Iowa dropped a tough game at home to the Wolverines this weekend to move to 3-2 on the season. There’s no sugar coating it, this was a tough game to watch. I think every Iowa fan had hoped for something special, and this was anything but that. Here are my takeaways.
Ref Show
I’m not huge on conspiracy theories, but I’d like to see the officials’ flight logs and if any of them have been to Vegas recently because some of these calls were really fishy.
It felt like any time Iowa was getting momentum on offense some late flag was thrown on the field that would set back the drive and crush momentum. It wasn’t just Iowa fans being upset, even Joel Klatt made comments on the officiating during the game. Iowa had a huge run early on in a good drive that got set back by this play being called “clipping”.
Iowa marched down the field later to get inside the Michigan 10-yard line just to be set back again by this block being deemed unnecessary roughness.
The Iowa defense wasn’t getting any favors either. A lot of plays like this involved missed holding calls. (Yes, that is the refs looking directly at it.)
Was the officiating bad? Yes. With that being considered, it is important to note that regardless of this, Iowa was still probably going to lose this game. Michigan was just the better team. Would have been nice to have these calls go our way, but it probably wasn’t going to change the overall result of the game. Michigan was more physical and athletic and deserved to win this game.
Iowa Offense
Well, the offense wasn’t perfect in this game, but this is probably the best it’s been all game. Petras had 200 yards in the 2nd half and no interceptions. What more do you want from this guy? Michigan is a really good defense and the kid played alright. It wasn’t amazing, but there’s no moment in that game where pulling him is going to solve anything. Petras isn’t a Heisman winner, but if you believe that he is the sole reason that the offense struggles to score points you’re wrong. On the last drive of the game, he hit a receiver in the chest on a deep throw and it got dropped. It’s not all on him.
Funny moment from the game that you only noticed if you were in the stadium. Within the last minute of the third quarter, the Iowa student section started chanting “fire Brian” just for the offense to break off a 30+ yard passing play to set up 1st and goal. Those same fans are only going to remember the bad plays and not the good ones like that.
The Iowa offense isn’t free of issues, but the real problems are lying in other places. Wake up.
Next Week
Iowa is opening as a 3-point dog to Illinois next week. With this knowledge, I’m officially worried. The games at night. Coach Belima knows Kirk. This is beginning to be a recipe for disaster. With that being said I still believe in this team to get it done in this game and in every game. I just think the team needs make sure they show up and play well in this one.
Scramble Sports 