SOUND OFF: Hawkeye fans weigh in on Ohio State

We talked to Hawkeye fans around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City asking them what they thought of the Hawkeyes season so far, and the prospects for the rest of the season now that Ricky Stanzi's injury will keep the quarterback sidelined for the next two games.

Gary Carson, 71, of Cedar Rapids (NW)

“They'll lose to Ohio State and win against Minnesota. (Vanderburg) is not up to the challenge. Don't get me wrong, he's got the ability but the experience is lacking.

“Everyone's been calling this a ‘Dream Season' or a lucky season. It's not. It's just a good damn defensive season, a good defensive team.”

“The only chance against the Buckeyes we've got is with our defense. If Stanzi was still in we would have won both of the next games... but they're going to have to be extra tough on the defensive side of the ball.”

“I'm still irritated at the play call (that injured Stanzi). Leading ten to nothing inside the five yard line with the best defense in the country, you run it three times then kick it.”

Margie Conners, 62, of Cedar Rapids (SW)

“I don't think they're as good as they were before Stanzi got hurt. Playing like they had before is a big challenge.”

“It would have been real nice for the fans, but the kids and coaches to, for them to have a fairy tale season. But you have to keep it in perspective. All season they'd done better than people thought they would. They might surprise us (with a win against OSU).”

Esther Allen, 41, of Marion

Stanzi's injury: “It doesn't look good for out team. Once he went dow I wasn't sure how effective a freshman quarterback could be in that situation. There's a lot to learn on the field.”

On Vanderburg: “He's going to need to step up. Stanzi was the leader for that team. But Vanderburg's going to need support from the team. The other players, the veterans, they need to rally around him. They can win, he can do it. He just needs help.”

“If they can win in Ohio, we'll get the credibility in the standings we deserve. Lots of critics were saying “our standing was inflated, overrated.” With one loss I'd say we're right where we're supposed to be.”

“I'm proud of their accomplishments so far this season. Nine and Oh? They shouldn't be down on themselves after one loss.”

Jim Short, 44, of Camanche

“Bad. Real bad. Lots of people hated Stanzi and his interceptions, but he is the glue of this team. They just have too many injuries and his is the biggest. They're hurting.”

“When Stanzi went out, I called all my friends who wanted Stanzi taken out of the Indiana game. I told em', ‘here's your wish.'”

“All these last minute comebacks were like a cat's nine lives. I think that (Northwestern) game showed us that.”

“They'll get beat in Ohio. It could get nasty. Hopefully they get through Minnesota and get to a good bowl game.”

Bill Scott, 25, Wilton

“I think (the season) has been pretty awesome. It's been a heart attack season, that's for sure.” “I think Vandenberg has a really good chance of proving what he's made of. He's one of the most prolific quarterbacks to ever come out of Iowa. He's got a rocket arm on him and I think we've got a good chance of winning.”

Paul Moseley, 20, Iowa City

“I don't think it looks too good. I think Stanzi is kind of the glue that holds it all together.”  “I was very happy (about the season) until last game.”

Kylie Schwartz, 20, Iowa City

“I'm a little nervous because our back-up quarterback is not quite as good as Stanzi and he has kind of a ways to go before he gets that far…But we've already done better this season than we did last season, so either way, it's still a good season.”

Stevie Ohrt, 20, Iowa City

“I'm sad because I like Stanzi a lot and I'm a little scared with Vandenberg's playing because he's a Freshman and hasn't played before for us.” “I get really excited when we win, I almost had a heart attack when we won in the last two seconds of the Michigan State game.”

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“I'm a little  nervous because our back-up quarterback is not quite as good as Stanzi and he has kind of a ways to go before he gets that far…But we've already done better this season than we did last season, so either way, it's still a good season.”