Friday, November 9, 2012 Iowa vs. Purdue Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City
The thin black-and-gold line Iowa’s blockers have struggled without the injured Brandon Scherff
Plus: The Nico Law era begins
2B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
REMEMBER WHEN...
Iowa running back Shonn Greene breaks out for a 75-yard touchdown run against Purdue on Nov. 8, 2008, in Kinnick Stadium. Greene finished with 211 yards. (The Daily Iowan/File Photo)
STAFF
Bill Casey Publisher Emily Busse Editor-in-Chief Sam Lane Managing Editor Sam Louwagie Pregame Editor Allie Wright Design Editor Adam Wesley and Rachel Jessen Photo Editors
WEB EXTRAS On The Line Contest
Want to win a free pizza? Go to www.dailyiowan.com/ontheline and place your college football predictions.
HAWKS IN THE NFL
DITV Program
Amari Spievey is likely to miss his third-straight game with a concussion this week against Minnesota. But the Detroit Lion safety and former Hawkeye cornerback had been playing well until then, recording 8 tackles on Oct. 22 against Chicago and 7 a week earlier against Philadelphia. (The Daily Iowan/File Photo)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
10
COVER STORY INSIDE FEATURE Brandon Scherff was on his way Nico Law provided Iowa’s defense to becoming Iowa’s next great left with a boost of energy in his first start tackle. Now he’s in a walking boot, and the team is struggling withGAME ROSTER out him Complete roster for both the Hawkeyes and Boilermakers. Take it with you to Kinnick FEATURED MATCHUP James Ferentz needs to seal off a AROUND THE BIG TEN hungry Purdue defensive tackle Check out our weekly conference power rankings and players to watch
12
8
16
Catch the most extensive weekly Iowa football preview show in the state at www.dailyiowan.com.
Social Media
Follow Daily Iowan Pregame @DIPregame and like Daily Iowan Sports on Facebook.
18
POINTCOUNTERPOINT Who will represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl?
22
ON THE LINE See which teams our football staff picked in some of the NCAA’s biggest games this weekend
CONTACT US
Got a question for the Pregame staff or a story idea for a future issue? Email us at dipregame@ gmail.com.
Go to
dailyiowan.com
for a photo slideshow after the game
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 3B
4B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
Iowa’s Scherff-fire leader Brandon Scherff was on his way toward becoming Iowa’s next big left tackle. Now he’s in a walking boot, and his team is struggling without him. By BEN ROSS benjamin-d-ross@uiowa.edu
A few short weeks ago, Brandon Scherff needed help to get around Iowa City. His mother drove him to the front door of all his classes. One of his roommates, Joe Drum, even brought Scherff local cuisine the offensive lineman craved. “I’ve stopped by his house a few times; he’s pretty glued to his couch,” Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg said. “It’s tough. He wants to be out here as much as any of us. We miss him; his locker is right next to mine; it’s certainly been different; he’ll come back after this stronger than before.” Just days before all this, Scherff could be seen making holes and throwing opposing players to the ground.
Big shoes to fill
It’s no secret that Iowa has been a pipeline for offensive linemen to the NFL. A strong offensive line is usually what has pushed Iowa into the upper echelons of the Big Ten. Shonn Greene’s success in 2008 was thanks largely to former Iowa offensive tackle — and current Green Bay Packer — Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga, along with 2011 draft pick Julian Vandervelde, helped propel Iowa’s magical 2009 Orange Bowl season. The last four NFL drafts have seen at least one offensive lineman from Iowa get his name called. “Iowa is known for putting out tough, ready-to-play prospects,” said Josh Norris, an NFL draft writer for Rotoworld and NBC Sports. “Teams love that; the fact that some guys are ready to play.”
Scherff’s rise and fall
This year’s offensive line was sur-
Iowa offensive linebacker Brandon Scherff celebrates the game-winning touchdown by running back Damon Bullock against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 1. (The Daily Iowan/Adam Wesley) rounded by question marks coming out of spring practice. James Ferentz, Matt Tobin, and Brandon Scherff were the only returning players with starts, and Scherff and Tobin only saw the field sporadically. But Scherff solidified himself as the starter at left tackle in training camp. And he proved he belonged there in the season’s first game. Running back Damon Bullock sprung for 150 rushing yards. In the waning minutes of the game, the offensive line opened up a hole on the left side to propel Bullock to the game-winning touchdown. Iowa’s first six games saw its rushers average 154 yards on the ground, with 10 rushing touchdowns.
