The Breaking Point
by Patrick Vint on Nov 9, 2009 9:00 AM CST
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PrintThis loss was as ironic as it was inevitable.
You may or may not remember Northwestern's 1995 season, in which they (however briefly) metamorphosized from perennial Big Ten doormat to Rose Bowl participant on the back of, among other people, Nagurski and Bednarik Award-winning linebacker Pat Fitzgerald. You might also remember that Northwestern team, undefeated in conference play after surrendering no more than 20 points to any Big Ten opponent, folded like a house of cards against Southern Cal on New Years' Day, losing 41-32. There was one key element missing from the Northwestern defense on that fateful day: Fitzgerald, who broke his leg against Iowa on November 11 and missed the rest of the season. Northwestern would again take a share of the Big Ten crown in 1996, Fitzgerald's senior campaign, but was relegated to the Citrus Bowl. Fourteen years ago, Fitzgerald's Rose Bowl dream was effectively dashed with a leg injury. In the second week of November. Against Iowa.
It might have been 10-0 when Stanzi faked the handoff and rolled right in his own end zone, but the game was as good as Northwestern's -- and the conference title as good as Ohio State's -- three seconds later. The oft-cited Ferentz mantra of "Next Man In" has served the Iowa offense capably throughout the year, but Rick Stanzi was the immovable block in the Hawkeye offense's Jenga tower (I wish I could take credit for that metaphor, kudos to Doc Saturday). By the time Stanzi went down Saturday, Iowa was playing their fourth starting halfback since August 1, their second starting tight end, their fifth incarnation of an offensive line. One receiver missed a significant chunk of the season with nagging injuries, and another is now on the shelf. Adam Robinson, frontrunner for Big Ten Newcomer of the Year just two weeks ago, was in street clothes. Tony Moeaki, arguably the best tight end of the Ferentz era when healthy, had long since disappeared in fact if not in theory. Dace Richardson, declared a mid-season first team all-American at guard by Phil Steele, was injured and had been replaced by Julian Vandervelde, who has been a shell of his former self since -- wait for it -- missing all of August camp and the majority of the first three weeks due to injury. Bulaga was improving from his own illness but not yet his former dominant self. Calloway was positively innocuous. And, yet, the offense continued to do what little was required of it because Rick Stanzi, for all his flaws and screwups and inexplicable decisions, was at the helm, always there with the play this team needed. There were answers -- inferior answers, to be sure, but answers nonetheless -- for the earlier personnel losses. This time, there wasn't one, and the offense, and Iowa, and we, suffered the consequence.
For all the talk of this staff's ability to adjust on the fly to conditions on the field, there is a significant difference between minute adjustments to blocking assignments or pass routes and changing the entire playbook; to illustrate that difference, just remember the discussion of the MSU-game-winning slant pattern from Stanzi to McNutt, where Ferentz admitted he and O'Keefe "went to the briefcase" for a play they hadn't run in a couple of weeks. The telling part of that exchange: Not that the slant/shoot pattern wasn't in that week's playbook, but that so much was made of going off the script. So rare was it that KOK called a play not in his script (which I get the feeling mimics the Bill Walsh method of play scripting) that it became a serious plot point in the wake of Iowa's most improbable victory to date.
In other words, this loss is not on O'Keefe. In a game where the coaches get 20 hours a week to install an offense and improve execution, a massive playbook simply doesn't make sense. The gameplan KOK brought to Kinnick Saturday was ready-made for Rick Stanzi, and it was effective for 15 minutes as Iowa jumped to an early lead. It was far from ready for James Vandenberg, though, heavy with deep passes he had neither the experience nor the touch to complete.* There was no time to implement an entire new offense, as some have suggested should have been done, and so Vandenberg and the passing game were essentially fed to the wolves. Open receivers were missed when bombs were released in laser-like form. Without that deep threat, the running game -- predicated all season on the deep threat, and also headed by a freshman -- ground to a halt, and the offense died a thousand small deaths at the hands of a thoroughly mediocre Northwestern defense. The results were obvious the moment Stanzi went down. Barring a serious miracle in Columbus next week as the Hawkeyes field an all-freshmen backfield and that less-than-vaunted fifth derivation of the line, the dream is as dead as Pat Fitzgerald's fourteen years ago.
