Match Preview – NCAA – Eastern Illinois vs. Iowa
On Saturday September 4th, the Eastern Illinois Panthers will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. For each of these teams, this game will be the season opener. As they square off at noon eastern time, they will both have the opportunity to start off the season right.
Entering this matchup, Iowa will certainly be favored. With a ranking of 9th in the nation, Iowa will enter the season. In 2009, they posted an impressive season with a record of 11-2. Truth be told, as an offensive squad, Iowa has never really been seen as one. In 2009, they were only the 86th best scoring team. Offense isn’t what keeps this team going, although this doesn’t sound so great.
Last season just over 15 points a game was allowed to the Hawkeyes. The total is great. In the Big Ten, they managed to go 6-2 and even went 2-1 against top 25 teams. The type of defense that the Hawkeyes have, it will keep them in any game. Even when the offense just isn’t clicking, they are able to keep the game under control.
Last season, Eastern Illinois went 8-4. Certainly not well known, although they are a solid team. They haven’t really been tried and tested against top teams in the nation much and they come from a smaller conference (the OVC). For the Panthers, Iowa will be a big challenge.
If Eastern Illinois can remain in striking distance, it will have a chance. Getting the offense on track, Iowa may have some issues like they did last year.
At a huge upset, a couple of forced turnovers could give them a shot.
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