Leistikow's Iowa Vs. UCLA Preview: Short Week Factor

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Leistikow's Iowa vs. UCLA Preview: Short Week Factor

The Hawkeyes are back on the road, this time heading to the sunny shores of California to face the UCLA Bruins. This matchup carries a unique twist, as Iowa faces a short week after their thrilling victory against Penn State. Can the Hawkeyes overcome the fatigue and travel to pull off another upset? Let's dive into the key factors that will influence this game:

Short Week Fatigue

The short week is a major talking point. Iowa's defense, known for its physicality, will need to be sharp despite limited rest. The Bruins have a potent offense led by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, known for his mobility and arm talent. Iowa's defensive line, especially Lukas Van Ness, will have to be on point to disrupt the Bruins' rhythm.

Iowa's Offensive Rhythm

On the other side of the ball, Iowa's offense will need to find its groove quickly. The Hawkeyes struggled against Penn State, and the Bruins' defense, led by linebacker Darius Muasau, is no pushover. The key for Iowa will be exploiting the Bruins' secondary, which has shown vulnerabilities in the past. Wide receivers like Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce IV will need to step up and provide consistent targets for quarterback Spencer Petras.

UCLA's Home-Field Advantage

The Rose Bowl will be rocking with Bruin faithful, providing a distinct home-field advantage for UCLA. The atmosphere can be a factor for any team, especially one facing a short week. Iowa will need to maintain their focus and silence the crowd to stay in the game.

Key Matchups

• Iowa's Defensive Line vs. UCLA's Offensive Line: Can the Hawkeyes disrupt the Bruins' passing attack and force Thompson-Robinson into uncomfortable situations?
• Iowa's Secondary vs. UCLA's Receiving Corps: Can Iowa's secondary contain the Bruins' talented receivers like Jake Bobo and Kyle Philips?
• Iowa's Running Game vs. UCLA's Run Defense: Can Iowa establish a consistent ground game to take pressure off Spencer Petras?

The Bottom Line

This game will be a test of Iowa's resilience and adaptability. Facing a tough opponent on a short week, away from Kinnick Stadium, will be a true challenge. If Iowa can overcome the fatigue and adjust to the environment, they have the potential to pull off another upset. However, if the Bruins can capitalize on Iowa's fatigue and leverage their home-field advantage, they will be a tough team to beat.