Hawkeyes.org - Dr. Jay's Report Card: Georgia Tech

by Dr. Jay
Hawkeyes.Org Editor

It has been 7 years since Iowa last appeared in a BCS game, and over 50 years since the Hawks had won a BCS-level bowl game. Kirk Ferentz vowed that there'd be more focus and better preparation this time, and that the Hawkeyes were in Miami to set things right after a 38-17 embarrassment to USC in the 2003 FedEx Orange Bowl. Kirk and the team lived up to that promise.

A dominant defense all around, an offense that didn't look at all like they had just spent 6 weeks out of competition, and a quarterback who didn't look at all like he had just recovered from ankle surgery combined to win the biggest bowl game in recent Hawkeye history over the ACC Conference Champions Georgia Tech. Here's how I grade the Hawks:

Quarterback B
Rick Stanzi came out looking to pass, and a red-hot first quarter had Iowa up 14-0 after 2 pinpoint TD passes to McNutt and Sandeman. Stanzi completed 8 of his first 9 passes. He finished the game 17 of 29 for 231 pass yards and two scores. He also had 10 net yards on 6 carries, only two of which were sacks. It was not Stanzi's greatest passing yardage output ever, not his highest completion percentage ever, and he threw one interception at the end of the first quarter which was returned for a Georgia Tech TD. But overall Rick did much more good than harm, and getting the lead early was crucial in forcing Tech to leave their comfort zone and go to their passing game.

Running Backs A-
Unbeknownst to most fans, Adam Robinson entered the bowl game still nursing a shoulder injury, but the tough freshman still rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries. The other tough freshman, Brandon Wegher, was sensational, especially in the 4th quarter. For the game, he ran 16 times, gaining 113 yards and a game-clinching touchdown. Long runs late in the game contributed to his terrific 7.1 yards per carry average. Fullback Brett Morse pitched in 3 yards on one run, and of course Daniel Murray tried to run for a score on the fake FG in the 4th quarter, but was stopped and then fumbled the ball for an 8 yard loss. The Hawks outrushed Georgia Tech's total offense.

Offensive Line A-
In total, 172 net yards and a 4.3 ypc average was well above Iowa's usual ground production this season, and helped keep Tech's defense guessing about Iowa's play calling. The Hawks' front five limited GT star DE Derrick Morgan to only 3 tackles, and the Yellowjackets only got to Rick Stanzi for 2 sacks. Iowa controlled the ball for much of the game, gaining 403 yards of total offense, and a 5.8 yard gain per play average. Iowa had a 5 minute advantage in time of possession. In short, the offensive line of Iowa controlled the line of scrimmage and dictated the game to the opponent.

Receivers B
Iowa's receiving corps performed well, with DJK, Colin Sandeman, and Marvin McNutt hauling in 4 passes apiece. Johnson-Koulianos had 63 yards, Sandeman 53, and McNutt 21 yards. Trey Stross also had one grab for 9 yards, but it was a biggie for a first down on 3rd and 8 as Iowa was driving for the final score in the 4th quarter. Sandeman and McNutt each had a TD catch. Marvin fumbled once, but it didn't lead to any points for Georgia Tech. The Hawks were 5 of 13 on 3rd down, and the passing game gave great balance to the run attack.

Tight Ends A
Tony Moeaki proved to be the X-factor in the Iowa offense, as Tech didn't seem to see the scouting report about him. Moeaki had 4 receptions for a game-high 85 yards, including a long 54-yard grab in the 1st quarter that set up Iowa's first touchdown.

Defensive Line A-
Iowa's D-line played a decent game. Considering the usual 307 yards per game they average on the ground, the Ramblin' Wreck could only manage 143 yards on 41 carries for a 3.5 yard per rush average, and their only offensive score. Against most teams, that wouldn't be acceptable, but against a triple-option machine like Georgia Tech, this was an impressive defensive job. Adrian Clayborn led the line with 9 solo stops, including 2 sacks for 16 lost yards. He earned game MVP honors for his performance. Karl Klug had 6 stops, including another sack, and Broderick Binns had 5 tackles, including 1 behind the line. Fellow starter Christian Ballard had 3 stops. GT QB Josh Nesbitt had a very poor night with the Iowa D-line in his face, and the constant pressure by the defensive line really disrupted what the Tech offense tries to do, and took a ton of pressure off the linebackers and defensive secondary.

Linebackers A
Iowa's linebackers took care of business after the line took care up front. Pat Angerer led the entire defense with 10 tackles, one for a loss. Jeremiha Hunter made 6 stops, while A.J. Edds had 5 tackles, plus an interception he returned for 13 yards. Reserve LB Jeff Tarpinian also came up with 4 tackles, kept the ball in front of him, and as a group, they never missed an assignment. The Yellowjackets never had a single play over 16 yards the entire game.

Defensive Secondary A-
Iowa's pass defense was excellent. Even though the Yellowjackets don't often pass, when they tried, the secondary shut them down cold. It played right into Iowa's strategy to make them one-dimensional. Georgia Tech was only 2-9 for 12 yards and one interception. Brett Greenwood, Sean Prater, and Tyler Sash all combined for 5 stops, while Amari Spievey just had to run up and down the field and cover all night. These guys did their job and utterly shut down the GT passing threat.

Kickers B
Daniel Murray was good on his only field goal attempt for 33 yards, was 3-3 on PAT's, and even though he didn't get to the end zone, give him credit for having the toughness to go in and try a fake FG. He got the pitch through the holder's legs perfectly, but just didn't have the foot speed, and of course, there was his fumble. Ryan Donahue had an average day, hitting 4 punts for a 36.0 yard average, although placement was critical, and he successfully dropped 3 of the 4 kicks inside the 20.

Other Special Teams B
The return game didn't play much of a role for either team. GT returned Murray's 5 kickoffs a total of 80 yards, while Wegher and DJK returned 3 Tech kickoffs a total of 63 yards. Iowa's Colin Sandeman had one 12-yard punt return, and the Yellowjackets returned 2 Iowa punts for 9 measley yards. Coverage and execution were great for both teams. The Hawks started their drives an average of 10 yards better over the course of the game, so Iowa won the field position battle, especially in the 4th quarter.

Three performances I was especially impressed by:
Adrian Clayborn
Brandon Wegher
Rick Stanzi

What a great overall team effort. This was the first "complete game" by both offense and defense since the Penn State game. The Hawks put it all together and turned in an outstanding performance at the right time: on the big stage vs. another conference's champ. As a result, Kirk Ferentz and his team are winners of their first ever BCS game. The coaches had a terrific game plan and had the perfect formula for preparation while in Miami, and the players all executed the plan and shut down one of the top offenses in the nation on national TV. About the only complaint I could come up with as a fan was that the Hawks had a couple turnovers that let Georgia Tech hang around, and didn't put them away until late, but let's face it, that's been the formula all season long.

OVERALL GRADE: A-