Keys to Victory and My Prediction
By Ross
Stopping the Run
UCONN’s QB, Johnny McEntee, was downright awful against Vandy last week. He only completed 10 out of his 27 passes and threw 3 interceptions. The Huskies are wanting to play three quarterbacks against the Cyclones but a lot of UCONN analysts and bloggers don’t think that will work. I think you get my point that we shouldn’t be scared of the passing attack from the Huskies especially since we have a solid secondary. UCONN does have some success running the ball. Freshman RB Lyle McCombs has ran for over 100 yards in the first two games. Senior RB D.J. Shoemate is expected to make his return tonight which will add even more of a threat on the ground. If the Cyclones can stop the run, they will the game.
Winning the Special Teams Battle
UCONN’s greatest threat doesn’t play much offense. Instead he returns kicks and his names is Nick Williams. He led the nation last year in average yards per return and was a member of the All-Big East team. The Cyclone kickoff coverage will need to do it’s job. Last week we saw how much of an impact returns have on a game, Lenz and Johnson both had big returns and it was a key reason why they beat the Hawks. Also, the Cyclones are going to need to be better at field goals. Zach Guyer and Grant Mahoney are combined 1 for 3 this year on FG attempts.
Repeat Last Week’s Offensive Performance
The Cyclones did a great job of mixing it up against Iowa. They were able to establish a running game due to a great performance by the offensive line. Steele Jantz had a lot of time to throw the ball for the most part. The key to any offense is it’s line. As long as the Cyclones can match last week’s performance from the o-line, they will be fine on offense.
My Prediction
Iowa State Cyclones – 24
UCONN Huskies – 13