It's time to shake off that heartbreaking Week 1 loss. Let’s focus on the positive signs of Iowa’s performance, and look forward to crushing an obviously inferior opponent.
Yeah, there was probably a poor play call at the end of the game last Saturday, and yeah, newly christened QB Jake Rudock handed Northern Illinois the victory, but let’s not forget: NIU went to the Orange Bowl last year, had a Heisman candidate at QB, and will likely be ranked in the Top 25 for most of this year with a bid to another good bowl game. Meanwhile, Iowa amassed over 320 yards and 24 points in the first half – both of which were higher than the Hawks averaged PER GAME last year. The offensive line provided hallways for our RBs to run through and Rudock was never sacked. Baby steps…
The Hawks can get the season back on track with a win this week against Missouri State. It’s the first matchup ever between the schools and Iowa’s favored by 24 points. Missouri State is also 0-1 after a 23-17 opening loss to Northwestern State. Their head coach Terry Allen had a successful stretch at Northern Iowa back in the ‘90s.
Fun fact: With a blowout we may get to see talented backup CJ Beathard. His dad, Casey, is also a big-time country music songwriter who works with Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Eric Church. And his grandfather, Bobby Beathard, won two Super Bowls as the general manager of the Washington Redskins.
Game Watch Locations: Buckley’s on Queen Anne, Sluggers in Kirkland, Buffalo Wild Wings in Tacoma
