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Another week, another win for the Iowa Hawkeyes after taking down Wisconsin 28-7 on Saturday. That concluded the regular season and gave Iowa their sixth straight win after an 0-2 start. Now, the Hawkeyes turn their attention to the Michigan Wolverines as part of the Big Ten’s Championship Week.
Following yet another victory, the depth chart for the final matchup before bowl season is predictably similar to a week ago. However, there’s one major difference from a week ago.
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Noted Changes
- Starting WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette is noticeably absent from the depth chart for a second time this season
- As with the last time, Tyrone Tracy Jr. has replaced ISM in the starting lineup with Nico Ragaini remaining the backup
Takeaways
This could be a significant blow to the Big Ten’s second best offense. Spencer Petras has had his struggles much of the season, but finally found the deep ball against Wisconsin by largely targeting Ihmir Smith-Marsette. ISM totaled 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 7 receptions last week, earning him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors.
However, Smith-Marsette injured his ankle doing a front flip into the endzone on his second touchdown late in the third quarter. Now he’s not listed on the week 9 depth chart.
We’ll have to monitor this throughout the week. The boot he was spotted in on the sidelines was reportedly just a precaution with further evaluation to be done today. His x-rays came back negative indicating it is just a sprain. However, sprains can certainly hold back a receiver like Smith-Marsette who relies on his speed to make plays.
We saw the Iowa offense move forward with ISM for the matchup with Michigan State after the speedster had been picked up for speeding and drunk driving. Smith-Marsette’s replacement, Tyrone Tracy Jr., led the Hawkeyes with 4 receptions for 38 yards in a blowout win that started the current winning streak. Can they do it again if ISM is sidelined for the second time this season?