Hawkeyes vs. Buckeyes at the Half

Things have been pretty much as I predicted they would be, and I would say that Iowa is doing much better than most analysts believed they would be. My biggest surprise has been in the play of James Vandenberg. Strong arm, good decision making. I was also surprised to see RB Adam Robinson in the game -- I thought he was still injured. They'd be better off with Wegher getting more carries.

2 Factors for Ohio State being up by 7 at the half:

1. Drops: As well as Vandenberg has been throwing the ball, his receivers have given him no help. He is throwing the ball on target, and they just can't seem to catch the ball. I remember John Madden on one of those early '90s video games mentioning how the receivers need to use some "stickem," and I think Strauss, Moeaki, and Johnson-Kulianos could use a little. I don't think the drops will continue in the second half. Rather, I hope not.

2. The Horse-Collar Tackle Rule: In the storied history of college and professional football, tackling has not changed all that much. If nothing else, protective padding technology has gotten incredibly advanced. Pads are lighter and stronger, and helmets have better padding. Yet there are more silly rules about how you are allowed to tackle people than ever before. The horse-collar rule is a grand example of this trend in rule-making. Is there a higher risk of injury when tackling someone by dragging them down from behind? I'm sure there is. But if you are worried about being injured, then what are you doing on a football field, especially in the Big Ten or the NFL. These guys are big: they hit hard. People get hurt. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Ohio State is held to a field goal near the end of the half if Claiborne isn't penalized for tackling the RB from behind with about four minutes left. Let them play. If you don't want to get tackled from behind, play golf or be a cheerleader.

In all, I'm glad to say that Iowa is still very much in this game. They need to learn to catch the ball, and Brandon Wegher needs a few touches. If the defense continues to play as they have been, and even manage to force a turnover or two, I think you can punch Iowa's ticket to Pasadena. Not a bad place to be on New Year's Day. Sure beats Iowa City in January.

And now, on to the second half!