from the LATIMES today....ORANGE BOWL TID BIT

[Yuca]

Quarterback Brad Banks, one of 12 Florida natives on the Hawkeye roster, started for the first time this season and finished second to Palmer in Heisman Trophy balloting. The elusive Banks leads the nation in passing efficiency and, possibly, headaches inflicted upon defensive coordinators.

USC faced similarly mobile quarterbacks when it played against Kansas State's Ell Roberson and Washington State's Jason Gesser. The Trojans lost both games.

"The most difficult part of controlling any offense is a running quarterback," Carroll said. "We had a hard time with them. It's not a great omen for us."


Iowa appears to hold a clear edge in special teams with kicker Nate Kaeding ? the Lou Groza Award winner ? and kick-return and coverage units that ranked among the best in the Big Ten. USC's coverage units struggled throughout the season.



USC completed its regular season Nov. 30. Iowa has not played since Nov. 16, but Ferentz said the almost seven-week break would not adversely affect the Hawkeyes once they take the field tonight.

"Any time you play in a bowl game, you have a delay ? and a delay is a delay," Ferentz said. "You have to have a plan to deal with that. I feel good about our plan."


I'll be playing IOWA +5
also Iowa to score first and
Field Goal scored over 41 yards.

YUCA

 

[BobbyBlueChip]

For as much of a bloodbath that the ND-SC game turned into, the Irish were very successful on their first few drives before Holiday hurt a finger on his throwing hand and ND stopped attempting passes downfield.

SC looked terrible trying to make a one-on-one open field tackle and they should have some problems tonight.

 

[ferdville]

I wouldn't put alot of stock into what pete Carroll says about an opponent. He is right behind Lou Holtz when it comes to saying gushy things about teams he is going to play against. Yes, USC lost to KState and Wash St (with a healthy Gesser). Alot of other teams did too. Banks might be a better QB than either Roberson or Gesser. I think the defensive side of the ball decides this game.