* -- Where I think we can lay some blame on the coaches is in Vandenberg's preparedness. Since August, the staff has refused to name a backup, and instead listed Vandenberg and John Wienke as co-second team quarterbacks. That almost surely limited Vandenberg's practice time even more than the typical backup, as a portion of his usual practice snaps had to be doled over to Wienke. The cynic would say Vandenberg clearly won the backup position in the spring, but the co-backups were named to keep Wienke on the reservation, as the McNutt receiver transformation left Iowa with only three scholarship quarterbacks. The cynic would be correct.
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It occurred to me ...
Saturday night, as I was driving around with a molotov cocktail, looking for a house with a Northwestern flag flying in the front yard, that the Hawks might be a year ahead of schedule.
We are going to be stacked next season. Stanzi will be back (unless he and O’Keefe go on a BASE jumping vacation next summer), we will have four battle-tested RBs, a better than average receiving corps, our o-line will be solid and our defense returns mostly intact.
We might have just had some guys bloom a year ahead of schedule.
I’m pumped. But that molotov cocktail is still ready to go.
by Blackheartnopants on Nov 9, 2009 9:27 AM CST reply actions
I don't recall anyone
here or anywhere else speculating that Iowa would be 9-0 and need to win in Columbus to clinch the Rose Bowl and the Big Ten title outright.
So I think you might be on to something.
Oh. If you see a Notre Dame flag flying, feel free let loose as well.
"I think it's safe to say our concerns are many." -- Kirk Ferentz
I wan't apologize for my earlier comments ...
Arson is no joking matter. To be honest, I was rocking the chainsaw-shotgun combo from Army of Darkness.
by Blackheartnopants on Nov 9, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
If you are still looking for an address...
411 Woody Hayes Dr
Columbus, OH 43210
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
No one crushes my Rose Bowl dreams.
Not you, not Corey Wootton, and certainly not Pat Clitsgerald.
I said we were going to beat aOSU in August and I don’t give a fuck if Hanna Montana is playing quarterback next week, I still think we’re going to win. Why? Because we have no fucking business winning, that’s why. 14 point dogs. I fucking love it. Bring that shit on. I want Holyfield. Some medication would be nice as well.
No self-respecting man from Iowa goes anywhere without beer
by Hayden Fry's Moustache Ride on Nov 9, 2009 9:50 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
If before the game I had been asked if I would rather:
Lose to jNWU and beat Ohio St
or
Beat jNWU and lose to Ohio St
I would rather beat Ohio St. However the loss of Stanzi appears to make it rather difficult. Still possible though. I doubt the team has given up.
Kudos to you
For calling him Rick, I never liked adding that Y, even if it is his name. It just makes him sound tougher, which he is in my book for walking off the field after that injury.
I had no problem with the rollout in the endzone, the blocking just wasn’t there. I wish Rick had held on to the ball (and not gotten hurt) but it wasn’t a terrible call, just a terrible result.
My problem was with the lack of the short passing game for James, he could have been helped with some screens, which have been effective this year, and yes maybe a bubble or two. Also, I know wegher is our last talented back not being redshirted but I would have like to see pounding him a little more after Rick left.
Two sequences bothered me the most, both in the third quarter. The first being after a couple of first downs we went incomplete, incomplete, and incomplete. The second being the drive starting with incomplete, keenan davis end around garbage, incomplete.
I know it is armchair quarterback bullshit, 20/20 hindsight, but I just think one of our backs should touch the ball every three plays, either a handoff or a screen.
Either way, all that was lost last weekend were the National Title hopes, either way we still had to beat OSU this weekend. And we all get what we wanted in 02’. Just an opportunity to win the Big Ten outright.
Its a funny story actually.
You could say the same thing about
going for the touchdown on 3rd and 10 from the NW 29 in the 3rd quarter. Instead, of just trying to get close for Murray, KOK had Vandy throw it deep, and the ball hit the ground. Even getting 5 or 6 yards there instead of nothing would have been better than having Murray try a field goal at the outer limits of his range.
There was another play
it was 3rd & 4 I believe and the call was some long ass pass down the left side.
3rd & 4…. just get the fucking first down. Don’t try to win the game.
As for the play that Stanzi got hurt on… I don’t think it was a terrible play call, it was just dumb. We were ahead, lots of game left., things were going well. Run the ball, hope for a first down, but just punt it away if it doesn’t happen. Don’t risk a safety. When we ran that play from the 7 a week earlier and got a TD, we needed something to happen. Also, that play started on the 7.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
I actually liked the touchdown throw attempt
Murray has to make that, and he can make that, it was just a little wide but plenty of leg.
Rick got gready on one of his deep balls on 3 and 4 when he could of just ran it for the first.
