addai, Broussard, Spears, Wroten, Williams, are just a few names that you will hate hearing.
7) And although Kaeding has moved on to the San Diego Chargers, our sophomore PK has been exceptional, finishing second to Nugent (OSU). He's pretty much a lock from 45 on in.
Reasons for LSU to win... 1) Iowa's red-zone defense is good, but look for Broussard, Addai, and possibly even Randall to cause problems for Iowa in the red zone. 2) You'll have to do it in the running game if you're going to do it at all. Iowa's QB is good and can make things happen, but LSU's pass defense be up for that. Your best bet is the run.... 3) Marcus Spears and company.... 4)Your point regarding offensive chemistry is well met. And alot of people think (even some of our fans) that LSU's offense is not "gelled" but I say this... Everytime they have needed to find a way to win, they did so, with the exception of Georgia and Auburn. Don't be suprised to see your hawkeyes go into the half with the lead.... only to be shut down in the 3rd and 4th quarters.... 5) Fans outnumbered? Pfftt.... that doesn't matter. Ask Georgia about last year's SEC Championship. 6) Stats don't always mean jack.... which is why we play the games. You can say the first to score 24 wins and I almost agree. Hell, LSU is undefeated in the last few years when scoring 25 or more. Same goes for when we've got a running back with 100+ yards.... but all that don't mean crap. The team that executes the best on that day will win the ball game... Simple as that. 7) Fitness - Our players are generally bigger, stronger, and faster than most of the teams you've faced this season. I think towards the end of the game this will be evident. I think the game will be a hard fought one with turnovers being key, but I still think LSU will come away with it. IMO also that we will open the game up in the 4th and take a comfortable lead.... There's my $.02 worth....
Iowa has one of the worst offenses in the country. Their total offense is number 103 out of 117 Division I schools. Their rushing offense is ranked number 117 out of 117 schools--we call that dead last, worst in the nation at under 80 yards a game. How do you win a piece of the Big-10 title with an offense like that? LSU is having a bad year offensively but is still ranked number 32. Iowa has an impressive defense that is ranked number 10 in the country. But LSU's number 3 total defense is even more impressive. LSU may have a tough time scoring on Iowa, but Iowa may not even be able to move the ball against LSU. LSU's two losses were both against top-10 teams on the road including a one-point loss against undefeated Auburn who should have been in the National Championship game. LSU plays one last game with the undisputed best coach in the nation and a team that is trying to impress potential new coaches. I see a low-scoring game because of the defenses. LSU 17 -- Iowa 9
"How do you win a piece of the Big-10 title with an offense like that?" Simply stated...You find a way! We've had to replace our run game with a short pass game... and it's worked out O.K.... and the more we practiced and played it, the more comfortable we became. As posted before, stats mean little... we were a much improved team at season's end. Both team's have obvious flaws... and that's why neither made the BCS this year. If you can stop Tate, you'll win. If you let him roam around, you'll be in trouble. Hey, blitz him... that's when he's at his best!!!!
WOW 2) Red Zone Offense... The Hawks were 2nd in Big Ten play at 88%. We were 31-35 attempts with 16 TD's and 15 FG's. LSU was a respectable 83%. ========================================= That is what bothers me. I always felt that the TD% should have been much higher (compared to what? I don't know). I just found myself frustrated that they had to settle for FGs so many times.... We could have put up 40 or 50 points in a lot of games had those been TD.
