Iowa notes: TV critiques, confident Maryland, trick-or-treating at Kinnick

IOWA CITY — Iowa's idle weekend allowed the players to exhale, rest and recuperate after 11 consecutive weeks of physical football.

For quarterback C.J. Beathard, that meant treatment on his injured leg twice a day and a chance to watch college football last Saturday without analysis. For others, it was a chance to critique other teams.

'I'm sure guys tried to compare other teams to us and obviously get better by just watching those teams, the No. 1 team in Ohio State and all the other teams,' wide receiver Tevaun Smith said. 'It was good for them to just come back and know we can probably do something special. We're not far off if we keep doing what we have to do and work hard every day. Maybe we can get up there even higher.'

Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) has entered the national discussion, now that the Hawkeyes have cracked the Associated Press' top 10. Some of it centers around their previous schedule (which includes three teams either ranked or receiving votes) or their future schedule (Iowa's last five opponents have combined for a 14-23 overall record).

'People are going to say what they're going to say,' linebacker Cole Fisher said. 'We've heard a lot of talk about our schedule, which for the most part we really can't control. We're just doing what we're doing with what we've been given. I guess it can be a motivating factor, but at the same time we're trying to stay away from all the hype.'

Smith said he and his teammates still feel a lack of respect, but they're more focused on the task at hand.

'They say some good things, 'Watch out for Iowa,'' Smith said. 'But I think they're saying that because we're ranked now. I don't think they really mean it. So I think as long as we do what we do, it's about us.'

CONFIDENT GROUP

After exceeding 200 yards for the second time this season, Maryland wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo has confidence his team's passing game is gaining steam.

'Coach (Mike Locksley) has challenged us to focus on the little things like technique,' Etta-Tawo said. 'Against Iowa we feel like we can take advantage of their secondary with the front seven loading the box. We feel like we have a good chance of spreading out and working on what we did last week with the passing game.'

Maryland ranks 13th among Big Ten passing offenses at 172.4 yards per game.

HIRING NEW COACH

Iowa has an opening for a full-time assistant strength and conditioning coach for football. Iowa employed four full-time strength and conditioning coaches and one full-time intern. The staff is converting the internship into a full-time coaching position.

HALLOWEEN AT KINNICK

With Saturday's game taking place on Halloween, security and police have issued some costume restrictions for patrons attending the game.

Real or simulated weapons are outlawed, as are authentic-looking law enforcement, player or game official uniforms. Apparel or props that could 'cause unnecessary fear or panic' are banned as are items that poses a security risk.

Kinnick Stadium will host trick-or-treating for children in Halloween costumes from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday with candy available at 18 concession stands around the concourse. Children can bring their bags or ones will be provided inside gates B, H, I and M. All trick-or-treaters need a game ticket to participate.

ONE SMITH TO ANOTHER

True freshman wide receiver Jerminic Smith filled in nicely for Tevaun Smith, who missed two games and was limited in a third with a knee sprain. Jerminic Smith caught four passes for 118 yards against Illinois, a performance that turned heads around the Big Ten.

'He's making a lot of plays and I don't think other teams really expected that out of him, especially out of a freshman,' said Tevaun Smith, a senior. 'I know they probably didn't watch film on him, either. He probably had that as an advantage, so it was good to see him do that and he does that at practice every day. I'm always in his ear trying to give him that confidence, and he's going to be a great player.'

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