Iowa State – Northern Iowa Game Preview

Iowa State Offense vs. Northern Iowa Defense

I fully expect the offense to be hitting on all cylinders this weekend. Iowa State should be able to move the ball on the ground and through the air. The Panthers have played lesser competition to date; Drake (Div I-AA -no scholarships), North Dakota (Div II) and South Dakota State (1-3). These teams all had success moving the ball on UNI. Iowa State has the talent to put up a lot of points, this should be the week they finally break out.
Overall – Heavy Advantage:

Northern Iowa Offense vs. Iowa State Defense

The UNI offense is a talented group that is led by a great senior quarterback. The Panthers have had success on the ground, but this will be the best defense that UNI has played this year. Iowa State should be able to control Northern Iowa’s running game and they will force the Panthers to throw the ball. Sanders is a great QB but he is throwing to a new group of receivers. Their top two receivers are HB James Lindgren (27 catches in 2005) and Johnny Gray (1 catch in 2005). The Cyclones have really struggled stopping the pass in 2006, but the Iowa State secondary is talented enough to put the clamps down on the Panthers this week.
Overall: Slight Advantage:

Iowa State Special Forces vs. Northern Iowa Special Teams

If Northern Iowa is going to upset the Cyclones this is an area they have to dominate. The Panthers are solid in all phases of special teams, but the star of the group is senior kicker Brian Wingert who is perfect on field goals and PAT’s and has 16 touchbacks on kickoffs. I would expect the Panthers to be very aggressive on special teams and come after Brandtner’s punts very hard. Iowa State best chance for a big play will come on punt and kick returns.
Slight Advantage:

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Northern Iowa Panthers

Turnover Margin
Iowa State: plus 2
Texas: plus 2

Iowa State fans get up to Ames early on Saturday and get to your seats prior to kickoff. This is going to be the weekend that Iowa State puts it all together. The offense will put up more than 30 points and the defense and special teams will have solid consistent performances. I don’t see any chance for a letdown in this game. The Cyclones are coming off of two losses and they still haven’t played well and they know it. The Panthers will come in hungry and put everything on the table, but it won’t be enough. The Panthers will go on to have a good season. They will continue to improve as the year goes on and their young skill position players get more experience.
Overall – Heavy Advantage: