Iowa recovered from shaky beginnings to run past visiting Texas A&M Commerce in Monday's season opener. While the Hawkeyes aspire to be sharp throughout when Southern visits Iowa City on Thursday, they now know there's precedent for overcoming early struggles.
Despite their sluggish start, the Hawkeyes eventually found their footing, outscoring the Lions by 25 points in the second half. This resilience could be crucial as they head into their next matchup against a Southern team looking to cause an upset. Iowa will need to rely on their key players, such as Payton Sandfort, to set the tone early on and build momentum throughout the game.
Payton Sandfort, a key player for the Hawkeyes, will be under the spotlight as he looks to replicate his impressive performance from the previous game. His ability to perform under pressure and elevate his team's game could be the deciding factor in Iowa's quest for a 2-0 start.
For Southern, this matchup represents a glaring opportunity to spring an upset. If they can capitalize on Iowa's slow starts and keep the Hawkeyes under pressure, they might be able to push their opponents to the limit. However, with Iowa's recovery in the previous game, Southern will need to be on their toes to keep up with the Hawkeyes.
With momentum on their side, Iowa is well-positioned to secure a 2-0 start. Their clash against Southern promises to be an intense encounter, with Iowa looking to assert their dominance and make a statement in the early stages of the season. For fans, this matchup is not to be missed, as it could provide crucial insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.