Brain Makes His Rose Bowl Predictions

Big Ten vs. Pac 12 in The Rose Bowl. Iowa against Stanford. Two teams with very similar playing styles. You just know this one is going to be close. Iowa suffered only one loss all season. Stanford just two. What will determine who wins? Don't be shocked if it's one of thses reasons.

Lets start with the big one. Winning the turnover battle. I know, it's obvious and cliched, but it's also spot on. Iowa's one loss to Michigan State? They lost the turnover battle. Stanford's two defeats? You guessed it, lost the turnover battle in both. Neither offense is fast paced enough to strike back if down by a lot, so taking care of the ball will be very importatnt. If Desmond King is playing his final game as a Hawkeye, an interception or two would be a fun way to go out.

Speaking of King, he is also a great kick off and punt returner. Special teams is also important in close games. Iowa has a proven kick return specialist in King. They also have a kicker who has done it under pressure before. Someone cue Marshall Koehn winning the Pittsburgh game. Thanks.

The bottom line is both teams are evenly matched. They play similar styles of football. The game is going to be close! I just feel that Iowa is hyper focused on completing a magical season. Iowa 24, Stanford 20. Let's Go Hawks!