And then the Hawkeyes lost Scherff. The 6-6, 310 pound lineman suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in the first quarter against Penn State. Right guard Andrew Donnal left a few plays after. Neither will return to the field this season. The three games since then have seen a decline in rushing. The Hawkeyes averaged just 79 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns — two of which came off 1-yard sneaks from quarterback James Vandenberg. “I think we miss everybody’s presence anytime you lose anybody,” James Ferentz said. “You look at Andrew and Brandon, they bring great attitude and effort to the offensive line. At the same time, I think their
impact has been a little bit bigger when you see some of the younger guys stepping up.” Mark Weisman received most of the attention during a four-week span when the running back gained 623 yards and scored 8 touchdowns. But Norris said it might not have mattered who was running the ball behind Scherff and Company. “I think it shows something that Weisman was so capable of picking up yards,” Norris said. “It’s all about the O-line making lanes and gaps to show the runner where to go. It doesn’t matter how fast you are with an offensive line like that.” He also said Scherff ’s performance See SCHERFF, 6B
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 5B
6B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
Iowa lineman Brandon Scherff lays injured on the field against Penn State at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, October 20, 2012. (The Daily Iowan/Tessa Hursh)
SCHERFF
Continued from 4B against Penn State, prior to being injured, was a good indicator of what is still to come for the redshirt sophomore. “What I saw was he really attacks the runners in the game,” Norris said. “He took down Michael Mauti — he destroyed him at the second level. I love that aggressiveness, and he can finish.” The player perhaps most affected by Scherff’s
absence probably isn’t a running back, though. Vandenberg said his left tackle’s presence is missed, and not only because his blind side had been so well protected. He said that when Scherff went down for the season, the team also lost a vocal leader. “He’s not only a great player but a great friend,” Vandenberg said. “It’s a tough situation — whenever you lose a very talented player at a position like left tackle is certainly not easy. It’s had some impact, but Matt Tobin has done a nice
job. His influence in the locker room right next to me is missed.”
Working his way back
As Scherff lay on the field with his leg broken, he howled in pain. But by the time trainers had hoisted him up and onto a cart, he was raising his hands in the air to pump up the crowd. It’s that attitude that helps him stay positive. Standing at 6-5 and weighing more than 300 pounds complicates any leg rehabilitation. But Scherff is already off crutches and in a walk-
ing boot. One of Scherff’s roommates said he never even missed a class the week following his surgery. “He took it pretty well,” Scherff’s roommate, Joe Drum, said. “He didn’t take his pain meds he was prescribed — he said he wasn’t in too much pain. We made the living room his bedroom for about three days. He slept there the first couple nights. He was still independent. I got him some Panchero’s every once in a while to keep him fed.” Scherff has resumed
lifting weights, and he will most likely be ready to play by spring. “He’s walking in a boot right now. I joked with him this morning, he was coming in for treatment, and you wouldn’t even know he’s in a boot,” Kirk Ferentz said. “He’s moving pretty good. I’m not sure he couldn’t play in that boot right now, but he’s not going to.” Next season, Scherff will be looked upon to lead a unit that has just two players departing for graduation and should return at least five players who have a start
somewhere on the offensive line. And all of Iowa’s leading rushers should be returning next year, making for a potentially potent running game in the 2013 season. It’s easy talk about what could have been if Scherff hadn’t been injured, or what will be next year when he recovers. But Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said he prefers to stay in the present when thinking about his injured tackle. “He’s a good player,” Ferentz said. “But he’s not coming back.”
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 7B
8B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
FEATURED MATCHUP
MOLLY IRENE OLMSTEAD MOLLY-OLMSTEAD@UIOWA.EDU
PURDUE Name: Kawann Short
IOWA Name: James Ferentz
Short stands 6-3 and weighs in at 315 pounds. The senior has racked up 9 tackles for loss and 41 negative yards. And he’s tallied 4 sacks for a loss of 28 yards in addition to 26 total tackles. Short suffered a knee injury against Minnesota on Oct. 30 and only recorded one tackle against Penn State the next week. The Nittany Lions managed 185 rushing yards and 321 passing yards. The defensive tackle’s aggressive play on the field is crucial to the Boilermakers’ defense. And as he faces a young, shaky interior of Iowa’s offensive line this weekend, Short could have a major impact on the game.
Ferentz said he felt personally responsible for the struggle of Iowa’s offensive line against the Hoosiers last week. The center said the offensive line was playing with a lack of discipline and that the line needs to work on its focus. And while the Hawkeyes are using a pair of redshirt freshmen at guard, Ferentz is a veteran. Quarterback James Vandenberg was sacked twice against Indiana last week, and Indiana’s two defensive tackles combined for 10 tackles. Ferentz will need to take on more of a load in blocking Purdue’s defensive tackles this week for the Hawkeyes to have more success.
