NCAA YTD: 6-4 (+1.55*)
California(+1) over Utah (1*)
Cal shows what it has to avert a 1-3 start.
GL
California(+1) over Utah (1*)
Cal shows what it has to avert a 1-3 start.
GL
Ncaa 9/11 - 9/13
- Thread starter lostinamerica
- Start date
SATURDAY:
Iowa(-4) over Iowa State (1*)
It would be fair to say that any pressure coming into this game lies squarely with the Hawkeyes. Plus, some excerpts from this newspaper article do leave you wondering if maybe the ascending Hawkeyes don't care enough just yet about answering this challenge. And a strong case can be made that U52' is the better play, and I'll have a little on that, too. Nevertheless, I expect this trip to Ames will be about rewards and not about empty faces.
Excerpts from Waterloo Courier (9/10/03):
IOWA CITY - No one in the Iowa football camp is happy with Iowa State's five-game winning streak over the Hawkeyes. The notion that Iowa treats the game with less importance than the Cyclones isn't terribly popular, either. Over the years when Iowa was dominating the series, the Cyclones were sometimes accused of putting too much emphasis on the in-state matchup at the expense of the rest of the season. Iowa has never been accused of that, and now that the Cyclones have taken over the series, some worry the Hawkeyes don't emphasize it enough.
"Believe me, this game is important," said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. "Trust me, it is important because I live here, too. But every game is important." Part of the problem, Ferentz said, is the perception he is a low-key guy who doesn't show the emotion that Iowa State coach Dan McCarney wears on his sleeve. "Yeah, I know, they think I am low key," said Ferentz. "I never yell at my players. Seriously, they think I am a no-personality guy, a monotone guy who has no emotion."
"People that know me know that I treat every game pretty significantly. Mac and I are two different people. He brings the trophy to practice. ... I can't do that, I don't have one." The trophy is the Cy-Hawk Trophy that annually spends the year with the winning team. "I've seen a picture of that thing," said Ferentz, who is 0-4 in the series against ISU . . .
For the native Iowans on both teams, Saturday's matchup is as much about pride as anything. "To me, personally, it's something I have a lot of pride in," says Iowa tackleRobert Gallery. "After a few years (of Iowa winning), people might have taken it for granted because of the streak. To play for the University of Iowa ... it is embarrassing and something we are going to work on this weekend to change.This is a huge game for us, especially being an Iowa guy. We haven't won since I've been here so it is a big deal for all the seniors and all the Iowa guys."
Ironically, the current Iowa seniors are 0-3 against Iowa State and 3-0 against Penn State. It's a stat that validates Ferentz's desire to treat every game like it's the most important one. Losses to Iowa State the last two seasons have not kept the Hawkeyes from going on to have successful seasons.
"Sometimes I guess the perception out there is we don't treat this as a big game," said Ferentz. "I can't imagine it is any bigger to anyone else. Just like last week, that was a big game with Buffalo. To me, if you're an athlete and competitor, it is a big game when you play a game. As a college athlete, how many games do you get to play? How many are you guaranteed in a career? I know this, we are guaranteed 12 (this year) and you work 300-plus days to get ready. I think if you are not motivated each and every week, you don't belong on the bus."
That's the approach his players say they take, too.
"I know it is big for both schools," said Jared Claus, who grew up in West Des Moines and attended a few games at Jack Trice Stadium when he was a youngster. "I know they practice hard like we do. It is another game for us. Of course (the losing steak) weighs on us, but that is in the past and right now this team is focused this game."
Said Gallery "You know, this is the most important game on the schedule right now because it is this weekend. Every game is important. I don't know how they feel about it, but I know they put a lot of effort into it, a lot of planning into it. That's their deal."
