subject: Arizona Prevails Over Iowa 34-27 In A Great One [print this page] CollegeFootballBreakdown.com CollegeFootballBreakdown.com
Tuscon-The Arizona Wildcats showed that they could play well against a physical team by beating the Iowa Hawkeyes 34-27 in a game that included a blocked punt, a blocked PAT, two pick six touchdowns, a 100 yard kickoff return, and a muffed punt.
The Wildcats jumped on the Hawkeyes early with a blast of energy reminiscent of lionesses hunting down gazelles by blocking a punt deep in Iowa territory and turning it into seven points. After Iowa drove the ball down into Zona territory on the ensuing drive, Iowa QB Stanzi was picked off by Trevin Wade for an 85 yard pick 6. Bam, 14-0 Arizona, 5 minutes into the game, a very inauspicious start for the Midwestern Visitor who was feeling some desert heat early in this game. After Iowa closed the score to14-7 with an efficient drive punctuated by a Stanzi to RB Hampton 4 yard td pass, the Wildcats demoralized the Hawkeyes by running by the ensuing kickoff 100 yards to expand the lead back to two touchdowns.
In the third, Iowa, a team known for its second half prowess, improved on defense, scored one td on a Stanzi to Johnson-Koulianos 37 yard touchdown pass and got the game within reason, 27-14. The momentum continued for Iowa as a muffed punt and a pick six by Broderick Binns gave Iowa a chance to take the lead, but a blocked PAT had the game tied at 27 with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Thats when Arizona drove methodically down the field with the passing of QB Nick Foles scoring the go ahead touchdown with 3 minutes left. The Arizona Defensive Line pinned its ears back and applied great pressure sacking Stanzi 3 straight times on Iowas last drive of the game.
Key Points:
Iowa: There is a drop off in the linebacker position from last year especially noticeable by the lack of speed and positioning in zone. The defensive line played ok but was not dominating against a huge Arizona offensive line. The Iowa cornerbacks tackled well but gave too much cushion. On offense, the offensive line was ineffective at opening up holes and was outrun by the speedy Zona defensive line on stretch plays. In pass protection, they were exposed by the speed of the two defensive ends. Fortunately, for Iowa, they will not see any ends with that speed in the Big Ten. We all knew that this would be a tough game for the Hawkeyes and although the game got out of hand early which forced a different game plan credit must be given to this team for not quitting on the road in 90 degree heat late in the evening.
Arizona: The offensive line gave great protection as usual. Arizonas running game escapes them at times and ends up creating many stalled drives. The defensive line held its ground when leaned on by the Iowa offensive line and showed its quickness on passing downs. QB Nick Foles can read coverage quickly which help negate the Iowa pass rush. The team has come a long way since the Nebraska beating from last years Holiday bowl.
CollegeFootballBreakdown.com-Big Ten Analyst-John Jacobson