This made me wonder, do our QB’s just look for the homerun and if its single coverage they let it fly. Or is that what they are told to do. Are they afraid to throw more five to ten yard routes because those lead to bad picks, while a deep ball pick is just an average punt?
I don’t know, but I wish I did.
Its a funny story actually.
Timing.
Vandy hadn’t thrown to DJK or McNutt before Sat. Tough assignment for the kid, to come in and make plays way down the field. I think he’ll be more than fine in the long run.
by Stay thirsty, my friends. on Nov 9, 2009 3:26 PM CST up reply actions
I love that attitude!
We have to go in there like crazed dogs, like the Charge of the Light Brigade, with blood in our eyes and hate in our hearts. FREEDOM!!!
by Blackheartnopants on Nov 9, 2009 10:05 AM CST reply actions
Please for the love of all things holy
Pull it together and beat Ohio State. I know you are without your leader, but I have faith.
No. 2—You are so lucky he barely fumbled the ball PSU fans.
Saturday is dead and gone ...
It’s time to start getting our Buckeye hate on.
My son is home sick today, so I’m trolling BHGP and watching a replay of the England-New Zealand rugby match from Saturday.
In the pre-match run-up, one of the England commentors said his side needed to “peel their skin back” on tackles. I like that image. I want to see Angerer peel Pryor’s skin back on Saturday.
by Blackheartnopants on Nov 9, 2009 10:16 AM CST reply actions
My Buckeye hate
is never off.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
by Flakbait on Nov 9, 2009 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
i think we're going to beat these
fuckers, we owe. KF’s time is now, he exercised his demons @ Spartan Stadium…I think the D comes up big & frustrate’s Pryor enough for a game killing pick 6.
this place smells like feet. i’ll bring a can of lysol next week.
by pfac51 on Nov 9, 2009 2:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
They better
Even with Stanzi the O was going to have a rough time in Columbus.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
Who won?
No self-respecting man from Iowa goes anywhere without beer
by Hayden Fry's Moustache Ride on Nov 9, 2009 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
England, 20-12
Such a physical rivalry. Like watching a USA/Mexico soccer match without bags of urine being thrown on the field. England will play the Aussies next weekend for the Four Nations title.
by Blackheartnopants on Nov 9, 2009 1:12 PM CST up reply actions
Still mourning the loss like a death in the family
I have way more emotional attachment to this team than is healthy, and always have. So I can only muster enough strength to get a few thoughts out and leave again for another day of mourning.
- Fuck Fitzgerald. Man, he has a hard-on for beating Iowa, and based on the history described above, I can see why.
- Stanzi injury not KOK’s fault.
- Fuck we (I mean Iowa’s athletes) need to get healthy.
- The O-line has been horrendous for weeks, and while it’s been mentioned, it’s been mostly ignored as a talking point. If anything was exposed on Saturday, it was the O-line.
- This loss is firmly at the feet at OPS. He who fucked with superstition and said the “We’re fucked” meme was played out. He who dredged up HFMR’s Northwestern hate from last year. OPS – you owe Stanzi’s femur an apology.
- Silver-lining – Iowa is once again a huge underdog, and I hope it’s fucking raining in Columbus Saturday. We’ve been playing in the rain all season, and are best prepared for it.
by YouCanPutYourEddsInIt on Nov 9, 2009 11:15 AM CST reply actions
Now that it's Monday
I think the pain is finally starting to wear off. Yes, this loss was horrible, our yearly “How the fuck did we lose to them?” game. But I’m coming to grips with it. The only part that continues to piss me off is that it gives the LTP kids something to crow about for the next year. I don’t think it would bother me if they weren’t so joyless about football, the fact that they ruined our season matters more to them than the fact that this was a huge victory for their program. Basically, they’re just ISU fans with a pricier education.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
The only part that continues to piss me off is that it gives the LTP kids something to crow about for the next year. I don’t think it would bother me if they weren’t so joyless about football, the fact that they ruined our season matters more to them than the fact that this was a huge victory for their program. Basically, they’re just ISU fans with a pricier education.
I don’t think I could agree with that more. I’m developing a white-hot hatred for jNWU that is usually reserved for Illini basketball fans.
Black and Gold Blood: Cubbie Blue Heart
Damnit
I have been thinking that since I was sober enough yesterday to do any thinking. Very well said sir. I am looking for a solid game-management from Vandi to fuck the nuts this week.
