Iowa 37, Michigan State 6: Now That's More Like It

POY? Oh yea, that is the signature like AC’s blocked punt last year. Ironically against the #5 ranked team in the nation.

Can’t say enough about Hyde’s awareness to be able to grab that ball from TMFS and to work the entire field for the score. Also the quick transition from defense to offense for the team. They had some impressive down field blocks that sprung him.
 Amazing to see the secondary all get a pick or score – Norm’s influence is great with this team, let’s keep him in the press box.

A visual is perhaps in order here.

Even the kick-off coverage was impressive. And it was nice to have a few bounces go our way, too, thinking of both fumbles—A Rob and Sandeman’s. Colin was especially lucky since his was early in the game and could’ve swung momentum big time.

I thought at the time there was something off about the hold on the missed PAT, or the timing was off for some reason, and I’m not sure that was Meyer’s fault. That would make missed PAT’s in consecutive games plus a botched snap on a FG. Better get that cleaned-up, boys!

But again, I’m not sure Meyer is to blame. I think he’s going to be pretty steady, and pretty good, pretty soon.

Also, on Marvin’s pass, he had MILES of green in front of him. He shoulda’ tucked it and run.

The stadium atmosphere was one of the best I’ve seen…

I saw a picture of norm; looks like they amputated all the way up to his knee and his other leg is in a boot…now I’m wondering if maybe this is his last year….

Someone ease my pain and fears.

But I think he was definitely the most important player on the field.

is that it vastly improves our chances at Smelley Cock Watch redux…or Have A Cigarcia, or whatever.

or should I say the nice thing about them, is that they were minor enough as to not affect us, but obvious enough that KF will have plenty of talking points this week. No complacency.

The defensive backfield did a great job, especially considering that they were in pass first mode most of the day.

OT: congrats to Baylor and Penn State. A couple of great wins for them.

The Wisconsin loss was so devastating for me that I took a VOW OF SILENCE never to speak of Iowa Football again (or until they started winning). Yesterday’s game was one of the happiest Hawkeye moments of my life. The Pick-Lateral-Six was a THING OF BEAUTY. To paraphrase our Fearless National Leader, THIS IS THE TEAM WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR.

I believe, sincerely believe, they are going to stick around. HOW ‘BOUT THEM FUCKEN’ HAWKEYES!?

I ended up going for A-Rob. Everything changes when you score on that first drive, and then that block on Stanzi’s scramble led to the second score. The amazing after-contact running he does kept drives alive. The O-line, Stanzi and the defense all deserve a piece of it, but putting MSU ina hole early probably forced some of the bad throws, and the guy probably most responsible for that lead (I know, its close) was Robinson.

Now, lets see how we handle a big win.

I think mostly because I continue to be amazed by him. He was simply average last year. And while his size, speed, and explosiveness are still nothing special, he has shown much better vision, and he reminds me a lot of Betts with how hard he runs. He simply doesn’t quit on a play. He deserves all accolades that come his way this post-season (assuming he doesn’t get shut out). Stanzi has been great this year; better than we could have imagined. But I don’t think it’s possible without ARob playing the way he has.

FYI, BTW and FWIW usually the only thing printed about the Hawks in the Sunday LA Times Sports Section is a one para blurb about their win or loss. This morning, Hawks featured in a box on front page, directing you to two stories about Hawks inside.

First story was general news about the game with such quotes as (emphasis mine)… “Iowa EMPHATICALLY knocked Michigan State off the pile of unbeaten teams”…“Iowa handed MSU first loss STOMPING them…”,“Iowa opened with an IMPRESSIVE DRIVE.”…“The ROUT…”. etc.

Second story by Chris Dufresne, LA Times Columnist on all things BCS. He referred to MSU as getting “EAR HOLED” by Iowa (gee, I thought we were the “corn” state), And quoted Coach Dantonio as saying “I did not see this coming” (!). Added Dufresne, “Others did.”

I know, I know, quoting Dufresne and LA Times is frowned upon around BHGP’s parts but, hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little National Respect.

for anchoring the best defensive effort of the year in his first start as a Hawkeye. On Saturday we saw a probable future all american in the dawn of his career. MLB will be in good hands for the next 3 years.

I told them to be glad they weren’t playing Tressel, Rodriguez, or Bielema in that situation. Then added “or Dantonio” under my breath.

before heading to Kinnick. Does anyone know if ESPN will be replaying the game sometime this week?

My heart wants to vote for A-Rob, to whom I would vote for “Hawkeye of the year”. His individual effort level has made up for the loss of Hampton and Wegher. His yardage after contact (spin and keep pushing) is a joy to watch.

My brain wants to vote for Stanzi and the O-line… they are both executing and overachieving, and making the offensive into something that is exceeding expectations and a lot of fun to watch.

But THIS game, I vote for the CB’s and safeties. They gave up the short passes underneath and just waited for their opportunities. The CB’s and safeties knew what to do and just plain “did it”. I don’t get a chance to “see” to many games (stupid work). But it seems like they ran a 3 man line more than I expected. They did a number of things defensively that surprised me (including run defense). And it all worked perfectly. They couldn’t go deep without it landing in Hawkeye hands. Cousins has been effective all year, and just looked like a lost puppy.

Tyler mother fucking Sash and Hyde… play of the year, so far.

Iowa hovering at 14/15 in the live polls, #18 in the BCS poll.

because this supposed “weakness” has surpassed my expectations this season. They don’t excel at opening gaps for A-Rob, but they’re not exactly getting pushed around, either. And if Stanzi seems like a new QB this year it’s because in addition to having gained some judgement he has largely had plenty of time in the pocket; Saturday was a prime example of this.

Their presence was played out by the entire team. Great performance all the way around.

“Reality sucks… MSU finally looking like MSU”

Not exactly a SPARTY NO! But it’s damn close.

and that this will end up being a very painful “what if” season when it’s all said and done.