Utah Blaze @ Iowa Barnstormers Preview

Iowa's coming off of a huge overtime win in Spokane, and is getting geared up for its first home matchup against the Utah Blaze - let's break down the matchups.

OFFENSE

Utah:

The Blaze are coming off of a decent showing by QB Tommy Grady, who threw 6 TDs to 2 INTs against San Antonio last week. He did a good job of spreading the ball around to multiple receivers, could do a better job of keeping the ball out of the hands of the defense.

Iowa:

Jesse Schmidt had a huge day for the Barnstormers, finding his way into the end zone 5 times. J.J. Raterink looked extremely sharp throwing, only throwing a few questionable balls, but throwing quite a few astounding passes. The Barnstormer offense got a few gifts, courtesy of a dropped balls by the Shock defense. Eliminate a few mental mistakes, a questionable fumble ruling by the officials, and all you're left with is one absolutely awful fumble by Marco Thomas. If the Barnstormers can improve from what already appeared to be a midseason offense, success isn't too far behind.

ADVANTAGE - Iowa

DEFENSE

Utah:

Aaron Garcia lit up this D last week, but Aaron Garcia lights up defenses professionally. Utah has an experienced defensive corps, not to be underestimated.

Iowa:

What can you say? Iowa made crucial stops on D when they had to, Cameron McGlenn came away with 2 picks, Jason Simpson found the interception that sealed the game, and Alfred Peterson came away with 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Not to mention John Mohring making himself known across the whole field, for the whole game. He was heavily penalized, but I expect that to be something he works through as he gains more experience in the league.

ADVANTAGE - Iowa

SPECIAL TEAMS

Utah:

Kyle Brotzman was 6/7 on PATs, and the return game never really broke free to create anything special.

Iowa:

Again, what can you say? Camay was perfect on extra points.The Barnstormers found the endzone twice on special teams, once on a Jason Simpson return and once when John Mohring picked off an onside kick attempt. They also picked up a kickoff that rebounded off the net to give Iowa an extra posession.

ADVANTAGE - Iowa

OVERALL

Utah:

Utah is forced to play on the road again after coming off a close loss to San Antonio - momentum is not on their side.

Iowa:

The Barnstormers were absolutely everywhere against Spokane. This game will really be a test for them, seeing if they can carry that momentum to the home crowd and come up with a big win against the Blaze this week.

ADVANTAGE - Iowa



Prediction - Iowa puts on a show for the home crowd.

IA - 56  SPO - 35

-Shard
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