It's not that I'm lazy, Bob, it's just that I don't care
i'm impartial
Granted, KOK is not responsible for Rick’s injury, but that does not negate the fact that the boot leg was a terrible call. It was down at the goal line involving a mistake prone quarterback; it required Rick to carry out a fake where his head was not turned around; it was carried out towards an all-american defensive end.
This is essentially Rick’s second season at the helm—he has 14 picks. He is either un-coachable or the recipient of poor coaching.
Drew and Jake both regressed. Rick has not made progress. It is a trend and not a aberration. Brad Banks was an aberration.
Finally, Kirk and KOK for all their conservative play calling (at the end of the half especially) sure pick odd times to be aggressive. Against Wisconsin, when a field goal would clinch a victory, instead of running they call a pass and Stanzi gets sacked. Murray makes a 47 yard field goal despite the sack. See State and NW games for further examples. We are winning in spite of our offense not as a result of our offense (turning the ball over four times in our own territory this last Saturday). Ken O’Keefe needs to improve.
by KenOKeefeIfuckinghateyou on Nov 9, 2009 11:38 AM CST reply actions
You should've picked a screen name that reflects how you really feel....
…..even though I agree with you about the playcall: if your’e going to pass from the end zone, please do it from a normal passing formation in the pocket so you can’t easily get blindsided if the play blows up in your face.
But the only playcall that really got me going was that 3rd and 3: just get the first down, you’re up by 10, going up by 17 on this drive is The Dagger. Instead, we go for the end zone and FAIL. Don’t know if this was on Stanzi or KOK, but it was a mistake by one of them.
Other than that, I don’t think KOK called that bad of a game—he even broke out the Jailbreak to DJK, didn’t he? Gotta like that.
If it's not too much trouble, search your soul--and then ask yourself if maybe I might have a point.
by The Director on Nov 9, 2009 11:44 AM CST up reply actions
Ken O'Keefe should be the offensive coordinator at Cornell
Hawkeye fans replies following the game:
“It happened for a reason (the loss)” or “What can you expect, we’re not Ohio State or Michigan.” or “I’ll take 9-1” etc.
Yes, it did happen for a reason: namely, our inept offense.
You’re right genius, we’re not Ohio State or Michigan. But that doesn’t mean we should should lose to Northwestern, at home, three times in a row.
Take 9-1. Why would we want to win a national title? Why would we want to bring that sort of attention upon Iowa? Why would we want to look back in thirty years and recall a national title when we can just as fondly look back on a victory in the Sun Bowl. My mistake—excuse my high expectations. As long as we win the mythical state title in basketball, I’ll be happy. Where’s Troy Palmer and Wade Lackingskills?
by KenOKeefeIfuckinghateyou on Nov 9, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions
KK (no "O") is.............
well, my words fail me. I HATE the way he calls a game, I HATE the way our QB’s fail to progress under his “coaching” and I HATE the FACT that we are stuck with him for as long as KF is the head man in Hawkeyeland. It just sucks, to be honest.
Home field advantage--where have you gone
Oddly, the reasons why I’m half-way confident about this upcoming game are (1) I’m a delusional homer and (2) we are playing on the road. Without exception, we have played better on the road this season.
by KenOKeefeIfuckinghateyou on Nov 9, 2009 11:41 AM CST reply actions
Yep, confirmed: surgery this morning.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 9, 2009 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
Source/Link?
"If Ron Zook were an ice cream flavor, it would be praline and retard"
-Garth Algar
by Tree Meister on Nov 9, 2009 12:01 PM CST up reply actions
Well, it's premium info from the Scout Iowa site, so I don't really want to spill it too much,
but I’m hearing a tendon tear. OUCH.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 9, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
FUCKIN FUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
Thanks for the info though, too bad it’s shitty news
"If Ron Zook were an ice cream flavor, it would be praline and retard"
-Garth Algar
by Tree Meister on Nov 9, 2009 12:11 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah.
Makes me feel throw-uppy. That’s a pretty goddamn big tendon – that’s gotta be just indescribably painful. Yeesh.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 9, 2009 12:13 PM CST up reply actions
If it's his achilles
which is possible since it looked like an ankle type injury, it’s not as bad as you’d think. A friend of mine had his rupture and said it felt like he got kicked. He limped around for a week before going to the doctor.
I forget what the recovery time was like. Hopefully Rick’s back for the bowl game.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
I dunno...
