The more I think about this matchup the more I conclude that these two teams are very evenly matched. I think the game will ultimately come down to which QB makes more plays. My money is on the rapidly ascending play of Clayton Thorson leading NU to the win. I have never been a big Rudock fan from his time at Iowa and I think if our defense puts pressure on him he will cough up the ball a couple of times on Saturday. I'll go with NU winning 17-13.
I Think it Will Come Down to Thorson vs. Rudock
- Thread starter corbi296
- Start date
Would love to see Hank mix it up a bit on his blitzes...we haven't seen too many blitzes from the secondary. How about Trav Henry blitzing Rudock ala Hudi Ismaeli in another throwback to 1995.
I agree, best QB wins this game but Thorson will get more help from his vets like Jackson. We need to get Long and Valut involved earlier in the game I think. It's a distinct advantage to never have any fall off at RB. How many D1 teams can say this?
Take a look at the interception by Harris. I love that our defense can line up like this.
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Henry blitzed a handful of times against Duke and Watkins came on a nickel blitz to help force Harris' pick.
Hank always has at least a few exotic blitzes prepared each week. Whether he needs to use them is a different question.
Love sending Watkins...very sure tackler. Good to know Hank has them in his arsenal. Can't wait until Saturday.
Exactly right, Corbi! And I'm feeling good about Thorson after the Minny game. I'm glad such a wise man will be sitting in my seats!
Coral +100!!! I would love to see that. That guy was great and it was a HUGE LOSS when he was suspended.
Agreed. While Thorson may have more raw ability, Rudock has a great deal more experience, which shouldn't be discounted. On top of that, this is the biggest stage Thorson has seen to date, by far. Absolutely psyched for this matchup; should be tooth and nail and could easily go either way.
I agree that this game will come down to QB play. Not so far as how good of a performance, but to limiting the miscues. That will determine the victor of this game.
Minny's QBhad a ton of experience on his team and in his system. How does he compare with Rudock?
Special teams will be a factor! We have an unsung hero in Jake Mitchell!
He very well could be for the 2015 season in spite of a poor showing against NU. Go Cats!
Rudock's a bit better, IMO. Leidner might be a bit more of a scrambling threat, but Rudock is a slightly better QB overall. Perhaps our more seasoned observers can offer a more qualified opinion.
Now that Thorson is actually going through his progressions, I think we'll be able to avoid the turnovers seen versus Duke and Ball State. That, combined with the 'Cats game management skills, will make the difference.
I'm looking forward to watching him play, though if he's as good as advertised, I'll soon be looking forward to no longer watching him play.
I've been over on the Rock very sparingly the past few years. I'm the most active I've been around here since getting married in 2011. Part of that was due to me doing what Lou does for a Miami Hurricane site for three years and just not having the time. I mostly lurked. But posted only on the Rock exclusively. The free board had been intolerable during our two down years in '13 and '14.
