My Observations About Iowa/GT...

Just from doing basic research online a couple of points....(and I'd like to hear intelligent feedback on these)...

1- No team had any time to prepare for GT this year because not ONE team had a bye week before playing GT. The only team that had ANY extra time was Miami, who had 9 days off inbetween games, instead of 6 days off....Miami won that game and gave up only 17 points --- however, I realize Miami has more speed than Iowa...so what to make of this if anything?

2- Much like #1 (and many people have already mentioned this) but LSU had time to prepare for the triple-option last year. 38-3 result. Again, LSU has better athletes on defense, but I don't think they had ever seen this style before either...so what to make of this if anything?

3- Kirk Ferentz - prepares well for bowl games...beat TX a few years back and TX was supposedly the speedier and better team. Historically seems to play well in bowl games, big win last year for instance....what to make of this if anything?

4 The offense of Iowa scares me in that Stanzi has 15 TDs and 14 INTs..that is a ton of turnovers...what to make of this if anything?

Are there any knowledgeable Iowa fans on here who can comment? I'd like to know who you all are taking or would take?  

GTs offense is good nobody will ever question that, but 5 weeks of good coaching and a good defense is a great equalizer in bowls.  Many examples of this during the Bowl season this year and in past years.  I loved watching GT this year.  My best weekend with the book included a large wager on GT ML over Virginia Tech that Saturday. 

With that said, I am still a bit of a homer on the Hawks.  I watched about 80% of their snaps this year.  This coaching staff is good.  The offense is shakey at times, but I feel like if they can run the ball with any sucess they will then have success with play action also.  With that said I like Iowa plus the points.  Small value play on the moneyline. Really like the under here too.  The clock will be running, Iowa's defense will give up 4 or 5 yards a pop but probably not big plays.  The winning team MAY get to 28. 

I like the Hawkeyes in this situation.......GT Bowl record speaks for itself...........Given a little time to prepare....The option can be had

Good luck All

I agree Iowa an Under. Good buddy of mine is Iowa native and big fan, (not a gambler).  We watched all the Iowa games on TV together. It went something like this....

Me: "Man, that Stanzie is terrible, don't you have a backup QB to put in?"

Him: "I wish we did."

Me late in game: "How in the hell he hit that guy??"  etc, etc

It seemed like every game they won was some kind of magic trick. Not on purpose.  Balls bouncing off helmets for TDs. Remember that play (I think Int.) where the ball boinked off 5 players before they ran it in?  Each game weirder than the last. But they won!!  And it was defense that got them there. I won a lot of bets on Iowa, when he figured them to lose.  They got more "Lucky Charms" than that  cereal.

I think they stuff GT's O. and the rabbit foot wins again.

Shouldn't have to.

If I'm Iowa, I run the ball til I fuckin can't any more. GT's run defense is shit, and you keep the ball out of their hands.  I'd be surprised to see Stanzi have more than 20 pass attempts

What about Mizzou and Houston? They had just as much time to prepare for the option but neither could stop it when gameday came