That sounds pretty serious. I mean, if it’s enough to fuck up a guy’s follow-through on his golf swing (he’ll push the ball) so badly that he quits the game, I’d have to think it’d also be a pretty serious injury for a D-1 quarterback to bounce back from in under 8 weeks.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 9, 2009 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
Rick is back next year.
If it is indeed a tendon tear, let’s lay our bets with Jimmy V the rest of the way (including the bowl game). As awesome as this year has been, next year could be even better. I’d rather have a health Stanzi ready for next September than a somewhat gimpy one for a bowl game.
Black and Gold Blood: Cubbie Blue Heart
Absolutely. Not worth fucking him up for life.
Speaking of which… other rumor is that Sandeman has yet to pass his post-concussion tests. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go the way of Alex Kanellis.
Sad. But again, not worth the risk.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 9, 2009 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
You don't want to fuck around with a concussion.
Get a second concussion with in 4-6 weeks of the first and you risk long term, permanent fuckedupedness. The risk is not worth any possible gain (even undefeated MNC), sit Sanderman for 2 months minimum.
by Stay thirsty, my friends. on Nov 9, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
i.e.
Jahvid Best
"You don't become a Hawkeye fan, You're born with Black and Gold in your veins." - Me
by BStylin Hawkye on Nov 9, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Achilles is bad.
It’s the worst. Pretty much a 1 year downtime to get the strength fully back.
You can work with it, walk on it, but to get it back to full takes forever.
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Nov 9, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions
I can vouch for that
I tore mine about 6 years ago, and it took me a solid 2 to get back to anything resembling normal. I won’t work like Stanzi will, but still…
by imadirtyoldman on Nov 10, 2009 7:17 AM CST up reply actions
Rick, Adam, Colin, Jewel, Jeff B...
Get we’ll
Get well soon
We want you to get well!
Here’s to a straight up win, on the road, in the rain….for Herbie & Musburger.
For Evi
For Farmers
For Oops
For all those Hawkeye teams that have been kicked around by brutus since 1991.
JV. Go kick ass
Take no prisoners.
Big Ten Champs 2009
this place smells like feet. i’ll bring a can of lysol next week.
by pfac51 on Nov 9, 2009 2:11 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I know it's Monday ...
And I may just be talking myself into something, but I believe we can use this game to set a tone for next season. We have nothing to lose on Saturday. Win or lose, I want to see a “burn the boats” performance from the defense. I want to the offense give all of whatever they have. Special teams? Keep doing your thang. We do that and win, then the whole enchilada is laid out for next season.
by Blackheartnopants on Nov 9, 2009 12:05 PM CST reply actions
Battle of the Bulge or Midway.
We may be out gunned and over matched, but god-dammit we find a way to win.
by Stay thirsty, my friends. on Nov 9, 2009 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
I say...
Remember the Titanic!!! Full speed ahead and damn the icebergs.
Now go make me a turkey pot pie.
by Stay thirsty, my friends. on Nov 9, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
"Turkey pot pie"...
….Still funny.
This is college FB, where any damn thing can happen! I’m not heading for the lifeboats quite yet.
If it's not too much trouble, search your soul--and then ask yourself if maybe I might have a point.
The Midway analogy might work
Halsey (Stanzi) is out of action so Spruance (Vandenberg) gets called up. Spruance is an unknown commodity but Nimitz (Ferentz) and Halsey both have faith. All we need now is to crack their code (read their signals from the sideline) and hope Nagumo (Tressel) has an unforeseen bout of indecisiveness and we catch him with his flight decks full of planes, ammo, and fuel (he has the wrong personnel groups on the fields) which we take advantage of with a couple of well placed bombs (self explanatory). Of course we would lose one of our three operational carriers in this one so…… believe at your own risk.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
by Flakbait on Nov 9, 2009 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice
Sam Lickliter. Never forgive. Never forget. Beat IU.
by ReadingRambler on Nov 9, 2009 10:39 PM CST up reply actions
WWII Nerds
So you’re saying Tressel is faking an attack on the Aleutians??? We’re faking our radio traffic that Adam Robinson is low on water?
by HawkeyeRecon on Nov 10, 2009 8:40 AM CST up reply actions
well
Injury reports and depth charts have always been used as a form of fake radio traffic, and the Aleutians thing I really can’t work in so….. we’ll just have to skip that one. The fake didn’t work anyway.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
@ Flakbait...
Simply excellent.