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Miami-Ohio (-3) over Northwestern (1*)
While Miami QB Roethlisberger was HORRIBLE in the opener at Iowa City (it happens, I guess, but his 4 critical INTs don't tell the full story of his deer caught in the headlights game), his entire team was busting their tails to give him opportunities to redeem himself, but to no avail. With two weeks for this veteran team to stew over that game, I think another chance against a Big Ten opponent (0-5 against the likes of Iowa, Michigan and Ohio State since 2000) will be to their liking. Miami has also been noteworthy on the road (I believe they are 8-6 SU and 10-4 ATS the last two years). Northwestern will have one week to prove their new measure of mettle and resilience off a disappointing fade against Air Force.
I think I've settled on my remaining games, but a little more evaluation and comparison going right up to game time has never been a bad policy for me.
GL
Iowa(-4) over Iowa State (1*)
It would be fair to say that any pressure coming into this game lies squarely with the Hawkeyes. Plus, some excerpts from this newspaper article do leave you wondering if maybe the ascending Hawkeyes don't care enough just yet about answering this challenge. And a strong case can be made that U52' is the better play, and I'll have a little on that, too. Nevertheless, I expect this trip to Ames will be about rewards and not about empty faces.
Excerpts from Waterloo Courier (9/10/03):
IOWA CITY - No one in the Iowa football camp is happy with Iowa State's five-game winning streak over the Hawkeyes. The notion that Iowa treats the game with less importance than the Cyclones isn't terribly popular, either. Over the years when Iowa was dominating the series, the Cyclones were sometimes accused of putting too much emphasis on the in-state matchup at the expense of the rest of the season. Iowa has never been accused of that, and now that the Cyclones have taken over the series, some worry the Hawkeyes don't emphasize it enough.
"Believe me, this game is important," said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. "Trust me, it is important because I live here, too. But every game is important." Part of the problem, Ferentz said, is the perception he is a low-key guy who doesn't show the emotion that Iowa State coach Dan McCarney wears on his sleeve. "Yeah, I know, they think I am low key," said Ferentz. "I never yell at my players. Seriously, they think I am a no-personality guy, a monotone guy who has no emotion."
"People that know me know that I treat every game pretty significantly. Mac and I are two different people. He brings the trophy to practice. ... I can't do that, I don't have one." The trophy is the Cy-Hawk Trophy that annually spends the year with the winning team. "I've seen a picture of that thing," said Ferentz, who is 0-4 in the series against ISU . . .
For the native Iowans on both teams, Saturday's matchup is as much about pride as anything. "To me, personally, it's something I have a lot of pride in," says Iowa tackleRobert Gallery. "After a few years (of Iowa winning), people might have taken it for granted because of the streak. To play for the University of Iowa ... it is embarrassing and something we are going to work on this weekend to change.This is a huge game for us, especially being an Iowa guy. We haven't won since I've been here so it is a big deal for all the seniors and all the Iowa guys."
Ironically, the current Iowa seniors are 0-3 against Iowa State and 3-0 against Penn State. It's a stat that validates Ferentz's desire to treat every game like it's the most important one. Losses to Iowa State the last two seasons have not kept the Hawkeyes from going on to have successful seasons.
"Sometimes I guess the perception out there is we don't treat this as a big game," said Ferentz. "I can't imagine it is any bigger to anyone else. Just like last week, that was a big game with Buffalo. To me, if you're an athlete and competitor, it is a big game when you play a game. As a college athlete, how many games do you get to play? How many are you guaranteed in a career? I know this, we are guaranteed 12 (this year) and you work 300-plus days to get ready. I think if you are not motivated each and every week, you don't belong on the bus."
That's the approach his players say they take, too.
"I know it is big for both schools," said Jared Claus, who grew up in West Des Moines and attended a few games at Jack Trice Stadium when he was a youngster. "I know they practice hard like we do. It is another game for us. Of course (the losing steak) weighs on us, but that is in the past and right now this team is focused this game."
