If you read the IDS Big Ten Preview today you may have noticed that of all the 'Staff Predictions' I was the only one who thinks Indiana is going to beat Iowa on Saturday. I feel like I better explain myself and tell you why IU will shock Iowa for the second straight year.
* The Hawkeye offense has not been good. They're averaging less than 20 points a game. The only time they were able to score more than 20 points was against Syracuse. In addition to struggling, they're also banged up. Starting Tight End Tony Moeaki and starting wide reciever Andy Brodell were injured last week at Wisconsin and didn't come back. Through their first four games they've been unable to score on their opening drive.
* They've lost two in a row. They haven't been able to get off to fast start once this year. Should the Hoosiers get a quick touchdown or two to start the game, (and they have the big play potential to do so) the home crowd could turn on the Hawkeyes faster than Chicago fans can boo Rex Grossman. This would put even more pressure on the offense to produce.
* IU's offense turned the ball over four times last week. Don't expect the same thing to happen. It's more likely that James Hardy and Kellen Lewis re-create the magic from last years upset over Iowa where they connected for two touchdowns.
*Finally, I think it's about time that Marcus Thigpen or Tracy Porter gets a special teams touchdown. Porter came close last week, and if teams keep kicking to them, eventually they'll break one for six.
Of course, there is the possibility that i'm an idiot. Here's why:
* The Hawkeyes are going to be determined and fired up for a number of reasons.
1) They want to prove to themselves and the rest of the conference that they are better than a .500 team.
2) They were embarassed last year by IU, something i'm sure they haven't forgotten.
3) It's their homecoming weekend, and unlike the Hoosiers, Iowa has a real Home Field Advantage. Kinnick Stadium is going to be loud, the loudest and most hostile atmosphere IU has seen yet this year.
Also, and perhaps most importantly, the Hawkeye defense is giving up less than 10 points per game. IU's offense will need to perform better on the road then they did last weekend at home.
So what do you think? Do you agree with me? Is Indiana going to beat Iowa? Or are you with the rest of the IDS and think i'm an idiot? Let's talk...
