On Iowa by Marc Morehouse
Your Penn State two deeps
Posted on Sep 21, 2009 by Marc Morehouse.
Iowa's Bryan Bulaga runs off the field at half time of the team's game against Iowa State Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Bulaga sat out the game with a health issue. (Brian Ray/The Gazette)
No OT Bryan Bulaga (undisclosed illness), TE Tony Moeaki (ankle) and WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (hamstring) listed on Iowa’s two deeps released today.
Before you run out to take Penn State throwing the 11, this is Monday, Iowa’s day off. At the very least this means that none of the three practiced Sunday, the only day Iowa has practiced so far this week. When coach Kirk Ferentz says they’ll know more Tuesday, he means Tuesday afternoon at at 3, when players are dressed and stretching for Tuesday practice.
So, this is very much wait-and-see. Tuesday afternoon will be one hurdle. The radio show Wednesday night might offer an update, it might not. Depends what’s asked and answered.
Here’s what Ferentz said about the three after Saturday’s 27-17 victory over Arizona:
“Day to day. We talked about it a little earlier. Realistically we thought that they would have a shot, outside of Bryan. We knew he was out because he missed practice on Thursday. We were hoping to get some good news sooner or later. The injuries that Tony and Derrell have, they could be fine this week or they might not be. We will know more by Tuesday.”
One somewhat good sign is RB Adam Robinson’s presence on the depth chart. Remember, he left in the fourth quarter Saturday with what appeared to be a leg contusion suffered on a tackle. He talked after the game, and said he was fine. It was his left thigh.
Here’s what he said:
Here’s what DJK said about ISU about his injury: “It was kind of a game day decision. But all week you could feel the importance of this game and I was able to do some things to help that and help the pain and just go out there and play as hard as I can and keep focusing on making plays.”
Moeaki suffered his ankle injury against UNI, but he played against ISU. His production dipped, but he was still a tenacious blocker.
The longer the Bulaga thing goes, I can’t imagine that’s a good thing.
– Arkansas State at Iowa (11 a.m., ESPN Classics/ESPN2). I think I wrote somewhere yesterday that it’s an 11 a.m. kick. I don’t like the Classic option. I’m guessing ESPN is hanging on to this in case Iowa wins this week. It’ll be “the” team in the Big Ten.
– Sophomore Shaun Prater returned from his two-game suspension last week and got the start. I don’t see him going anywhere anytime soon at this spot. Remember, his twin brother, Shane, transferred due to academics. Shaun stuck around, I’m guessing, because he knew he’d have a shot at this, even with a healthy Jordan Bernstine.
– This is Iowa’s fifth ESPN “College GameDay” appearance. Iowa has lost the previous four (@ Northwestern ‘95, Ohio State ‘96, @ Ohio State ‘97 and Ohio State ‘06).
– Iowa’s seven-game winning streak is currently tied for fourth best in the nation with Texas. Florida holds the longest win streak at 13 games, followed by Mississippi (8) and Southern Mississippi (8). Iowa won its final three regular season games a year ago (Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota) and defeated South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl before opening 2009 with wins over Northern Iowa, Iowa State and Arizona.
Iowa punter Ryan Donahue (5) punts the ball during the first quarter of the Hawkeyes' 45-9 win over the Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.
– FROM IOWA SPORTS INFO: Iowa punter Ryan Donahue has been named co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance in Saturday’s 27-17 win over Arizona. The announcement was made tonight on the Big Ten Network’s weekly recap show.
It’s the third straight week the Hawkeyes have had a Big Ten Player of the Week. Linebacker Jerimiha Hunter won co-Special Team honors following Iowa’s season opening win over Northern Iowa and defensive back Tyler Sash won co-defensive honors after Iowa’s win at Iowa State last week.
Donahue is a 6-3, 180-pound junior from Evergreen Park, IL. It’s the third time Donahue has won the league honor. He initially won in 2007 following Iowa’s double-overtime win over Michigan State and last year after Iowa’s regular season ending 55-0 win over Minnesota. He shares this week’s honor with Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland.
Donahue averaged 51 yards on five punts against Arizona. He had four kicks of fifty yards or more with a long of 62 yards. He has had at least one punt over 50 yards in 13 of Iowa’s last 15 games. Two of his punts against the Wildcats were downed inside the 20 and only one punt was returned (four yards).
He is averaging 44.6 yards a punt on the season. Iowa opponents have returned four punts for a total of only five yards. The Hawkeyes are ranked fourth nationally in net punting with a 42.9 yard average.
Iowa had seven Big Ten Player of the Week honorees last season.
– Penn State is playing its fourth straight home game and plays six of its first seven in Beaver Stadium.
– Penn State ranks second in the nation in scoring defense (6.7) and Iowa is 15th (12.0). Iowa is 25th in pass defense (162.7) and Penn State is 29th (166.0).