Said Gallery "You know, this is the most important game on the schedule right now because it is this weekend. Every game is important. I don't know how they feel about it, but I know they put a lot of effort into it, a lot of planning into it. That's their deal."
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Miami-Ohio (-3) over Northwestern (1*)
While Miami QB Roethlisberger was HORRIBLE in the opener at Iowa City (it happens, I guess, but his 4 critical INTs don't tell the full story of his deer caught in the headlights game), his entire team was busting their tails to give him opportunities to redeem himself, but to no avail. With two weeks for this veteran team to stew over that game, I think another chance against a Big Ten opponent (0-5 against the likes of Iowa, Michigan and Ohio State since 2000) will be to their liking. Miami has also been noteworthy on the road (I believe they are 8-6 SU and 10-4 ATS the last two years). Northwestern will have one week to prove their new measure of mettle and resilience off a disappointing fade against Air Force.
I think I've settled on my remaining games, but a little more evaluation and comparison going right up to game time has never been a bad policy for me.
GL
It's likely "duck and cover" with these:
Illinois(+10) over UCLA (1*)
Trepidation comes to mind when picking a spot to back a Big Ten team on the west coast. With that in mind, I liked the identity of this Illinois team that was on display in an epic clash with Missouri to start the season. There are indications of a capable defense taking shape to complement a diverse and productive offense. A very talented UCLA team should benefit later in the season from the change in coaching regimes, but they are still a few steps removed from their potential as an elite team. Today it's a game in the Rose Bowl and a defining moment in the Illini season is at hand, and I don't think they will go quietly into the night.
Duke(-11) over Rice (1*)
I thought Duke was in over their heads in a conference opener at Virginia, but otherwise thought this veteran team was primed to experience some success this season. Stepping up as a double digit favorite would be very much like what I'm talking about. C-R-A-Z-Y for sure, and I should probably be on Boise State instead.
North Carolina State(+9') over Ohio State (1*)
NC State has holes but they also have weapons. The fact remains that Ohio State still has a big target painted on their chest and they are likely to see everyone's best effort. Last week played out like I hoped it might for both teams, and NC State is not without credentials in a spot like this.
Last year it seemed like I was light on Big Ten team plays from week to week, and now for the second time in three weeks my card is full of those teams, with a couple others just missing the cut. It's not by design, but I'm curious to see if that trend continues.
GL
Illinois(+10) over UCLA (1*)
Trepidation comes to mind when picking a spot to back a Big Ten team on the west coast. With that in mind, I liked the identity of this Illinois team that was on display in an epic clash with Missouri to start the season. There are indications of a capable defense taking shape to complement a diverse and productive offense. A very talented UCLA team should benefit later in the season from the change in coaching regimes, but they are still a few steps removed from their potential as an elite team. Today it's a game in the Rose Bowl and a defining moment in the Illini season is at hand, and I don't think they will go quietly into the night.
Duke(-11) over Rice (1*)
I thought Duke was in over their heads in a conference opener at Virginia, but otherwise thought this veteran team was primed to experience some success this season. Stepping up as a double digit favorite would be very much like what I'm talking about. C-R-A-Z-Y for sure, and I should probably be on Boise State instead.
North Carolina State(+9') over Ohio State (1*)
NC State has holes but they also have weapons. The fact remains that Ohio State still has a big target painted on their chest and they are likely to see everyone's best effort. Last week played out like I hoped it might for both teams, and NC State is not without credentials in a spot like this.
Last year it seemed like I was light on Big Ten team plays from week to week, and now for the second time in three weeks my card is full of those teams, with a couple others just missing the cut. It's not by design, but I'm curious to see if that trend continues.
GL
Lost-
Whats the weather like up in Waterloo this morning? Been raining non-stop here in D'port since late yesterday afternoon, but the radar shows that D.M, Ames and Waterloo/Cedar Falls are currently dry....Maybe more importantly, how much rain did Ames get yesterday?