Position: Defensive tackle Year: Senior
Position: Center Year: Senior
James Ferentz shouts to his offensive linemen during the Iowa/Iowa State game in Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 11, 2010. (The Daily Iowan/File Photo)
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 9B
10B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
Iowa defensive back lays down the law By Sam Louwagie Samuel-louwagie@uiowa.edu
Nico Law was so focused after his first possession as a starting safety that he didn’t even notice he had snot all over his face. After the Iowa defense recorded a quick threeand-out to start its game against Indiana, the defensive backs huddled on the sideline as usual to talk about what they saw on the field. Law had already made an impact play, running from one side of the field to the other to swat down a pass near the sideline. But while Law was talking to his coaches, senior cornerback Micah Hyde couldn’t take it anymore. “He was talking to the coaches and everybody,” Hyde said. “And I just had to stop the whole conversation between everybody and say, ‘Dude, you’ve got to wipe that snot off your nose.’ It was all over.” Runny nose aside, it was a promising début for Law — even if it came with the bumps you would expect from a first-time starter. The Hoosiers passed for more than 400 yards, including a few long gains down Law’s side of the field. There were times where Law misread the field or got sucked in by fakes. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said that is part of being an inexperienced player. “I thought Nico did a good job. First time he played a significant amount of time, and it’s something he can build on,” Ferentz said. “One thing
Iowa defensive back Nico Law and linebacker Anthony Hitchens run out against Penn State in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 20. (The Daily Iowan/Adam Wesley) about playing, I think it makes you smarter if you let it. As soon as you start to garner some experience, it can help you if you’ll let it.” But while Law needs to sharpen his pass coverage, his strengths were on full display in Memorial Stadium. The Clinton, Md., native was a highly touted recruit who became a fan favorite last spring for his speed and knack for delivering big hits. He recorded 8 tackles against Indiana, a few of
which you could hear from the upper rows of the stadium. That total was third best on the team and led all defensive backs in the game. Law provided excellent run support and fired his teammates up. “He added a lot of energy,” linebacker Christian Kirksey said. “That’s the type of safety he is — very aggressive. He brought a lot of intensity. He can get down in the box, and he’s also got good speed. It works for the defense.” “He’s been gaining ground and doing some things,” Ferentz said. “He plays with a lot of energy.” It counts as a surprise that Law didn’t make it into the starting lineup until Week 9 this season. Many observers expected him to take over the job immediately. But he spent the majority of the season watching the more experienced senior Tom Donatell play. Donatell started the year strongly, recording two early season interceptions. And Ferentz said that making a switch “doesn’t mean you’re unhappy with one guy.” But when Iowa’s defense started to struggle, an injection of energy made sense. And that’s what Nico Law brings. “We know he can stop the run,” Hyde said. “It’s just how fast he can crash down there. As a defense, we know Nico Law’s a playmaker. As he keeps going through the process of evaluating himself, I think he’ll get even quicker. “The sky’s the limit for him.”
12B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa
1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 25 27 28 29 31 31 32 33 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 49 50 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 65 66 67 68 69
IOWA HAWKEYES