Does that make the Northwestern game our Pearl Harbor? Things were going along okay, we had avoided a conflict (loss), and then we get caught with our pants down and lose some of our big gun battleships (Stanzi)? But the carriers (the defense) were out at sea and don’t get damaged. And Japan (Northwestern) is jealous of our position and wanting to build and keep their own empire? November 7, 2009 is a date which will live in infamy?
And doesn’t Fitzgerald look a little like Yamamoto?
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
by WaterlooChazz on Nov 10, 2009 5:10 PM CST up reply actions
What happened in 1854 on the Crimean plains?
Charge of the bloody Light Brigade!!! Huzza, into the breach I say!!!
Just as sure as the salmon return to Capistrano every year…look at the fun bags on that hose hound.
by Stay thirsty, my friends. on Nov 9, 2009 7:59 PM CST up reply actions
One of my buddies, whose son is a senior at jNW started giving me shit at a thing last night (Sunday); I told him, “I have no sense of humor about this”. He persisted, and I said, “stop, I have no fucking sense of humor about this”, turned and walked away. My wife was definitely not amused. But I wasn’t apologetic – he was the one being the asshole. My feelings haven’t changed or abated. I turned my computer off Saturday at 1:00 in the afternoon and haven’t looked at it again until today.
I trust that KF will have these guys ready to play on Saturday. My expectations are extremely modest; I have faint hopes that it will be enough. However, there are very few examples where any of his teams quit. They have 5 days to put together a gameplan to move the fucking ball with their freshman backfield. This game will be on the defense and I hope they have enough gas in the tank after a shitstorm of 3 & outs.
Anyway, I still don’t have perspective about last Saturday, and may not for a few more days. Fuck me.
Look on the bright side...
At least we’re not Missouri and didn’t lose to Baylor. Not that it’s worth much, but it certainly helped me enjoy my Saturday evening much more knowing anyone that would have talked shit to me didn’t because of that loss.
Black and Gold Blood: Cubbie Blue Heart
Well, nor are we ND who have lost 2 or their last 3 to Navy (at home), nor Michigan, with their ongoing fiasco, who surely will have to fire Gerg and go to their 3rd DC in 3 years. Unfortunately, I’m still upset. Haven’t had one of these linger like this since the CUSA ref fucking in the bowl game against Florida a few years ago.
It's worse. This is ISU 2002, or OSU 1985....
…or UCLA 1985, man. This was OUR CHANCE to possibly sneak into the NC game.
Any of us imagine that as a possibility? Ever, I mean??
I sympathize with txhawkeye. I’m pretty calm in person in defeat, but I’m glad no NW fans were getting in my face Saturday after that game. I probably would’ve said something I’d later regret.
Sometimes, when the loss is this heartwrenching, you just can’t fake laughing it off.
If it's not too much trouble, search your soul--and then ask yourself if maybe I might have a point.
This loss is as shitty as the Cap One Bowl win was awesome
I posted on another thread that one of my best friends is a huge NW fan and I haven’t talked to him since last Friday and I don’t plan on talking to him for at least 2 more weeks. I honestly thought I couldn’t be friends with him anymore and he’s not even the shit talking type. I’m probably too attached to this team, but I can’t help it.
"If Ron Zook were an ice cream flavor, it would be praline and retard"
-Garth Algar
In 1985 the media speculated that
if Iowa hammered UCLA and Oklahoma was unimpressive against Penn State the thinking was that some voters might elevate tthe Hawkeyes. They finished the regular season #4 ad a total of 5 points behind Oklahoma. But, the Sooners had the good fortune of playing Penn State, an indie at the time, in the Orange Bowl. Iowa was obligated of course to play the Rose Bowl against #13 UCLA.
To add intrigue, the Hawkeyes played in late afternoon and Oklahoma played at 8pm.
I don’t think Iowa would have won it even if the Rose Bowl final score was flipped in favor of Iowa as Oklahoma buried Penn State and had finished the previous season #1 before losing thier bowl game to Washington. Oklahoma was a perennial player in the National Championship picture. So perception of them was very good.
"I think it's safe to say our concerns are many." -- Kirk Ferentz
But that is as close as the modern era Hawks have come to a National Championship.
"I think it's safe to say our concerns are many." -- Kirk Ferentz
Yes, and fuck Keith Jackson, by the way.
Twitter: @scrappled
"When it’s third-and-10, you can take the milk drinkers and I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time" - Max McGee
by Run Up The Score on Nov 9, 2009 9:25 PM CST up reply actions
Massimo Manca too
He missed a field goal and it was all downhill from there. And Conlan was awesome that day too.
