Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

[FMPanther]

Keep it reasonable here (i.e., stop the smack-talk)

Northern Iowa - 35
Delaware - 24

UNI's has the better overall defense, especially against the rush. It is practically a wash on the offensive side of the ball.

We have a considerable edge in special teams. Delaware appears to give up a many more third down conversions, which against Sanders could prove deadly.

Delaware might have played a slightly tougher overall schedule per Sagarin, but they feasted on the bottom feeders in the CAA and did not have to play UMass. Navy was a nice win, but not that impressive. On the other hand, we have handled everyone on our schedule.

[unigriff]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

UNI 38 Delaware 28. Cuff will run for 1 TD, Flacco will throw for one, Delaware will have 4 turnovers.

[Twin Cities Panther]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

Big Cats 49
chicken chokers 31

[TravelingPanther]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

I predict OT

[shush21]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

UD 43
UNI 41

3OT'S. Classic shootout. UD scores in the 3rd OT, gets 2 pt. conversion. UNI scores and fumbles snap for 2 pt. conversion. Thriller.

So my imaginative juices were flowing but at least I predict a dramatic ending

[UNIAlum95]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

So my imaginative juices were flowing but at least I predict a dramatic ending

We had enough drama last week. It will be close but UNI wins by 10, 38-28.

[Deke3]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

UNI wins by 10 or so...maybe 45-35. Big scores on both sides...UD comes out quickly and goes up 14. Cats comeback.

[shush21]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

UNI wins by 10 or so...maybe 45-35. Big scores on both sides...UD comes out quickly and goes up 14. Cats comeback.

I've been there before. my senior year in the 2nd round, we played at William & Mary. we were up 21 going into the 4th. cuff had rushed for 170+ in the first half and we come into the 4th chuckin it around the field. first play of the 4th, 72 yd. INT for a TD. So I can say that that has happened before.

[unigriff]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

Alum, good to see your thoughts go with mine

[Newsbreaker]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

I can't venture a guess on the score. The story of this game will be in the trenches, however. If UNI's O-line is as good as we think it is, Sanders will pick a young secondary apart. If it's not, our offense will struggle.

Same on the other side. We go 8 deep, and if those 8 can force some quicker throws and slow down the run (especially important to get them in some 3rd and longs) we will get enough stops. If we can't, and they establish a strong running game, they will move the ball like UNH did.

[clenz]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

UNI by 5-9

[UNI05Alum]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

Panthers 45
Chickens 31

[Oldhen]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

I can't venture a guess on the score. The story of this game will be in the trenches, however. If UNI's O-line is as good as we think it is, Sanders will pick a young secondary apart. If it's not, our offense will struggle.

Same on the other side. We go 8 deep, and if those 8 can force some quicker throws and slow down the run (especially important to get them in some 3rd and longs) we will get enough stops. If we can't, and they establish a strong running game, they will move the ball like UNH did.

I can't venture a guess on the score either, but I'm expecting a high scoring game.

Some matchups favor UNI, some favor us.

I like your OL better running than I do passing, and I think that's where you'll have the best luck. I expect your gameplan to try to take advantage of that, if your guy can coach a lick.

We get into a out-and-out throwing contest, it'll be somewhat to your disadvantage. To use a basketball analogy, a slower tempo, half court game favors you guys. An uptempo, fast break/transition game favors us.

Getting us in third-and-long will be important? Well, probably no more than any other team. We do sligtly better than you guys on third (53% vs 48%) but I don't think that's a significant difference.

I like our OL better passing than I do running. I expect us to throw a lot. Cuff will get his touches, but sometimes our OC surprises me in how he goes about that. That said, I expect him to let it loose and go-for-broke. Sometimes, he goes all tactical and doesn't let them play, and we all hate that.

Watch our TE's. If we get to use them the way we want to, they'll be a/the big difference. Trust me on this one, you'll see.

If we protect the ball and don't make a lot of unforced errors (our downfall in two games) I like our chances, but expect it to be decided late. OT wouldn't shock me.

PS... wasted possessions will need to be avoided at all costs.

[SteinPizza]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

Watch our TE's. If we get to use them the way we want to, they'll be a/the big difference. Trust me on this one, you'll see.

I expect UD to get them involved. Didn't UNH's TE have a good day last week? That said, our quickness at LB will definitely help. I've seen Brannon Carter make some serious breaks on the ball this year, and it wouldn't shock me to see some NFL teams take a look at him playing an "in the box" style safety (Adam Archuletta is a good example of this...too small to play LB in the league.).

Bottom line, if Corey Lewis rushes for north of 150 or so, I like our chances. I also wouldn't be scared of a "fast break" game as you describe it. UNI hasn't really needed to play at that tempo, given our line and RBs. We have the QB and recievers to do it if necessary, but pounding the ball and bloodying you opponents to set up long passes has it's advantages.

No prediction here, but should be a very close ballgame between two great teams.

[Newsbreaker]

Re: Delaware @ UNI Prediction Thread

I didn't touch on special teams. This could be HUGE, actually. If Gray is back to near full-strength, and it sounds like he is, this could make a difference. Special teams kept UNH in that game last week, and if UNI can shorten the field or get an extra score, that could swing this thing.