Sometimes a specific team is just a bad match for an opponent for some very specific reasons.  We’ve been like that for Minnesota, Iowa’s been that for us.  I think Cole personified our problem with Iowa the past two years: they played physical to make up for a lack of skill and athleticism.  The teams IU matched up well with last 2 year weren’t physical teams:  Illinois was soft, Mbakwe and Hoffarber were the only tough buys on Minnesota (Sampson certainly doesn’t like getting hit). 

I personally think Cartwright is overrated.  He’s a bit like Korie Lucious was at Michigan State:  good passer but doesn’t take care of the ball and can’t shoot.  He had a 102 turnovers last year (for comparison Verdell had 83), he’ll take them out of games sometimes. 

I think we absolutely need to beat them at home and it is a winnable road game.  But, taking it for granted that we should win in Carver Hawkeye Arena is a bit much.  We will definitely have the opportunity to take two from them this year but I don’t think it’s anything we can absolutely expect.  This is a rising program with a very good coach (look at Siena without him) and their fans support them when they are winning.  A road game there won’t be a walk in the park no matter how good we are in the near future.

Edit. wow, our instead of “are”

Couldn’t agree with you more. Whether they make it known to the public or not, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of players have this game circled on the calendar already.

Well, “It’s Iowa.” And it’s time to get back to normal by shellacking them twice a year.

I can’t explain it, but they certainly seem to have our number. They’ll be better than last year, but so should we — if we have any shot at the tourney, we have to beat them every chance we have.