Originally Posted by
BuddyBear
hopefully you are right about WF.
I am not sure what to think of Iowa/UW game. Both teams to me are overrated but relatively even in many other areas and neither team has looked overly impressive so far. In fact, both teams have looked really poor at times Iowa's defense looks really really good though if anything but that has to be somewhat tempered by who they have played NIU: (lost to a 1-AA school and EMU), Syracuse (the worst big conference school) and Iowa St (very close to the worst big conference school). Even so, to not allow a TD is impressive and has to count for something. Moreover, this is a big rivarly game as Iowa City is only 3 hours from here in Madison. UI has owned UW of late but UW won last year.
On the other hand, UW has struggled more than expected. I knew they were a bit overrated and UNLV hanging in with them was not a surprise but for the Citadel to do whatever they wanted on that defense in the 1H made me wonder just how overrated this team is. I would give a slight edge on offense to UW b/c while Donovan is a 1yr QB as well as Christianson he did start against Iowa last year and won so that should count for something...moreoever, they have a dual rushing attack in PJ Hill and Lance Smith but did lose a key WR in Paul Hubbard and i think that needs to be noted.
In terms of the intangibles, it is a night game and of course Camp Randall will be rocking but I am not sure that is enough for me to consider UW.
Really this game is a toss up to me as I can make a compelling case either way. Perhaps at -7 I would have considered UW but higher than that could be difficult to persuade me. This is always a great rivalry that does not get much attention and two good young coaches matching wits. I would have liked to bet on it as my g/f is coming over to watch it with me (I know kind of a drag....) so I'll be an interested spectator more than anything else Saturday night for this game to see how it plays out.
GL....