Lousiana- Monroe Warhawks
Location: Monroe, LA
Enrollment:8,858
Conference: Sun Belt
Last Year: 5-7 record
Returning Starters: 23
Current Record: 1-2
Notable opponents: TCU and Florida State (lost to both)
Though they have a losing record, ULM poses some concerns for Iowa. The Warhawks run some spread sets, which allows them to run a lot of plays in a short amount of time. They have 101 passing attempt through three games this year (an average of 33 attempts per game), and averaged the same number of passing attempts per game last year. That ranked 48th in the nation. In comparison, Iowa was 82nd in the nation in passing attempts (44 less). ULM also had 473 rush attempts last year (49th in the nation), compared to Iowa's 449. Once again, Iowa will have to deal with a fast paced spread offense, however the talent level will undoubtedly be less than what the Hawks have seen so far. This will create a great opportunity for the new secondary to improve on stopping the spread before Big Ten play.
Alright, enough with the stats. Let's just take a look at this team from a fan's standpoint. ULM will not be intimidated by Iowa as other "cupcake" schools may be when they come into Kinnick Stadium. The Warhawks have already faced two top programs in TCU and Florida State, both on the road. ULM has faced the likes of Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, and Texas within the last decade. With these tough games under their belt, don't expect ULM to back down or feel pressured because they are playing a Big Ten team. If anything, ULM should come sprinting out of the gate, and the Hawks cannot look past this game. In the past, Iowa has generally taken care of business during the awkward fourth non-conference game. This game is usually reserved for a small program (teams like NIU, Miami OH, etc) , and intended to put a sure "W" on the team record. However, recall the 2007 loss to Western Michigan at home, and the 2009 scare against Arkansas State, and the importance of this game is quickly revealed. Sure, it's a test game, but a win is a win, and that win will add up come bowl season. The game also becomes more valuable when you consider the consequences of a loss...
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz mentioned this week that the Hawkeyes would be running their usual pro style offense, despite the amazing success of the no-huddle last week. A wise move by Coach Ferentz, despite much public outcry to shift Iowa's offense to a constant no-huddle even...brace for it...a spread..ugh. All I will say is this- Iowa has had so much success under Ferentz (5-3 bowl record, two BCS bowl appearances, 2 Big Ten championships) while running the same pro style offense since he began. Why change all of that because of a few games that didn't go our way? Sure, Iowa has the receiver talent this year to make their offense look like the Green Bay Packers, but Ferentz is making a wise move here. Stick to what has been successful, and use the no-huddle only when necessary. If our core offensive philosophy isn't working against Pitt, for example, then its time to let JVB loose. Until then, keep doing what Iowa does.
Prediction:
Iowa should run away with this one. Predicted score: Iowa 40, Louisiana-Monroe 14
Not sure what to expect as far as the rushing game. Damon Bullock was given play time at a critical point in last weeks win, so I'm guessing Ken O'Keefe and Ferentz are trying to give the freshman a chance. Coker will continue to pound the ball, but the Bullock-Coker combination could be helpful.
Also, expect McNutt to go off against a weak defense, and the athleticism of Shaun Prater and Micah Hyde should create some turnovers.
Here are some good reads/listens from various sources this week-
Friendly competition between corners Micah Hyde and Shaun Prater
http://hawkcentral.com/2011/09/22/prater-or-hyde-will-turn-interceptions-into-free-dinner/
Jon Miller's Pitt Recap and Pregame Prediction
http://www.hawkeyenation.com/
B1G blog podcast
http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=7000638
Micah Hyde on facing the Warhawks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll39KTNQDp8&feature=related
*Also, remember to wear Green for Brett Greenwood on Saturday. GO HAWKS!
-IS
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