Adrian Clayborn

Is Nick Foles ready to shine in the spotlight against a tough defense?

IOWA HAWKEYES @ ARIZONA WILDCATS (+2) — 10:30 ESPN

Both Brandon and The Kid like Arizona and I’m with them. Two factors here: it’s a home-dog play and it’s a revenge game for Arizona, who was beaten by Iowa 27-17 last year in week 3 when this game was in Iowa. The change in location will be key this time around as Arizona was 4-0 ATS at home against conference foes last year. Although a Big 10 team is rolling into town, I’m saying this because with covers against Oregon (-5.5), California (+7.5), Stanford (+4), and Washington (+33), they had an impressive home resume last year.

QB Nick Foles is really coming along and is ready to have a breakout year. Although he’s only faced Toledo and The Citadel, he’s completed 83.1% of his passes. Arizona is averaging over 500 yards of offense and has outscored their two opponents 92-8. Iowa’s offense has equally been impress with their two blowout wins, averaging 457 yards per game and 37 points per game.

In the Iowa game last year, Foles only got 11 passing attempts. It wasn’t until after that game that Foles became the man at QB. Another player to watch is the elusive RB Nic Grisby who has already piled up 160 yards and 5 TDs on just 19 attempts — a ridiculous 8.4 YPC. Iowa is going to have a tough time matching up with Foles and the weapons that he has around him. Foles has two very talented 6’4″ receivers in Juron Criner and Delashaun Dean.

On defense, Iowa will need another big game out of #94 DE Adrian Clayborn if they want a …