[UPDATED] The Daily Iowan's Saturday Exams: Iowa-Pittsburgh

[UPDATED] The Daily Iowan’s Saturday Exams: Iowa-Pittsburgh

September 19, 2015

Iowa running back Desmond King talks to media after Iowa’s West Des Moines open practice at the Valley High School Football Stadium on Saturday, April 11, 2015. The Hawkeyes will host their Spring Game at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 1 pm. (The Daily Iowan/Margaret Kispert)

Football reporters Danny Payne and Charlie Green list four things Iowa must do in order to beat Pittsburgh.

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Contain Tyler Boyd

Boyd will probably be the best player on the field when he’s out there today. Obviously, Iowa needs to stop him if it wants to win. Because he’s the only legitimate threat for the Panther offense, keeping him in check shouldn’t be the hardest thing in the world.

“Shouldn’t be” are the key words here.

Grade: C. Probably generous. Boyd got his, totaling 131 yards on 10 catches for a TV, but Desmond King did a good job on him, relatively speaking.

Don’t be wowed

Yes, this is a night game. Yes, this is a big deal for Iowa. But, the Hawkeyes should not let that faze them. The Hawks can’t be caught ogling at the situation.

Grade: A. This was crazy emotional tonight. Iowa won. Good job, Iowa.

Run first

As solid as C.J. Beathard has looked in the first two games, he’s still inexperienced at the game’s most pivotal position. The better Iowa runs the ball, the easier his job will be.

Winning at the line of scrimmage early sets up the play-action, which could really open up the playbook for offensive coordinator Greg Davis. In addition, as the game moves on into the fourth quarter, a strong and consistent running attack will wear out Pittsburgh’s defense.

Grade: C. Iowa came back to the run in the second half, but threw twice as much in the first.

Limit mistakes in the secondary

Big plays were a problem for Iowa’s defensive backs in 2014, hurting the team often. Sophomore safety Miles Taylor missed an assignment last week that led to an Iowa State touchdown.

The unit is a strength of Iowa’s defense, and having it in the right spot at the snap is critical.

Grade: B+. Hard to be too harsh when the line got no rush, but Tyler Boyd did put up 130 yards receiving. King’s two picks made up for it.

Check back after the game to see how Iowa performed.