Setting the tone!

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

Getting off to good starts is super critical, no doubt about it. Whether it's the opening drive of the game or the opening drive of the second half, it really helps set the tone for the half and the game. It can be a big momentum shifter.

It'll be interesting to see if Shortell can live up to the standards he's set so far this season when it comes to his first series of the game or of each half.

So far:

UNH - (1st series, 2nd half) - 12 plays, 86 yards; Touchdown
WMU - (1st series, first half) - 6 plays, 75 yards; Touchdown
WMU - (1st series, 2nd half) - 10 plays, 66 yards; Touchdown
Cuse - (1st series, first half) - After Thompson INT, Short field, Fruechte turns wrong way on flag pattern, called for PI; Barker doesn't come down with TD pass; Missed FG (next full field possession; 5 plays, 58 yards; Touchdown)
Cuse - (1st series, 2nd half) - 12 plays, 87 yards; Touchdown.

Obviously it's unlikely that the offense continues to lead the offense to TD's on the opening series of each half, every game, but there's definitely something to be said for Shortell coming out of the gate red hot.

Here's hoping the offense can continue to start fast Saturday in Iowa City!!!!

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

Just as important is the D keeping the Hogeyes off the scoreboard. Maybe more important.

 

[Jike Spingleton]

Playing in to this, from the Big Ten Blog: "The Hawkeyes have trailed at halftime of all three of their games against FBS opponents. Last week against Central Michigan was the first of those in which Iowa managed a first-half touchdown, but it still trailed 23-14 at the break. The Hawkeyes are outscoring opponents 42-19 in the second half but are digging themselves too many early holes."