Marshall Koehn Greg Castillo Barkley Hill Greg Garmon Kyle Anderson Tanner Miller Keenan Davis Sean Draper Trent Mossbrucker Don Shumpert Blake Haluska Collin Sleeper Kevonte Martin-Manley Anthony Gair Tom Donatell Kevin Buford John Wienke Jonny Mullings Jake Rudock James Vandenberg C.J. Beathard Jacob Hillyer Micah Hyde B.J. Lowery Cody Sokol Christian Kirksey Nico Law Torrey Campbell Jordan Cotton Ruben Lile Jordan Lomax Maurice Fleming Nick Nielsen Andre Dawson Anthony Hitchens Damon Bullock Jordan Canzeri Adam Cox Nate Meier Gavin Smith Cole Fisher John Lowdermilk Brad Rogers Travis Perry Jack Swanson Jacob Reisen Macon Plewa Jim Poggi James Morris Mark Weisman George Krieger Kittle Melvin Spears Palmer Foster Drew Clark Laron Taylor Quinton Alston James Ferentz Steve Bigach Marcus Collins Faith Ekakitie Tommy Gaul Eric Simmons Conor Boffeli Matt Tobin Casey Kreiter Austin Blythe Jordan Walsh Casey McMillan Jaleel Johnson Brandon Scherff Ryan Kolka
ROS
- Friday, November 9, 2012
6-0/160 5-11/187 6-0/210 6-1/200 6-3/210 6-2/201 6-3/215 6-0/180 5-11/204 6-3/190 6-4/210 6-2/200 6-0/205 6-2/195 6-2/205 5-10/170 6-5/220 6-3/210 6-3/200 6-3/212 6-2/180 6-4/205 6-1/190 5-11/188 6-2/205 6-2/220 6-1/195 5-11/183 6-1/185 6-3/200 5-10/190 6-0/185 6-3/210 6-2/207 6-1/224 6-0/195 5-9/180 5-11/210 6-2/235 5-10/175 6-2/218 6-2/203 5-10/230 6-3/230 5-11/200 6-2/231 6-2/225 6-2/218 6-2/230 6-0/225 6-4/210 6-2/255 6-3/210 6-4/288 6-0/215 6-1/224 6-2/284 6-3/282 6-0/215 6-3/275 6-3/264 6-3/300 6-5/290 6-6/290 6-3/250 6-3/275 6-4/270 6-4/305 6-4/300 6-5/310 6-0/208
PK DB RB RB QB DB WR DB PK WR WR DB WR DB LB DB QB P QB QB QB WR CB DB QB LB DB DB WR DB DB WR WR RB LB RB RB FB RB/LB DB OLB DB FB DB DB FB LB LB LB FB ATH DE OLB OL LB LB OL DL LB DL OL OL OL OL LS OL OL OL DL OL LS
RS FR SR FR FR RS FR JR SR FR SR JR SO SR SO FR SR FR SR SO RS FR SR FR RS FR SR JR JR JR SO RS FR JR FR SO FR SR JR JR SO SO RS FR FR JR RS FR SO JR RS FR SR JR RS FR SO JR SO FR RS FR SO JR FR SO SR SR SO FR SO SO JR SR JR RS FR RS FR SR FR SO RS FR
IOWA VS. PURDUE • SATURDAY, Solon, Iowa Mount Laurel, N.J. Denver, Iowa Erie, Pa. Ames, Iowa Kalona, Iowa Cedar Rapids, Iowa Cleveland, Ohio Mooresville, Ind. St. Louis, Mo. Carroll, Iowa Solon, Iowa Pontiac, Mich. Plano, Texas Duluth, Ga. Canton, Mich. Tuscola, Ill. Canberra, Australia Weston, Fla. Keokuk, Iowa Franklin, Tenn. Somerset, Texas Fostoria, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Phoenix, Ariz. St. Louis, Mo. Clinton, Md. Naples, Fla. Mount Pleasant, Iowa Detroit, Mich. Upper Marlboro, Md. Chicago, Ill. Humboldt, Iowa Cedar Rapids, Iowa Lorain, Ohio Mansfield, Texas Troy, N.Y. Chana, Ill. Tabor, Iowa North Liberty, Iowa Omaha, Neb. Carrollton, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Urbandale, Iowa Naples, Fla. Iowa City, Iowa Franklin, Wis. Towson, Md. Solon, Iowa Buffalo Grove, Ill. Norman, Okla. Allen, Texas Davenport, Iowa Marion, Iowa Detroit, Mich. Sicklerville, N.J. Iowa City, Iowa Cleveland, Ohio Yeadon, Pa. Brampton, Ontario Des Moines, Iowa Madrid, Iowa West Des Moines, Iowa Worthington, Iowa DeWitt, Iowa Williamsburg, Iowa Glendale Heights, Ill. Billings, Mont. Westchester, Ill. Denison, Iowa St. Charles, Ill.
70 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 98 99
Brett Van Sloten Carl Davis Ryan Ward Mitch Keppy Dean Tsopanides Nolan MacMillan Reid Sealby Andrew Donnal Dominic Alvis Henry Krieger Coble Tevaun Smith Ray Hamilton Steven Staggs Zach Derby C.J. Fiedorowicz Jake Duzey Greg Mabin Cameron Wilson Louis Trinca-Pasat Daumantas Venckus-Cucchiara Jonathan Gimm Nathan Lyman Riley McMinn Drew Ott Mike Meyer Darian Cooper Connor Kornbrath Mike Hardy Joe Gaglione
6-7/292 6-5/310 6-5/275 6-5/290 6-2/240 6-6/290 6-4/250 6-7/302 6-4/265 6-4/235 6-2/190 6-5/248 6-3/195 6-3/240 6-7/265 6-4/235 6-2/190 6-1/195 6-3/270 6-5/230 6-3/240 6-3/280 6-7/245 6-4/245 6-2/185 6-2/280 6-6/240 6-5/270 6-4/264
OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL DL TE WR TE WR TE TE TE WR WR DL DL FB DL DE DL K DL P DL DL
JR SO FR FR RS FR JR FR SO JR RS FR FR SO SR SR JR RS FR FR FR SO FR SR JR RS FR FR JR RS FR FR SO SR
Decorah, Iowa Detroit, Mich. New Lenox, Ill. Port Byron, Ill. Torrington, Conn. Toronto, Ontario Byron, Ill. Monclova, Ohio Logan, Iowa Mount Pleasant, Iowa Toronto, Ontario Strongsville, Ohio Oskaloosa, Iowa Iowa City, Iowa Johnsburg, Ill. Troy, Mich. Plantation, Fla. Dublin, Ohio Chicago, Ill. Weston, Fla. Houston, Texas Grundy Center, Iowa Rochester, Ill. Trumbull, Neb. Dubuque, Iowa Elkridge, Md. Bridgeport, W.V. Appleton, Wis. Novelty, Ohio