I like Iowa to run the ball down the Clowns' throats today and stuff the ISU running game as well. Laying 4 with Iowa and Chandler's first start on the road is a scary proposition in my book, but am leaning heavily towards the under in this one....
Thoughts?
Whats the weather like up in Waterloo this morning? Been raining non-stop here in D'port since late yesterday afternoon, but the radar shows that D.M, Ames and Waterloo/Cedar Falls are currently dry....Maybe more importantly, how much rain did Ames get yesterday?
I like Iowa to run the ball down the Clowns' throats today and stuff the ISU running game as well. Laying 4 with Iowa and Chandler's first start on the road is a scary proposition in my book, but am leaning heavily towards the under in this one....
Thoughts?
For what it's worth:
There is a well thought out purpose to virtually everything Ferentz does. I trust in what he is doing right now, which means I trust he gets the job done TODAY. I haven't seen the Cyclone QB, but I believe Chandler is his equal and has a better supporting cast with guys like Fred Russell and Mo Brown. I think Iowa covers the number if they get the win. I'll be watching for playmaking by Iowa's ever-improving secondary (the receiving corps is a proven strength of the Cyclone team), and capitalizing on opportunities to set the tone for the game.
Recently from the Cyclone radio network: (1) 65 degrees at game time with W-NW wind at 5-10mph and chances for a few scattered rain showers diminishing into the afternoon. (2) Toro Field Condition Report: Heavy rain showers parched the drought on Thursday night, with only heavy dew on Friday night - the field is in immaculate condition and can take more water if it comes.
LOL: Brian Ferentz, the coach's son, is the starting center. The Coach's wife (Mary) introduced Kirk with a few jabs at an I-Club breakfast before the Buffalo game.When Ferentz got to the microphone, he deadpanned "I want to assure everyone in the room that this woman is the only recruit's mother I have ever slept with."
GoHawks!
There is a well thought out purpose to virtually everything Ferentz does. I trust in what he is doing right now, which means I trust he gets the job done TODAY. I haven't seen the Cyclone QB, but I believe Chandler is his equal and has a better supporting cast with guys like Fred Russell and Mo Brown. I think Iowa covers the number if they get the win. I'll be watching for playmaking by Iowa's ever-improving secondary (the receiving corps is a proven strength of the Cyclone team), and capitalizing on opportunities to set the tone for the game.
Recently from the Cyclone radio network: (1) 65 degrees at game time with W-NW wind at 5-10mph and chances for a few scattered rain showers diminishing into the afternoon. (2) Toro Field Condition Report: Heavy rain showers parched the drought on Thursday night, with only heavy dew on Friday night - the field is in immaculate condition and can take more water if it comes.
LOL: Brian Ferentz, the coach's son, is the starting center. The Coach's wife (Mary) introduced Kirk with a few jabs at an I-Club breakfast before the Buffalo game.When Ferentz got to the microphone, he deadpanned "I want to assure everyone in the room that this woman is the only recruit's mother I have ever slept with."
GoHawks!
Will definitely try one more. And another Big Ten team is involved.
Nebraska(-10 & -10') over Penn State (1*)
My reasoning is simple. Nebraska has obviously carried some focus during the offseason into the start of the season. Given that, I think that if I was coaching tonight there would be some chance that even I could get virtually every Cornhusker to whup the guy across from him in this rematch. From that, good things usually follow.
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The Cyclone winning streak over the Hawkeyes is now ZERO games. It's Great to Be a Hawkeye!
GL
Nebraska(-10 & -10') over Penn State (1*)
My reasoning is simple. Nebraska has obviously carried some focus during the offseason into the start of the season. Given that, I think that if I was coaching tonight there would be some chance that even I could get virtually every Cornhusker to whup the guy across from him in this rematch. From that, good things usually follow.
---------- ---------- ----------
The Cyclone winning streak over the Hawkeyes is now ZERO games. It's Great to Be a Hawkeye!
GL
