The matchup between Iowa and Georgia Tech is a very interesting one. The game will be largely dominated by the run. Georgia Tech will come out with the triple option and Iowa will attempt more off tackle runs and draw plays. Even though Iowa runs a much different rushing attack than GA Tech does I see them having some success with the run. If Robinson and Wegher combine for 150 yards there is a very good chance Iowa wins. The better Iowa runs the ball the less chance Stanzi commits turnovers. GA Tech will run the ball. They will have some success and I expect it to be with very good success early on. (As much as it pains me to say this) Lou Holtz had a good point in the bowl special when he said Iowa has never seen speed like the triple option. The first 2 drives Iowa may very well give up 14 points.
The passing game will be interesting to say the least for both teams. There are a lot of questions concerning the quality of play that Stanzi will have in his first field time since early November. Expect Ken O’Keefe and Ferentz to ease him into the game with run dominated drives during the 1st quarter. Both teams have playmaking receivers. Demaryius Thomas for GA Tech and DJK/Marvin McNutt for Iowa are very dangerous with the ball in their hands. Nesbitt isn't exactly known for being a huge passing threat, but he does have talent throwing the ball. If Iowa can force GA Tech into 3rd and longs it could set up their defense for some key interceptions. I don't expect GA Tech to throw the ball more than 15 times in the game so these downs will be very key.
I think a good goal for Iowa's defense would be to give up around 200 yards rushing and less than 100 passing. It’s not going to surprise anyone when GA Tech puts some points on the board and moves the ball down the field. Iowa's defense should also be expecting that. This isn't Minnesota or Iowa St. who have no offense (coincidentally play each other in the insight bowl). Iowa will be playing catch up early on but after that things should settle down before halftime. GA Tech's defense should focus on stopping Iowa's rushing attack. The more 3rd and longs Stanzi is forced into the more likely he will be to commit multiple turnovers. All Iowa fans know turnovers come with Stanzi; they just hope that they aren't too deadly.
Special teams may very well come into play in the outcome of this game. Whichever team controls field position and time of possession will have a greater chance to win. Both teams better hope their punter and kicker show up for the game because well placed punts and accuracy on field goals will be very important. I think that Scott Blair is a much better kicker than Daniel Murray. However, where GA Tech has a big advantage in the kicking game Iowa has an equal advantage in the punting game. Iowa also has very good coverage teams. It appears Iowa has a slight advantage in the special teams game. One shanked punt or missed field goal could decide the game.
I think this is one of the most evenly matched bowl games on the slate. Georgia Tech will rush for a little over 200 yards but a fumble by Dwyer and a late interception by Nesbitt will be too much to overcome. Stanzi will throw a pick right before halftime to have the Hawks down 14-10. A strong fourth quarter by the Hawkeye defense highlighted by sacks from Binns and Klug will control field position and allow Murray to kick the game winner. A desperation drive from Nesbitt results in a game saving pick by Tyler Sash. Ricky Stanzi is named the MVP of the game with 231 yards passing and 2 TDs. Final score reads 27-24 in favor of the Hawkeyes.
Ha Ha Ha
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