Front Porch FootballOutback Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Iowa
by Chris Paschal
Get ready for what should be a defensive showdown between two of the best rushing defenses and passing defenses in college football. This may be a game where the first one to 20 points wins the football game.
Player to Watch
I really do think Mississippi State is going to put up impressive rushing numbers against this Iowa defense, so for Iowa to keep themselves in the game, Hawkeye quarterback Nate Stanley is going to have to play the game of his life. This Mississippi State defense is statistically one of the best in the league, so if the Bulldogs put up over 20 points, which I predict they will, Iowa is going to have to be near perfect on the offensive side of the ball. Stanley has had some great outings, but this Bulldog defense is better than anything Stanley has faced in the Big Ten West.
Key to the Game
Can Mississippi State remain balanced on offense? That’s the key to the game. Nick Fitzgerald and this rushing attack is potent when it is humming, but Iowa won’t hesitate in putting extra defenders in the box. The Hawkeyes have faced Mississippi State head coach, Joe Moorhead before when he was the offensive coordinator at Penn State. Moorhead faired well against the Hawkeyes, putting up great offensive numbers in both 2016 and 2017. But Fitzgerald isn’t McSorley and this Mississippi State passing attack doesn’t give the Bulldogs the same balance that Penn State had in years past. If Mississippi State can keep Iowa honest through the passing game, this could be a big win for the Bulldogs.
Stat of the Game
Mississippi State is the top scoring defense in the entire country. The Bulldogs are surrendering a mere 12 points per game. Since 2010, only five teams have done better. The 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide teams and the 2011 LSU team. In other words, this is one of the best defenses in recent memory.
Prediction
This is going to be a classic SEC flex on the rest of the country. Iowa is a good team, but against its best competition, the Hawkeyes looked pedestrian. I think they look pedestrian again against Mississippi State. This defense is going to smother Iowa and not let up. There are a lot of upperclassman on this defense that know they are possible first, second, or third round draft picks. With a great showing on New Year’s Day, their draft stock will rise. I don’t have faith in Nick Fitzgerald passing the ball, but I could see this rushing attack gaining 175 yards or so.
