QUARTERBACK
IA - Ricky Stanzi: 56.0% CP, 2186 yds, 15 TD's, 14 INT's
GT - Josh Nesbitt: 47.7% CP, 1689 yds, 10 TD's, 4 INT's
If you just look at the passing stats, it would look as if Iowa has the clear advantage. However, that does not tell the story. Nesbitt is not required to pass as much in triple option, which has lowered his numbers. He also has almost 1000 yards rushing to accompany his passing stats. If you ask any Iowa fan, most people will say Stanzi certainly makes the game interesting. He has probably taken an average of about 6 years off the lives of every Iowa fan this year. 3 Stanzi's can show up in any given game, and possibly back to back plays. Good Stanzi, OK Stanzi, and "Oh my god, are we sure he's not playing for the other team?" Stanzi. Iowa needs the last mentioned Stanzi to stay home. A good or ok Stanzi is incredibly effective and helps the Hawkeye offense achieve the balance that they want. This category is hard to compare as both quarterbacks are good for the offense that each team likes to run.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
RUNNING BACKS
IA - Adam Robinson: 167 for 775, 4,6 ypc, 5 TD's
IA - Brandon Wegher: 146 for 528, 3.6 ypc, 7 TD's
GT - Jonathan Dwyer: 221 for 1346, 6.1 ypc, 14 TD's
GT - Anthony Allen: 61 for 597, 9.8 ypc, 5 TD's
This is one part of the offense where Georgia Tech has a clear advantage on Iowa. Even though GT is more of a running team and teams know that, their yard per carry averages are borderline ridiculous. They use the triple option extremely well and it is reflected in their stats. Iowa's running backs have been solid this year. Nothing too great, but they haven't been bad either. Starter Jewel Hampton did not take a snap this year so Iowa turned to a RS Freshmen and a true Freshmen, and the results have been fine. However, this one goes to Georgia Tech.
ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech
WIDE RECIEVERS
IA - DJK: 41 for 687, 16.8 ypr, 2 TD's
IA - Marvin McNutt: 30 for 653, 21.8 ypr, 7 TD's
GT - Demaryius Thomas: 46 for 1154, 25.1 ypr, 8 TD's
GT - Embry Peeples: 8 for 244, 30.5 ypr, 1 TD's.
This is the part of the offense where the Hawkeyes have a clear advantage on the Yellow Jackets. Iowa possesses 2 good wideouts who can do it all. Georgia Tech's top wideout runs two patterns: fade and fly. The key to negating GT's vertical passing game is to not overcommit to the run, which gives the 6'3 Thomas single coverage on the outside. When he gets that, he's typically at the advantage. Iowa's best receiver is in the form of a converted quarterback. McNutt is the big play receiver for Iowa and has had some key, key plays for Iowa this year. Last play against Michigan State, anybody? This part of the offense goes to Iowa.
ADVANTAGE: Iowa
OFFENSIVE LINE
This part of the offense is hard to do a breakdown for, but this matchup plays out like the quarterback matchup. Both teams have extremely different styles, and it is reflected in the line play. Iowa loves to mash up front with lots of big guys that enjoy taking defenders head on. Georgia Tech linemen are smaller and quicker who thrive on using cut blocks to put defenders on the ground. Both of these styles are effective for each team which gives our stats breakdown its 2nd tie.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
FRONT SEVEN
I have not been able to find the stats that I want for this section, as ESPN seems to be lacking in yards allowed and turnovers forced. But we will carry on anyways. This is the group that best captures the Big 10 vs. ACC/SEC perceptions. Iowa's defense is extremely disciplined and knows their roles. Georgia Tech is super quick and rely on their athleticism to make up for any shortcomings that they may have. For this, I have to rely on games that I have personally seen this year. Iowa's defense has been extremely stingy against the run, and limiting opponents to below their average for points. Georgia Tech has been involved in a shootout every time I watched them. For that reason, advantage Hawkeyes.
ADVANTAGE: Iowa
SECONDARY
Once again, no stats to help me on this breakdown. Back to reviewing game tape. Iowa's secondary is up and down. There has been times when their Cover Two defense has been shredded by a spread offense. However, they are also extremely opportunistic, hauling in key interceptions when it matters. Georgia Tech's secondary is not as strong as the Yellow Jackets would like. Their run defense is weak, which takes away from the secondary as they typically have to move a safety up into the box. For this reason, we give this category to the Hawks.
ADVANTAGE: Iowa
KICKING GAME
IA - Daniel Murray: 18 for 25, 72%
IA - Ryan Donahue: 57 for 2352, 41.3 avg.
GT - Scott Blair: 14 for 19, 74%
GT - N/A
This section is the one that scares Iowa fans the most. Outside of Penn State last year, has Murray nailed a kick that had a lot of pressure? This year, he has missed some very routine kicks that kept games a lot closer than they should have been. Blair has equally been up and down for Georgia Tech. He has made some big kicks, but he has also missed some key ones as well. The punting game is the X-Factor. Donahue has came up big time and time again for the Hawkeyes. However, this advantage goes to the Yellow Jackets.
ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech
WINNER: Iowa (3-2-2)
There you have it. In this statistical breakdown, Iowa wins....barely. Hopefully you all tune into watch what promises to be a very good game.