Keenan Davis WR #7
Ricardo Allen CB #21 Ryan Isaac DE #61 Taylor Richards FS #4
Brett Van Sloten RT #70
Robert Maci LB #58
Austin Blythe James Vandenberg RG #63 QB #16
Kawann Short DT #93
Damon Bulloc RB #32
Bruce Gaston DT #90
Joe Gilliam LB #39
James Ferentz C #53
Will Lucas LB #45 Ryan Russell DE #99
Landon Feichter SS #44
Jonathan Gimm FB #92
Nolan MacMillan LG #76
Matt Tobin LT #60
C.J. Fiedorowicz TE #86
Josh Johnson CB #28 Kevonte Martin-Manley WR #6
STER
ck
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 13B
PURDUE
NOVEMBER 10, 2012 • 11:00AM Normondo Harris Jonathan Curry Frankie Williams Carlos Carvajal Taylor Richards O.J. Ross Antwon Higgs Gary Bush Robert Gregory E.J. Johnson Raheem Mostert Anthony Brown Robert Marve Sean Robinson Akeem Hunt Austin Appleby Tommie Thomas Erich Berzinskas Antavian Edison Bilal Marshall Rob Henry Dolapo Macarthy Austin Parker Charles Torwudzo Nnamdi Ezenwa Cameron Posey Aloyis Gray Caleb TerBush Gavin Roberts Ricardo Allen Ishmael Aristide Ralph Bolden Akeem Shavers Brandon Cottom Antoine Lewis
1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
6-0/180 6-2/245 5-9/186 6-7/244 5-10/192 5-10/188 6-3/246 6-0/185 6-3/195 6-1/185 5-11/180 5-11/185 6-1/212 6-3/240 5-9/184 6-5/235 6-1/195 6-5/212 5-11/175 6-3/170 6-2/200 6-5/220 5-11/202 6-4/223 6-2/225 6-2/180 6-4/185 6-5/225 6-0/226 5-9/186 5-11/199 5-9/200 5-11/203 6-4/258 5-10/193
O.J. Ross WR #4
CB RB DB TE DB WR LB WR RB S WR DB QB LB RB QB WR QB WR QB QB WR QB WR LB WR QB QB RB CB RB RB RB RB CB
JR FR FR FR SO JR SR JR FR SO SO FR SR JR SO FR SR FR SR FR JR FR FR SO SR FR FR SR SR JR JR SR SR SO SO
Miami, Fla. Phenix City, Ala. Tampa, Fla. Hileah, Fla. Lake Mary, Fla. Ormond Beach, Fla. Pompano Beach, Fla. Miami, Fla. Chicago, Ill. Cocoa, Fla. New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Tampa, Fla. Tampa, Fla. Springfield, Ill. Covington, Ga. North Canton, Ohio Robbins, Ill. Fort Meyers, Fla. Pembroke Pines, Fla. Ocala, Fla. Merrillville, Ind. Fort Wayne, Ind. Brownsburg, Ind. Acworth, Ga. Boca Raton, Fla. Indianapolis, Ind. Metamora, Ill. Somerset, N.J. Daytona Beach, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Folkston, Ga. Texarkana, Texas Newtown, Pa. Broadview, Ill. Fort Wayne, Ind.
Micah Hyde CB #18
Antavian Edison WR #13
Anthony Hitchens WLB #31 Tanner Miller FS #5
Akeem Shavers RB #24
Kevin Pamphile LT #64 Dominic Alvis DE #79
Peters Drey LG #67
Louis Trinca-Pasat DT #90
Robert Marve QB #9
Rick Schmeig C #76
James Morris MLB #44
Christian Kirksey OLB #20 Steve Bigach DT #54
Robert Kugler RG #57 Gabe Holmes TE #86 Justin Kitchens RT #51
Gary Bush WR #6
Joe Gaglione DE #99
Greg Castillo CB #2
Nico Law SS #21
27 28 29 29 30 31 32 32 33 34 35 36 36 37 38 38 39 40 40 41 42 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 64 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 79 80 80 81 82 83 84 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 95 96 97 99
Evan Feichter Josh Johnson Jimmy Herman Chris Quinn Thomas Meadows Armstead Williams Evan Pulliam Jordan Shine Danny Anthrop Max Charlot Stephen Yang Robert Harris Zack Heiniger Paul Griggs Landau Lang Mike Lee Joe Gilliam Derek Jackson Collin Link Tylor Foster Andy Garcia Cody Webster Sam McCartney Landon Feichter Will Lucas Kurt Freytag Ruben Ibarra Jules Williams Ashkan Mizani Jesse Schmitt Justin Kitchens Henry Lorenzen John Bednar Jack De Boef Brandon Taylor Eric McDaniel Robert Kugler Robert Maci Cody Davis Chuck Ayres Ryan Isaac Patrick Bade Kevin Pamphile Cameron Cermin Peters Drey Kendrick Adams Jordan Roos Devin Smith Jason King J.J. Prince Josh Davis Rick Schmeig Joey Warburg Trevor Foy Josh Wilson Kingsley Ike Zack Sigman Sterling Carter Crosby Wright B.J. Knauf Eric Mebane Justin Sinz Ryan Morris Gabe Holmes Shane Mikesky Jordan Woods Jalani Phillips Bruce Gaston Greg Latta Ryan Watson Kawann Short Will Schott Ryan DeBusk Michael Rouse III Ryan Russell