– Sophomore DB Tyler Sash had an interception and 41 yard return to set up a field goal in the win over Arizona. With the return, Sash established a new Iowa record for career interception return yards with 251. The previous best of 202 yards (18 interceptions) was held by Devon Mitchell.
ICHawk
21. Sep, 2009
I really don't like the Classic option, either. Especially since Mediacom carries it on a different tier, and probably won't bump it to their local channel like they've done in the past. But, stranger things have happened.
Marc_Morehouse
21. Sep, 2009
I can't imagine this game of "guess the channel" plays well with fans who just want to watch their college football team on TV. I thought the Big Ten Network would solve the shenigans.
I will say this, though, Iowa has been on TV every game since 2001 Minnesota in Kinnick. There was a time when a handful of Iowa games a season went untelevised. It might be ESPN Classic, but Iowa will always be on TV from here on out.
aboojum
21. Sep, 2009
They might be missing Bowman and Lee at LB. Lee is very doubtful and Bowman may play hurt. I am worried for Bulaga's health. I hope he can one day play again. Hamstrings and high ankles can really linger. I could see these three being touch and go the rest of the season with these sorts of things.
Marc_Morehouse
21. Sep, 2009
I've been tracking the Lee thing this afternoon. Officially, sprained knee, out of practice Monday and . . . day to day.
Bowman is what you said. If he plays, it'll be his first real dip into the pool.
It's early, but I think the three Iowa guys play. However, the more time Bulaga misses, it has to be worrisome. Right now, though, and it's early, I think they play.
peculiar1
21. Sep, 2009
I don't care for any game not in Hi Definition.
Marc_Morehouse
21. Sep, 2009
Boy howdy, I second that.
AussieHawk
22. Sep, 2009
I love hearing the expression "Boy Howdy" used.
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
My friend and former Gazette sportswriter Jeff Dahn brought "boy howdy" into my life. I love it, but use is judiciously.
Marc_Morehouse
21. Sep, 2009
Can't watch non-HD football. Can't do it. Although, I did watch UNLV-Hawaii last weekend. It was painful, but it was a one-point game.
aboojum
21. Sep, 2009
Also, I see Sandeman has overtaken McNutt at WR and that Chaney is now on punt AND kickoff returns, but he replaces Spievey. I think that makes sense. I expect DJK would overtake Paki if he returned healthy.
Marc_Morehouse
21. Sep, 2009
McNutt fought the flu all last week, so that might be a factor there. You've got to love Sandeman. Misses all of camp with a hamstring and all he does in his first real action is lead the team in receiving.
I think Chaney has taken over returns because 1) he's really, really fast and 2) Spievey's a little nicked up with that foot thing that slowed him against UNI.
peculiar1
22. Sep, 2009
How is the teams "flu health" ?
David
21. Sep, 2009
Last I checked, espn classic was not HD…lame. Why no BigTen Network?
EJP1
21. Sep, 2009
If BB plays this week where does Reiff go as the bench isn't an option anymore. If BB doesn't start this week something is really wrong and, in my estimation, you have to wonder about his career at that point.
Also, I think McNutt gets the nod if he's healthy. He's like a gold glove first baseman with those mitts, great moves as well.
Standard def. TV should be banned.
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
Great comment on McNutt. That was a baseball play, Saturday.
I agree all around on this, E.
Reiff is playing very well. Does he move to guard? I kind of like guard with Dace and Vandervelde. Calloway is playing outstanding at RT. He's going to get drafted. It's early for Reiff. He'd be the first tackle off the bench, but I think Gettis is now the first guard in if someone goes down.
EJP1
22. Sep, 2009
Can Reiff be tackle eligible?? I agree completely on Dace and JV, no weaknesses there. Too bad JV was hurt all camp as the center dream is dead. If he had that chance, and BB was healthy, that would potentially be the best OL in the country as it is it's pretty stellar today.
I am really starting to wonder if Bulaga plays again period. Hope the kid is healthy but you're right, the longer this goes the darker it gets.
nilesghost1
22. Sep, 2009
I can't get over the spectacular depth we have a WR. Marc, how would you rank the need of having these guys back?
I'd say,
1) Bulaga- nervous about a RS frosh
2) Moeaki- great in run blocking although Reisner looks good out there as well
3) DJK- nothing against him but we don't have enough snaps to go around as it is for WRs
Lastly, if everyone who is questionable for both teams (Bowman and Lee and I'm hearing Zug) are all out that would have to favor Iowa wouldn't you think?
I know it doesn't work that way but its a topic to discuss. Even if Bowman and Lee come back they can't be moving real well which hurts them as well. I'm feeling a little better about this game although I'd feel better yet if we could get Bulaga and/or Moeaki back.
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
I would agree with your rank, though I believe they miss big-play DJK. But I really like Chaney's emergence and what can you say about Sandeman and Stross. They now have a relay team at WR with a few alternates. I'm not sure Keenan saw the field last week.
