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Opening Line +3, Quickly Moved to +5.5...Lots of Money on Iowa

mehinpgh

All Conference
Dec 6, 2004
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As I understand it, being given 3 points away is basically saying the game is a pick'em at a neutral site...the sharps obviously think Iowa is better than a pick'em against us. I wish we had James running the ball, but I think we still have a good chance...and Narduzzi knows Iowa...this could be the story of the season right here.
 
Two things:

--Iowa has a decent QB, so there will be some long completions against us. Even Akron had some WRs running open, just couldn't hit them; and look what YSU did...

--Our QB is going to be in trouble because of Pitt having one or two inexperienced OTs playing, and our center is getting pushed around. Not going to work against better teams. I expect Coach Chaney to be rolling the pocket a lot.

Pitt needs some turnovers to win, IMHO.

Go Pitt.
 
As I understand it, being given 3 points away is basically saying the game is a pick'em at a neutral site...the sharps obviously think Iowa is better than a pick'em against us. I wish we had James running the ball, but I think we still have a good chance...and Narduzzi knows Iowa...this could be the story of the season right here.
Well, since it's not a conference game, I don't think this game is the story of the season. Early litmus test, sure. Conference Ws are most important.
 
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We might be catching Iowa a little flat. They had a big emotional win against ISU.
 
Pitt and Iowa recruit pretty much the same caliber of player. so the talent level on the field will be similar

So....the spread then, is reflective of two things.

Iowa is at home and their QB position is settled while ours is up in the air.

After watching Iowa beat ISU...and watching Pitt beat Akron........Pitt will lose this game by double digits.
 
Agreed. Dangerous spot for Iowa against an equally talented Pitt team.
I think iowa will be energized by the night atmosphere and crowd that is just busting at the seams to explode again after having a large number walk away due to underachieving.

This team seems very focused and business like. As close knit of a team as in can recall at Iowa in some time. I don't think there will be a let down Saturday night.
 
I think iowa will be energized by the night atmosphere and crowd that is just busting at the seams to explode again after having a large number walk away due to underachieving.

This team seems very focused and business like. As close knit of a team as in can recall at Iowa in some time. I don't think there will be a let down Saturday night.
I think the difference could be the OLs. I get the impression Iowa's line is more settled. If Pitt gets a good performance from the big guys up front and can get good pressure on the Iowa QB then I would be comfortable in at least taking the points.
 
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We might be catching Iowa a little flat. They had a big emotional win against ISU.

Pitt could certainly win (the spread reflects that) but it won't be due to Iowa being flat. It will be Iowa's first home night game since 2012. The crowd will be ready. Of course one can never tell with 18-22 year olds, but this Iowa team hardly gives the impression of resting on a 2-game winning streak.
 
I think the difference could be the OLs. I get the impression Iowa's line is more settled. If Pitt gets a good performance from the big guys up front and can get good pressure on the Iowa QB then I would be comfortable in at least taking the points.
I have so far been very impressed with the Iowa OL ability to run block. They are driving down field and being pretty nasty.

Also, it doesn't look like the typical stretch zone blocking concept each and every time as in years past that even with a top 5 pick at tackle and the other tackle drafted couldn't blow people off the ball. It was like everyone know knew what was coming and could easily prepare for and defend it. Particularly with a full back at tailback the past few yrs.

This change seems to be mostly due to some off season visits with other programs and pro teams and Brian Ferentz being named run game coordinator.

There has been quite a shake up in philosophies and game planning compared to yrs past.

It will be interesting to see how this translates Saturday when facing a better DL and front 7 than what we've seen thus far
 
Iowa's DE Ott is out! This is huge because the backup is not nearly as good as Ott who is a major talent. Starting RB out for them as well.
 
Iowa's DE Ott is out! This is huge because the backup is not nearly as good as Ott who is a major talent. Starting RB out for them as well.
Has this just been announced? 2 deeps yesterday listed both as starting and Ferentz said Sunday that the news was encouraging.

Daniels, the RB appeared to be a bruised ankle from being stepped on and was thought to be fine by the weekend.

Ott dislocated his elbow and those things are hit and miss as to whether you can return right away. He is as tough as an old, cheap whores coochie so it wouldn't surprise me of he plays some at least. It also wouldn't surprise me for Ferentz to rest him the next 2 weeks
 
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I think Kirk is doing some coach speak. Daniels may play, but no way he puts Ott in. If so as an ooc game that is not as important and Ott cost himself and draft status, Kirk would get filleted.
 
I think Kirk is doing some coach speak. Daniels may play, but no way he puts Ott in. If so as an ooc game that is not as important and Ott cost himself and draft status, Kirk would get filleted.

Well said, except that a top 5 NFL pick at offensive line started a non-conference game last year less than a week after knee surgery. I truly believe that, if they can play, they will play.
 
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