6-0/176 5-11/195 6-4/215 5-11/195 6-1/180 6-3/223 6-2/220 6-0/188 6-0/180 6-0/201 5-10/170 6-0/205 5-11/207 6-1/190 5-11/184 6-2/243 6-1/227 6-1/227 6-1/210 6-1/215 6-0/220 6-1/210 6-4/215 6-0/189 5-11/230 6-2/240 6-1/225 6-3/243 6-0/220 6-2/250 6-4/294 6-2/283 6-3/220 6-7/290 6-1/295 6-2/300 6-3/280 6-4/249 6-5/286 6-4/257 6-5/294 6-6/277 6-5/300 6-5/300 6-6/302 6-0/260 6-5/305 6-7/320 6-4/305 6-6/275 6-5/300 6-3/305 6-5/260 6-7/300 6-6/270 6-3/238 6-1/185 6-5/249 6-3/248 5-10/180 6-3/215 6-4/251 6-5/240 6-5/247 6-4/208 6-2/175 6-4/260 6-2/303 6-6/265 6-3/294 6-3/315 6-4/200 6-1/235 6-4/295 6-5/275
S CB LB S K LB LB DB RB S CB K LB K CB LB LB FB LB RB LB P K S LB FB LB LB RB LS OT C LS OT DT G C DE C OT DT OT OL OL G DT OL OL OL OL OT C OL OT DT DE WR TE TE WR DE TE TE TE WR WR LB DT DE DT DT DE DE DT DE
FR SR FR SR FR FR FR FR FR SR FR JR SR FR SO SO SO SR SO JR FR JR FR SO JR SR JR SO FR SO JR JR FR SO JR JR FR SR JR FR JR JR JR FR SR SO FR JR FR FR SO SR FR JR SO FR SR JR SR FR SR SO FR JR FR FR SO JR JR FR SR FR FR FR SO
Dade City, Fla. Carmel, Ind. Miami, Fla. Maidens, Va. Monroeville, Pa. Indianapolis, Ind. West Lafayette, Ind. Corona, Calif. Agoura, Calif. Columbia, Tenn. Fishers, Ind. Charlotte, N.C. Merrillville, Ind. Indianapolis, Ind. Glen Allen, Va. West Liberty, Ohio Schererville, Ind. Miami, Fla. Harrisburg, Pa. West Lafayette, Ind. Fort Wayne, Ind. Lakeland, Fla. Carmel, Ind. Chicago, Ill. Indianapolis, Ind. Granite Bay. Calif. Louisville, Ky. Warner Robins, Ga. Granite Bay, Calif. Valparaiso, Ind. Penn Furnace, Pa. Aventura, Fla. Calhoun, Ga. Pittsburgh, Pa. Fishers, Ind. Spring, Texas Eau Claire, Wis. Michigan City, Ind. Indianapolis, Ind. Miami, Fla. College Station, Texas Mobile, Ala. Lilburn, Ga. Celina, Texas Detroit, Mich. Little Rock, Ark. Southlake, Texas Plain City, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Louisville, Ky. Louisville, Ky. Pflugerville, Texas Torrance, Calif. Carbondale, Ill. Winter Haven, Fla. Grand Prairie Edgar, Wis. Barnegat, N.J. Miramar, Fla. Zionsville, Ind. Ypsilanti, Mich. Warner Robbins, Ga. Chicago, Ill. La Quinta, Calif. Ellicott City, Md. East Chicago, Ind. Greenwood, Ind. Atascadero, Calif. Flossmoor, Ill. Carrollton, Texas East Chicago, Ind. Greenwood, Ind. Atascadero, Calif. Flossmoor, Ill. Carrollton, Texas
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 15B
16B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
AROUND THE BIG TEN
OFFENSIVE IMPACT
POWER RANKINGS
1. Ohio State The Buckeyes have bounced back from a pair of close shaves against conference cellar dwellers, delivering convincing wins over Penn State and Illinois the last two weeks. Now, all that stands between Urban Meyer and 12-0 are Wisconsin and Michigan. 2. Nebraska I grew up despising the Cornhuskers. But I’ll admit they’re the best team in the Big Ten not named Ohio State. Excuse me while I vomit. 3. Penn State The Nittany Lions got their bounce-back game against Purdue last week. Now they face T-Magic. Easily the best matchup in the conference the rest of the way. 4. Michigan Will Denard Robinson play? Dunno. Does it matter? Devin Gardner lit up Minnesota last week and has Big Blue fans feeling good about the future. 5. Northwestern A win against Michigan would put the Wildcats back into the thick of the Legends Division race. Tailback Venric Mark may be the best player most of the country hasn’t heard of. 6. Wisconsin Quarterback Joel Stave is out for the year after go-
ing down in last week’s 16-13 loss against Michigan State. Can Danny O’Brien right the ship? I doubt it. Badgers could be fading quickly. 7. Michigan State The Spartans may have gotten the big win they desperately needed last week. They need one more to reach bowl eligibility and salvage a sliver of dignity in a severely disappointing season. 8. Indiana I’m not sure there is a hotter team in the Big Ten right now. Back-to-back wins now have the Hoosiers within two games of bowl eligibility and one game back of the Leaders Division lead. 9. Iowa This week is a must-win for the Hawkeyes. Lose, and you have to beat Michigan and Nebraska to reach bowl eligibility. Good luck with that. 10. Minnesota Yikes. Is it just me, or does that 4-0 start feel like it was a decade ago? 11. Purdue I still can’t figure out why this team is so bad. There was a reason the Boilermakers were picked as dark-horse contenders, right? 12. Illinois Hey, basketball season is starting. Maybe that will cheer up … never mind.