Reisner has been such a mature, heady player from day 1. He might've been too light in the can two years ago. Now, he's a trusted performer.
Bulaga, they need him. The longer this goes, the more it looks dark.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg is reporting this morning that Bowman is playing. He hasn't done anything since the opening week, so will he be a step slow? I don't know. He's a fabulous linebacker.
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
I would agree with your rank, though I believe they miss big-play DJK. But I really like Chaney's emergence and what can you say about Sandeman and Stross. They now have a relay team at WR with a few alternates. I'm not sure Keenan saw the field last week.
Reisner has been such a mature, heady player from day 1. He might've been too light in the can two years ago. Now, he's a trusted performer.
Bulaga, they need him. The longer this goes, the more it looks dark.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg is reporting this morning that Bowman is playing. He hasn't done anything since the opening week, so will he be a step slow? I don't know. He's a fabulous linebacker.
HawkeyeLogic
22. Sep, 2009
I don't think most fans going into this season thought Moeaki would last a full season, so no surprise there. It is amazing though, that we are missing 4-starters on offense (Bulaga, Moeaki, DJK, and Hampton) and seemingly not being hurt too bad. I am big fan of Reisner, so although he is not as athletic as Moeaki, he is more sure handed. The receiver depth this year is unheard of for Iowa, so DJK being out has not hurt much. I still think we miss Hampton as I think he runs harder than either Robinson/Wegher, but those two are doing well. Reiff coming in as RS Freshman and playing OT without hearing his name being called for holds/blown assignments is pretty exciting.
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
Logic — I knew Reiff would be good. I can't explain why. I always got the vibe he was being groomed. This is a Gallery starter kit.
Great point on Hampton. He is a more violet runner than Rob/Weg. I think that's where these two can see their real growth this year, picking up the speed of the game, seeing things faster, reacting quicker.
AlexKarras
23. Sep, 2009
Reisner isn't as athletic as Moeaki? Oh really, well I'd say he was MUCH MORE athletic catching the pass over the middle than Moeaki was in his gray sweatsuit.
And I would venture to guess that Reisner is faster than Moeaki, as well.
Just because a blowhard like John Milner of Hawkeye report says Tony Moeaki is great, does not make it so. He will never be a Dallas Clark. That is for darn sure
aboojum
22. Sep, 2009
I am more than a little surprised by the skepticism coming out of the Penn State fan camp. They seem genuinely worried, despite being 11 point favorites, at home. They are concerned about their running game and special teams, particularly kick coverage. I have my concerns about turnovers. We have escaped them killing us so far, which is a testament to the teams ability. But, that concerns me the most. As for injuries, I think all their guys will play, maybe not 100% but who is ever 100% in football.
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
Penn State's O-line, it's pretty new from last season. Defense is terrific.
Does this game come down to QB?
EJP1
22. Sep, 2009
I agree about TO's. We have gotten lucky to date but those will bite us in the butt one of these days should they continue.
If I wagered on my own team, or at all, I would take us and the points as well as the under. Guess I should know the over/under first, anyone know?
Marc_Morehouse
22. Sep, 2009
I don't know, but I would say 38.
iheartfreedumb
23. Sep, 2009
Look, I know we have a lot of Cub fans around here, but I'm so tired of the doom and gloom from Hawk Nation. First, with BB, I'm willing to bet he has a more severe knee problem than was first reported back during camp. KFer isn't into disclosing injuries because it allows other teams to key on those weeknesses when they come back, and it can affect their draft rankings (we have effectively relegated TMo to an NFL practice squad by calling him Mister Glass so often).
Marc_Morehouse
24. Sep, 2009
And that is unfortunate, on the Moeaki front.
It's frustrating for fans, but imagine what it's like for Tony?
iheartfreedumb
23. Sep, 2009
Shouldn't we as Hawk fans be ecstatic? We have nothing to lose.
If we lose, we start another Big Ten campaign at 0-1 (like that doesn't happen all the time- – we shared the title in 04 after losing to Michigan to open BXI play), we regroup with a win over ArkSU and sit at 4-1 going into the rest of Big Ten play. We aren't expected to win against PSU, but we have played like we could. Penn State can NOT lose this game if they want a shot at the National Championship. As is usually the case, PSU is going into this game to "not lose" and we go in with nothing to lose. I believe our record against PSU in this scenario speaks for itself.
They are going to be missing key players from their D. Their running game still hasn't found itself (though that is the part of their game that most worries me). Their QB is good, but the receivers aren't scary studs like last year.
Marc_Morehouse
24. Sep, 2009
Pressure is on PSU. I was thinking about that today, reading some of the "revenge" fodder coming out of PSU. I could see where that might freeze a guy up.
peculiar1
24. Sep, 2009
Pressure is most heavy on PSU's side of the field.
The most violent team will win!
Marc_Morehouse
24. Sep, 2009
Your theory has held up every week.