(I didn’t actually watch the game, I got this all from someone on BSD (jesse.?). I’m not old enough to even remember it.
Sam Lickliter. Never forgive. Never forget. Beat IU.
by ReadingRambler on Nov 9, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
That stupid ass litle dance he did
Punks.
Sam Lickliter. Never forgive. Never forget. Beat IU.
by ReadingRambler on Nov 9, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
My brother is a jNWU alum.
He texted me a few hours after the game and called me later that night. I managed to remain civil somehow. I’m really getting sick of getting those goddamn text messages after Iowa-jNWU games, though.
I’m having a hard time getting as worked up about the hypothetical lost MNC opportunity, though, for a few reasons.
One, there was so much left to do — even if we had won Saturday, we still would have needed to win two more games, one of which was at our personal house of horrors. No matter how charmed our season seemed or how much OSU struggled at times, I could never shake a feeling of dread about that game. I don’t dread any other B10 road venue half as much as the ’shoe. Plus, even if we HAD managed to get to 12-0… we still would have needed help in the form of a Texas loss (or possibly some losses by Florida and Bama). If we had been in the position that West Virginia or Missouri were at the end of 2007, knowing that just one more win would lock us into a spot in the National Championship Game, only to choke it off… then, yeah, that would be really, really painful.
Two, I love this team and think it’s one of the most entertaining and enthralling Hawkeye teams in recent memory… but I never really felt like we were a potential national championship team. I loved the never-say-die attitude, the incredible comebacks, the ridiculous big plays that defied belief… but the inability to really put teams away (particularly inferior teams) was a big concern. Even the 2002 Luckeyes managed to blow out a few teams.
That dread of the 'shoe
is well grounded. But it’s not the venue, well, not just the venue. They are usually better than us as well.
But that’s why you play the game
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Nov 9, 2009 10:30 PM CST up reply actions
I've been saying since February or so that we would beat OSU this year.
Now I’m not so sure. Just so many key injuries… man, that makes it tough. Even the guys who aren’t hurt have got to be pretty worn down just due to the lack of any real depth. As good as this defense is, I’m not sure it would take a whole lot at this point to break open the floodgates. I dunno, maybe not.
And the OL… oh man, the OL… Just the picture of injury-plagued inconsistency. Ugh.
I still think we can win, I’m just not so sure we will win anymore.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 9, 2009 11:04 PM CST up reply actions
To have any shot at a win...
I think two things need to happen.
1) The OL needs to play like it did in the second half of the PSU game or the second half of the Wisconsin game — those are probably their two finest outings of the year. OSU’s defense (particularly up front) will be the nastiest unit that we’ve played all year, so the OL is going to have to really step up. And as nice as it might be to try and get Tony Moeaki more involved in the passing game, we may need him to stay in and help block OSU’s nasty def. ends.
I think one of the most important things our offense can do against OSU is simply possess the ball. We need points, obviously, but it’s also pretty vital that we don’t just go 3-and-out-and-punt too often, or the defense is going to get worn down and we’ll see a lot of 6-8 yard runs in the second half.
2) The defense/special teams needs to make some big plays. If they can score points, that would be tremendous… but at the very least, we need to use them to flip position on the field. Special teams and defense led the way @PSU and they’ll need to do the same here.
It wasn’t upset about losing a shot at at MNC – I didn’t think that would happen anyway. For me it was more the way it came about and the ramifications for playing those fuckers this Saturday. Such a fun, maddening team. They’ve hung together this far so I’ll be watching Saturday with my hands over my eyes.
I do feel a lot better after reading this breakdown of Vandenberg's play from Saturday
http://www.hawkeyenation.com/football/the-vandenberg-breakdown
Pretty thorough. I still think we’re probably… um, you know, but I think we definitely have better than a Lloyd Christmasesque chance.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 10, 2009 8:45 AM CST up reply actions
I've avoided this site since Saturday afternoon because I just couldn't take this loss as well as I thought I could
I would have rather my mom been videotaped fucking every single one of my male school teachers growing up so they would bump my grade from a D to a C than to lose to that school in Evanston, record and stakes be dammed.
This loss…sucks.
by Twin Cities Hawk on Nov 9, 2009 6:09 PM CST reply actions
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!
The good news is we have a great D and they will keep us in the game and give us a chance to win. Vandenberg will have a safe game plan that will play to his strengths.
We are exaclty where we want to be…A shot at the Big 10 title…underdogs on the road and a defense that can make grown men cry!
