Iowa City is a long way from Baton Rouge.
Few LSU fans could knowledgably speak about the Hawkeyes’ achievements this season, and most wouldn’t recognize a single name on the Iowa roster.
But the old adage mandates “know your enemy,” so here are five Hawkeyes the Tigers need to worry about come New Years’ Day.
Jake Rudock, QB
In his first season as starting quarterback, the sophomore has propelled Iowa to 27 points and 389 yards per game.
Rudock has amassed 2,281 yards and 18 touchdowns on his way to a 130.2 passer rating while also displaying willingness to scramble, as he rushed for 223 yards and five touchdowns on 62 attempts this year.
The LSU defense may want to pressure the sophomore quarterback, who’s thrown 12 interceptions in 2013. The Tigers’ secondary has been suspect all year, and Rudock could pose a threat if the Hawkeyes get their running game going,
Mark Weisman, RB
With almost 100 carries more than the next leading rusher, Weisman is the feature back in the Iowa offense.
The junior stands at six-foot and 236 pounds, and his vision and power may be an issue for an LSU defense surrendering nearly 150 rushing yards a game. Weisman lacks the break-away speed exhibited by many Southeastern Conference backs, but his 4.5 yards per carry could wear down the Tigers’ defensive front.
The junior presents no receiving threat, so LSU will have to focus on stopping him between the tackles.
C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
Despite his meager receiving numbers, Fiedorowicz will be the biggest matchup problem in the Outback Bowl.
Fiedorowicz has hauled in only 26 passes this season, but he leads Iowa with six receiving touchdowns. The mammoth 6-foot-7, 265 pound tight end can also step down and block defensive ends, and he benefits from the Hawkeyes’ offensive balance.
The senior will be a nightmare for the Tigers’ linebackers, who — aside from sophomore linebacker Kwon Alexander — have struggled in pass coverage all season. Fiedorowicz has a knack for finding the seam, which will put additional pressure on LSU’s safeties.
James Morris, LB
Morris is the anchor of Iowa’s seventh-ranked defense, which allows only 19 points and 300 yards per game.
The senior linebacker leads the Hawkeyes with four interceptions and five sacks, and his 98 tackles are good for second on the squad. With two forced fumbles and 14.5 tackles for loss, Morris always finds a way to disrupt opposing offenses.
Morris and fellow senior linebacker Christian Kirksey are a stiff challenge for the Tigers’ potent running game. LSU’s guards will need to execute combo blocks and get to the second level to keep Morris from causing chaos in the backfield.
B.J. Lowery, CB
If Iowa’s wrecking crew of linebackers shuts down the Tigers’ rushing attack, B.J. Lowery may have the most important job on the field.
The senior cornerback will be tasked with covering either Jarvis Landry or Odell Beckham Jr., something few defenders have done well this season. Even with freshman Anthony Jennings running the LSU offense, the dynamic receivers create space with their masterful route-running.
Totaling 55 tackles, three forced fumbles and a trio of interceptions, Lowery has been a key cog for the Hawkeyes’ defense, and they’ll need him to step up if they hope to contain the Tigers.
Contact Marcus Rodrigue at [email protected]