Iowa Won(?)(!)

A recap of what I called for and how it worked out...

A) Iowa commit to running the ball.

They ran the ball fairly effectively, picking up 141 yards on the ground. Albert Young looked good and helped keep a grinding offense on the field - keeping Iowa's defense off the field.

B) Jacody Coleman get significant PT.

He did. The kid apparently has no skills in pass coverage, but I love the intensity he brings to the field.

C) Chad Geary get significant PT.

I didn't see him in on defense at any time. On the flip side, I only saw an Iowa d-end make one play all day. Iowa's defensive ends have been "not real good" this season.

D) THROW THE G** D***ED BALL TO DJK!

2 catches, 27 yards. He also fumbled a kickoff, but managed to bring it out past the 20 anyway.

E) Kirk to show "emotion".

The Press-Citizen claims he was "teary-eyed" after the game. I can not confirm, as I was busy celebrating.

F) An offensive line that has figured out how to pick up a blitz.

They didn't need to figure it out. Illinois played Norm Parker ball and sat back in a 4-3 all game. Uninspired gameplan on the part of the Illinois staff (which, if you've heard me talk about Ron Zook, shouldn't surprise you in the least).

I said if Iowa's offense moved the ball and kept the defense off the field, they would have a chance to win. They won the time of possession battle by almost 10 full minutes, meaning Brett Greenwood was fresh when Eddie McGee threw that duck into his arms in the closing minutes. I by no means expected Iowa would be able to hang on to the ball, but kudos to the team and staff for a well-executed game plan.

Iowa still has a long ways to go to be a good football team, but they showed some desire and heart today. The offense committed to hanging on to the football, the defense played (God help me for saying this) textbook bend but don't break football - even the special teams looked all right (ignoring Ryan Donahue's attempt at a coffin corner that gave Illinois the ball at the 30 with 2 1/2 minutes left).

To quote the illustrious Bibguy, a win is a win. No such thing as winning ugly.