subject: Iowa Takes On Missouri In Insight Bowl [print this page] CollegeFootballBreakdown.com CollegeFootballBreakdown.com
Game Preview: Insight Bowl, Tempe, AZ
Iowa vs Missouri
The betting public seems to think that Iowa will have trouble against the Missouri Tigers in this years edition of the Insight Bowl. Why wouldnt they? Iowa is missing key starters, RB Adam Robinson and WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and really stumbled badly down the stretch, even losing to hapless Minnesota. Can Iowa make a game of this?
Level of competition:
Missouri had a very easy schedule. They got OU at home and came out in a frenzy propelling the Tigers to a victory. Then Nebraska outmuscled them and the Huskers ran the ball right down their throat. When they played Texas AM, the Aggies had not hit their stride as of yet. Missouris other opponents were weak. Since this is the first Big Ten or Big 12 team to play in a bowl, the only game we have to look at is Missouris first game of the year vs Illinois. It was competitive in the first half thanks to great defensive play by Illinois. In the second half, Missouri methodically moved the ball and shut down Illinois to win 24-14. Illinois did improve on offense in the second half of the year as their freshman QB Scheelhaase learned the offense. This tells us that Missouri is better than Illinois, but so is Iowa.
Iowa was fortunate to get their most feared opponents at home. They lost to Wisconsin and Ohio State is nail bitters, but crushed Michigan State. Iowa was only a few points away from winning the Big Ten. Their frustration and the taking of teams lightly led to 2 more losses. But on a good day, Iowa proved that it can play with anyone.
Key Points
*Missouri ranks 6th in points allowed. Iowa ranks 7th.
*LB Tarpinian is probable which should help Iowa in pass defense. Iowa has receivers to make up for the loss of DJK, but has major depth problems at RB and will miss Robinson greatly.
*Missouri showed weakness when facing a physical Nebraska team
*Iowas defensive line which wore down throughout the year has had time to rest