GAMES TO WATCH Wisconsin at Indiana Time: 11 a.m. Saturday Location: Bloomington, Ind. Where to watch: ESPN 2
Key Highlights The last time Indiana didn’t lose to Wisconsin was 2004. They didn’t play each other that year. It’s been 10 years since the Hoosiers got a win against the Badgers. Get one Saturday, and they’re in the Leaders Division driver’s seat.
TORK MASON TORK-MASON@UIOWA.EDU
No. 24 Northwestern at Michigan Time: 11 a.m. Saturday Location: Ann Arbor, Mich. Where to Watch: ESPN
Key Highlights Michigan may be without Denard Robinson, but ex-wide receiver Devin Gardner played remarkably well in relief last week. A healthy Robinson or a repeat performance by Gardner is critical if the Wolverines hope to keep pace with Nebraska in the Legends Division. Whoever starts under center will have the benefit of facing the Wildcats’ shaky pass defense, ranked 107th nationally.
Name: Denard Robinson, Michigan Position: Quarterback Year: Senior Robinson has battled an ulnar nerve injury that made it difficult for him to grip the ball, and he sat out last week’s 35-13 win over Minnesota. As of Tuesday, there was no word on whether he will be under center against Nebraska. Robinson is a critical piece in the Wolverines’ offensive attack, but he could still have an impact if he’s on the sideline. Backup Devin Gardner — who previously played wide receiver — said Robinson was instrumental in his 234-yard, 2-touchdown relief effort against the Gophers. “He was in my ear the whole game, telling me what he saw and everything, congratulating me,” Gardner told the Detroit Free Press. “After the interception, he kept me up. That was great from a player like him who had to sit down because he was injured, as a senior.”
DEFENSIVE IMPACT Name: Michael Mauti, Penn State Position: Linebacker Year: Senior Mauti has done everything he can to uphold Penn State’s reputation as “Linebacker U” this season. The senior has racked up 83 tackles thus far, sixth in the Big Ten. He also has 4 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, and leads the Nittany Lions with 3 interceptions. But he was recently snubbed from consideration for the Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s best linebacker or defensive lineman. The list of 12 quarterfinalists was released on Oct. 10, and Mauti’s name wasn’t on it. That won’t stop the senior from making a big impact in this weekend’s matchup against Taylor Martinez and No. 16 Nebraska. He knows his time in Happy Valley is running out.
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 17B
18B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
POINT/COUNTERPOINT
Who will represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl?
