The Hawkeyes vs. the World

IOWA CITY -- The week started with a cyber fan-versus-player spat on Facebook.

As far as tone-setters go, that summed it up nicely for the No. 21 Hawkeyes (7-3, 4-2 Big Ten).

They go into Saturday's matchup against No. 8 Ohio State (9-1, 5-1) with certain percentage of fans running off the rails over unmet expectations. There's also a grumpy media that isn't exactly providing feature stories for the bowl guide after last Saturday's upset at Northwestern. Of course, the Hawkeyes feel their own sting of regret.

This week, it's the Hawkeyes against the World.

"I think this week has been different," running back Adam Robinson said. "We haven't had that back-against-the-wall type of mentality because everyone has picked us to win most of our games. I think going back to that this week is going to help us a lot.

"I remember we were the underdog a lot of times last year and we really took that mentality to heart. We came out on top a lot of those times. I think getting back to that mentality is going to help us." 

Against Ohio State this week, the Hawkeyes are a three-point underdog. In the wake of last week's bitter 21-17 loss at Northwestern, the Wildcats' three straight over Iowa, Ohio State might be the best thing for the Hawkeyes.

If they don't snap out of it, the Buckeyes are capable of making it a long, painful afternoon.

"If we don't flush it today, it won't be good," defensive tackle Karl Klug said before Tuesday's practice.

Some of Iowa's seniors have seen this. They automatically refer to the frustration that mounted during the 2008 season. Iowa lost four games by a total of 12 points going into a showdown against then-No. 3 Penn State.

The seniors have felt the heat when the wires between expectations from the outside world and reality get crossed.

"We've been down this road before," Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi said. "I remember in '08, we came off three losses in a row. It's a tough thing to do. It's never fun. We didn't go into the game last week preparing to lose.

"As upset as people may be, we're just not too concerned with it."

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz ran down the list of the usual complaints. He might've touched them all.

"I know a few people in the media a few years back were clamoring for a spread offense," Ferentz said. "What I've learned is, if you're struggling, then the flavor of the day is what you should be doing. . . . Defensively, if we're not winning, then we don't blitz enough."

"I could write the story for you. It's always going to be that way."

Remember, theme of the week, the Hawkeyes against the World.

"And, when we do win, it's because, boy, they don't take those chances and blitz, they bend but they don't break," Ferentz continued. "I've read all these stories, could've written them back in July, for the good scenario or the bad scenario.

"I'm sure you guys do the same thing. You keep them in your pocket and just tweak them a little. That's how it works. We all know that. Who's zooming who? That's the way it is."

The fans, media and Facebook bombs can't touch the Hawkeyes. Ohio State can and will, football being football.

The Buckeyes are hitting on all cylinders coming into Kinnick Stadium. Their biggest problem might be the fact that they haven't been pushed in the fourth quarter since losing at Wisconsin on Oct. 16.

Last week, Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa wrecked the Hawkeyes' defense with his feet and his arm. Ohio State has the bigger, faster version in 6-foot-6, 233-pound junior Terrelle Pryor. Northwestern doesn't have the O-line and the running game that Ohio State boasts, with running backs Dan Herron (824 yards) and Brandon Saine (293 yards) and Pryor (512 yards).

The Buckeyes have rushed for 2,220 yards (5.3 a carry) and 23 TDs. Their opponents have 869 yards (2.8 a carry) and just seven rushing TDs. That's getting it done on both lines of scrimmage.

You could easily replace "Ohio State" in the "Hawkeyes against the World" sentiment.

"It's definitely more serious and focused this week," said Robinson, who needs 86 yards to break 1,000 this season. "There's a lot less laughing and joking around the complex. . . . I think anger is definitely floating around here a little bit."

As it turns out, not everyone is against the Hawkeyes.

Offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde went out for dinner with his girlfriend Saturday night. He was feeling kind of down about the game. Then, some dude walked up to him.

"He said, hey, don't worry about it," the senior guard said. "We're still proud of you guys. I remember times when I was happy Iowa could get three wins in a season. You guys are doing great. We're all proud of you, keep doing good work.

"For the most part, I think the attitude has still been very positive."

So, maybe, it's the Hawkeyes and that dude against the World.