Hawkeyes Mic: Hawkeyes — Cornhuskers Predictions (11/23/16)
The Hawkeyes Mic picks are in for the Iowa-Nebraska game. Most of us are on the same page again this week — but apparently, Tyler didn’t learn his lesson from last Saturday’s game so he’s out there all by himself again. Check them out — see if you agree or disagree…
Scott Dochterman — Iowa 16–13: This game is going to come down to the line of scrimmage, and it’s a pretty even fight. Iowa’s lowest rushing total in a victory this year was 164 against Michigan. Nebraska highest rushing yards allowed in a Big Ten win was 137 against Northwestern. I think the outcome lies in that margin. LandOfTen.com; @ScottDochterman on Twitter)
Steve Batterson — Iowa 10–7: Iowa hasn’t beaten the Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium since winning by a 10–7 score in 1981. This game has that same sort of feel, the type of match-up where it will be a fight for either team to find the end zone and one where healthy defenses should be able to dominate. The combination of what Akrum Wadley and LeShun Daniels can give the Hawkeyes and the questions the Cornhuskers have at quarterback lead me to suggest that history just might repeat itself in the Hawkeye home finale in this year’s Heroes Game. (The Quad City Times; @SBatt79 on Twitter)
Tyler Tjelmeland — Nebraska 13–10: I was impressed by Iowa in its ability to remain calm and carry on in the win over Illinois after the roller coaster they had between the Penn State embarrassment and the Michigan upset. The impressed feeling needs to tempered a bit because the offense, especially the passing attack, has been abysmal. Nebraska has a very good defense. Iowa’s isn’t too shabby. It should be a slobber knocker, and should be vintage B1G football. I think Nebraska has a slight edge. (HawkeyesMic.com; @TylerTjemeland on Twitter)
Jack Brandsgard — Iowa 21–17: It sounds like Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong will be good to go against Iowa, but the uncertainty the Huskers have faced this week at the most important position in football could still cost the Blackshirts. With Armstrong, backup Ryker Fyfe, and third string Zack Darlington all taking reps in practice, the Huskers have had to worry about who their signal caller will be coming into the regular season finale. This lack of definition could result in a lack of cohesion, thus throwing the Huskers off their rhythm before even taking a snap against Iowa. For the Hawkeyes, it is important for them to take advantage of their opposition’s uncertainty and pounce on the Huskers early. After a slow start offensively last week at Illinois, a quick beginning for the Hawkeyes would be great for their confidence, and would also rile up an already frenzied crowd. My bet is that Iowa gets off to a hot start, and does just enough throughout the rest of the game to pull out a victory against the Huskers. (HawkeyesMic.com; @JackBrandsgard on Twitter)
John Patchett — Iowa 20–17 : The Hawkeyes appear to have momentum as the regular season winds down. A win on Black Friday would make it three straight and position Iowa for a bowl upgrade with eight wins. The Huskers are going for a 10-win season with an outside shot at playing in the B1G Championship Game. But they have uncertainty at quarterback — not something you want anytime let alone in a rivalry trophy game. 14 Iowa Seniors will play their last game in Kinnick. Emotions will be running high. The stats say Iowa has more success in the red zone on both offense and defense. I think that will be the difference in this game. Plus the weather forecast for Iowa City is good so that shouldn’t play a factor either. The Heroes Trophy stays in Iowa City. (HawkeyesMic.com; @HawkeyesMic on Twitter)
Note: You can access the PDF version of our predictions here.
Podcasting 10 Years Of Original Programming On Iowa Athletics
Posted 11/23/16