Nebraska
Nebraska’s going to go to the Rose Bowl. It may be hard to swallow for Iowa fans, but it’s something everyone will just have to accept. Nebraska leads the Legends Division with a 4-1 Big Ten record, its only loss coming to Ohio State. It will be crucial for the Huskers to win their next three games, but they are likely to defeat Penn State, Minnesota, and yes, even Iowa — all games they won last season. Penn State will prove to be the most difficult for the former Bugeaters. On the other hand, the two will meet at the 323 times consecutively sold-out Memorial Stadium, which will be a difficult environment for the Nittany Lions. Penn State stands no chance against Nebraska’s rushing game. The Husker offense runs two running backs, and both average more than 5 yards per carry. Even if Nebraska is missing starter Rex Burkhead, his backup Ameer Abdullah has run for at least 100 yards in the past three games. Abdullah’s ability to run between tackles almost better matches the Big Red’s fast-paced offense. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez alone has more rushing yards than the Nittany Lion running back Zach Zwinak. The Leaders Division is led by an undefeated Ohio State, but the Buckeyes can’t compete in a championship game. Same thing goes for the second-place Penn State. That means it’s between the Badgers and Hoosiers for who will compete in the Big Ten championship. Let’s say it’s Wisconsin. The Huskers offense ripped apart the Badger defense, leading a comeback from a 17-point deficit to win 30-27. Taylor Martinez, who has been heavily scrutinized by Husker fans, has become a clutch player for the Huskers, and it’s during his Taylor-Time that he has led second-half comebacks in the three of four Big Ten victories. With Ohio State out of the picture, there is no team that can compete with T-Magic’s offense and the Blackshirt defense of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. — by Jalyn Souchek
Indiana
It’s November, and Indiana football is relevant. The Hoosiers have two wins in conference play so far this season, which is how many they had in the previous three seasons combined. But with those two wins comes a sort of weird feeling that I’m sure Bloomington isn’t used to. Indiana controls its own destiny to reach Pasadena on New Year’s Day. Meet the most unlikely of BCS contenders. This is not to say that Indiana is good, because on paper, it’s not. Historically, the Hoosiers have been excruciatingly bad, to the tune of one bowl game since 1993 and just nine bowl appearances of any kind in 125 years. They’ve averaged less than two conference wins in the last 15 seasons, making them more or less the laughingstocks of the Big Ten until basketball season rolls around. But consider where they’ve come from to where they are now. This team isn’t full of slouches. They’ve proven week-in and week-out that they can put points on the board, and their defense, despite being one of the worst in the Big Ten, is improving by the week. Two wins over Iowa and Illinois aren’t all that impressive. But a fluke win against Wisconsin this weekend isn’t out of the question. Win this weekend, and Indiana can afford a loss to Penn State the next before thumping Purdue in the regular season finale. If all goes well, meaning Wisconsin loses to both the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions to round out its season, Indiana will head to Indianapolis for another fluke win against either Nebraska or Michigan. I can see it now: Indiana 3, Oregon 56. At halftime. — by Cody Goodwin
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 19B
20B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 21B
22B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012
ON THE LINE
Matchups Purdue at Iowa
No. 24 Northwestern at Michigan
Penn State at No.16 Nebraska
Wisconsin at Indiana
No. 11 Oregon State at No. 14 Stanford
Ben Ross
Molly Olmstead
Ian Martin
Sports Editor (25-20)
Asst. Sports Editor (25-20) Football Reporter (30-15)
IOWA
Just to toy with the Hawkeye nation some more.
MICHIGAN
Denard might be healthy, the Wolverines are due for an upset.
PENN STATE Because, again, I hate Bo.
WISCONSIN
Indiana can’t be that much better, can it?
OREGON STATE Blah.
IOWA
Hawkeyes frustrated Take it out on the Boilers Random blowout win
MICHIGAN
IOWA
WHY WHY WHY
MICHIGAN
As in basketball Wildcats can’t stay ranked for long And it’s at Big House
Real tempted to pick Northwestern here
Penn State
NEBRASKA
In putrid Big Ten Two ineligible schools Wreak bowl-bid havoc
WISCONSIN IU to Rose Bowl Talk over. Badgers both third And first in Leaders
STANFORD Beavers take the loss Before upsetting Oregon At November’s end
T-MONEY
WISCONSIN
Danny O’Brien starting at quarterback makes this interesting for Sconnie
STANFORD
The Cardinal beat Notre Dame as far as I’m concerned.
Tork Mason
Football Reporter (32-13)
IOWA
Can’t figure out how, but Purdue is worse than Iowa. The Hawkeyes are also playing for their bowl lives at this point.
NORTHWESTERN Somehow, this still feels like an upset pick. Venric Mark is the best player most of the nation hasn’t even heard of, though.
NEBRASKA
Penn State has cooled off a little. Nebraska is just starting to get hot.
INDIANA
There’s a reason Danny O’Brien was benched earlier this year.
OREGON STATE I’ve had a soft spot for Oregon State ever since Quizz Rodgers.
Sam Louwagie Pregame Editor (23-22)
IOWA
This is going to be a truly special game.
MICHIGAN Home-field advantage wins it for Wolverines.
NEBRASKA Home-field advantage wins it for the Huskers.
Sam Lane
Fans’ Picks
Managing Editor (32-13)
IOWA
PURDUE
I’m pretty sure my brother’s college decision rests on this game.
Curses! Boiled again
MICHIGAN The Mighty Kain Colter won’t be quite so mighty in the Big House.
NEBRASKA Huskers bounce back after a close game last week.
MICHIGAN Nervous they are looking ahead to Iowa next week... wait, who am I kidding?
NEBRASKA Still bitter over our butt kicking we received from Penn St.
WISCONSIN
WISCONSIN
Competence wins it for the Badgers.
The Hoosiers are only good against Iowa (and Illinois … and UMass … Indiana St.)
If they lose this game the head coach will fire the head coach.
OREGON STATE
OREGON STATE
STANFORD
Vaz sounds funny.
Go Stan U!
WISCONSIN
Tork and Sam Lane picked them. Good enough for me.
The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012 - 23B
24B - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Friday, November 9, 2012