Time to step it up and bring home the gold!!!
GO HAWKS!
This = Win.
We need to stop thinking that EVERYTHING is over.
Besides, NO ONE except OSU wants to see OSU go to the Rose Bowl.
by rinseandrepeat on Nov 9, 2009 11:04 PM CST up reply actions
OSU and jfNWU
Okay just fucking Northwestern screwed up our national championship plans but a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl trip is still in play. Vande did not look horrible very strong arm and timing was just off. One week to prepare and getting timing down. Nasty defense as anyone. OSU coming off big win at PSU not respecting us because of injury to our qb. Michigan game the next week. Iowa huge dog on road. Iowa 14 the Ohio State 10 you heard it here first and most important fuck you we’re IOWA!
Quit your crying, everyone
Especially about Northwestern. I give them ZERO credit for this win. Our magician got injured, could have happened to any team at any time, and the magic ran out. Doesn’t matter who it was against. Better them than OSU, though.
We’re playing a shitty OSU team this weekend for a chance to go to the frikken Rose Bowl. Get up.
Pryor convictions
Has anyone seen what Pryor does when he is in trouble? He has been tucking and running a bit more, but not that much (somewhat concerning). He tends to run around a like a bitch then lob the ball over the middle hoping one of his guys can run underneath it – scored at least one at PSU doing this. I will take the jump balls all day long. The thing is we have to get enough pressure on him to force him to run around like a idiot, which he has done a lot this season. Norm is going to keep the safeties far enough off the line to defend against this.
Honestly, the PSU win for OSU, how hard is it to beat them? Clarke played like shit again, Pryor looked better but not great – like it’s hard to outplay Clarke in a big game. If our front seven can stuff OSU’s running game it will give our secondary the chance to make the plays our offense is going to need to develop some confidence.
It isn’t going to be pretty, I would feel a lot better with Stanzi but screw it – Norm and KOK can pull out all the stops, KF will have the O-Line ready to go and we can shock the college football world again.
Said, if for no other reason, to avoid making Pat Angerer angrierer.
by The Bacon Explosion on Nov 10, 2009 7:50 AM CST up reply actions
I really don't think Pryor outplayed Clark by that much
Has Pryor really outplayed anyone outside of Adam Weber?
7/18 and his one TD was a poorly thrown pass that was only successful because of a massive blown coverage. His touchdown run came because Bowman badly missed a tackle. Clark played as well as any quarterback could play with Cam Heyward in his face. He only started to make mistakes when he was pressing with OSU leading by 3 scores, and I’d say he played better than he did against Iowa. Pryor just wasn’t forced to win the game for OSU. He made some good plays and I think his passing is improving, but I’d love to see him or anyone else perform well with Clark’s offensive line.
And I still haven’t seen anything that tells me Pryor plays well he’s under pressure. We just didn’t get any pressure. Iowa is more capable of that.
Sam Lickliter. Never forgive. Never forget. Beat IU.
by ReadingRambler on Nov 10, 2009 9:24 AM CST up reply actions
8/17, not 7/18
Sam Lickliter. Never forgive. Never forget. Beat IU.
by ReadingRambler on Nov 10, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions
OSU sucks
but they never really have a shitty team. Just some that are not-as-good.
I take hope from the situation at Michigan. While RichRod will probably end up doing just fine, their misery sure is fun while it lasts. The same thing can happen at OSU.
In 100 years, we'll all be dead.
Stanzi was facemasked on the injury play.
There was no holding on Wegher’s long touchdown.
Discuss.
Brunettes not fighter jets
I'd rather not.
What’s done is done, and that discussion would be like pouring salt into an open heart surgery wound.
It’s Tuesday morning. Time to start thinking about jOSU.
Black and Gold Blood: Cubbie Blue Heart
by MissouriHawk on Nov 10, 2009 8:35 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed.
Leave that shit to the CycloneFanatics of the world. Not that the calls weren’t fucking brain-stabbingly maddening, but there’s no point in drinking that cup of tepid barf all over again.
by Bucketochicken on Nov 10, 2009 8:47 AM CST up reply actions
You really don't need to discuss the holding
Everyone knows that was crap
Sam Lickliter. Never forgive. Never forget. Beat IU.
by ReadingRambler on Nov 10, 2009 9:25 AM CST up reply actions
Look at it this way.
If Purdue beat tOSU, we can beat tOSU.
by Stay thirsty, my friends. on Nov 10, 2009 8:43 AM CST reply actions
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