The Red Menace Wins: Wisconsin 31, Iowa 30
by RossWB on Oct 24, 2010 2:43 AM CDT
in Iowa Hawkeyes Football
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PrintA day later and, yeah, that still sucked.
* Even Les Miles thinks that clock management was not so good. There's already been plenty of digital ink spilled about the clusterfuck surrounding Iowa's final timeout and spikegate (just look at the open thread or venting thread), so harping on that even more seems counterproductive. Ferentz didn't think it was a big deal and that all it cost Iowa was a few seconds -- which doesn't seem entirely true, since it also limited Iowa's playcalling and made it easier for Wisconsin to play defense at the end -- but in and of itself it didn't cost Iowa the game. In all likelihood, it cost Iowa a chance at getting a few yards closer for a field goal that was no sure thing. It was a costly mistake, but not a fatal one. The fatal mistakes happened earlier in the game. Starting with...
* The oh so "special" teams. Where to even fucking begin? Not only do Iowa's special teams continue to make awful miscues, but they flash enough moments of competence to make things even more frustrating by being miserably inconsistent. It would be easier if they simply inept all the time, but they aren't -- Meyer boomed a few kickoffs for touchbacks and absolutely drilled the 40-yard field goal that gave Iowa a 30-24 lead. Donahue had a pair of nice punts. On the other hand, they also make far too many egregious mistakes, like enabling J.J. Watt to bust through and block an extra point in the first quarter. Or suffering a bad snap that doesn't allow Iowa to even attempt a field goal later in the first half. Or incurring a costly false start penalty on a kickoff that requires a re-kick... and then giving up a huge return on said re-kick. Or, most damningly, failing to stop Wisconsin on a game-changing fake punt call late in the fourth quarter.
All of them hurt, but probably none so much as the fake punt, considering that (a) Eastern Illinois had burned Iowa on a similar play weeks ago and (b) it was such a stupidly obvious time/place for a fake punt. But Ferentz didn't expect it because, frankly, it was a play that he would have never called; he absolutely would have punted the ball and expected his defense to regain the ball... and so he never anticipated Bielema doing something different there. But it worked because it was a calculated risk taken by a team and coach that's not famous for doing so; had this happened a week ago against Rodriguez, it seems far more likely that Ferentz would have had the defense guarding against a fake (as he did twice in the first half, on a Michigan field goal attempt and right before halftime in a punting situation). But he didn't expect it from Bielema and Wisconsin because, as we've often pointed out, they're Iowa with different colors and more cheese curds; Iowa would never do something like that, so clearly Wisconsin wouldn't, either, right? Sorry -- sound the failhorn. Props where they're due -- it was a great call by Bielema.
* Unfortunately, the defense also did their part in dooming Iowa to defeat. The numbers don't look that bad in aggregate -- Wisconsin gained just 347 yards for the day, and just 142 on the ground (far below their average) -- but as anyone who watched the game can attest, Iowa had a hell of a time getting defensive stops when they needed them. Wisconsin had four drives of 10 or more plays -- they scored on all of them and three times they got touchdowns. Iowa forced only two punts all day and had just one turnover (a very nice interception by Brett Greenwood early in the fourth quarter). The defense avoided giving up any home run plays (the longest gain on the day for the Wisconsin offense was a 30-yard reception by Isaac Anderson), but they got gashed in short increments by Wisconsin -- and then couldn't force turnovers or hold them to field goals. That's a lot of bending and a lot of breaking, which is not a formula for success.
After giving up 52 points in the last five quarters of play, there's really no way to deny that the Iowa defense isn't as dominant as they've been hyped as being. They've eaten up bad teams and middling offenses, but potent offenses have given them no shortage of difficulty over the past few weeks. So why is that? There's no silver bullet explanation. Not having Norm around seems increasingly costly, especially when it comes in-game adjustments (or the lack thereof, at times). Injuries have taken a slight toll, especially in the linebacking corps, where Iowa was forced to go without two regular starters (Jeff Tarpinian and Jeremiha Hunter) for big chunks of this game. And, frankly, Iowa's suffering from a talent drop-off at certain positions. Iowa lost three very good players to the NFL draft a year ago -- Amari Spievey, Pat Angerer, and AJ Edds -- and it hasn't exactly been "next man in" with their replacements. Tyler Nielsen, James Morris, and Micah Hyde may develop into very good football players -- but they're not there yet. Hyde's taken his lumps for getting burned on a few plays this season, but for my money, the coverage in the middle of the field -- i.e., the linebackers' responsibility -- has been more damaging. Iowa's been consistently getting nickel and dimed by passes through the middle of the field, often because the linebackers seem a step out of place to break up the play.
* And we would be remiss if we didn't discuss the offense, too. For the most part the offense performed very well yesterday. Ken O'Keefe called a mostly excellent game, the offensive line turned in another hugely impressive performance (Stanzi was almost never pressured and A-Rob gained more yards than Clay and was able to bust off bigger runs), A-Rob was again awesome (132 total yards on 27 touches, 1 TD), and the passing game was mostly solid (Stanzi had good numbers -- 25/37, 258 yards, 3/0 TD/INT -- but wasn't especially crisp for much of the game and made some bad decisions on the final drive). There are a few quibbles -- it would have been nice to be a bit more aggressive on offense immediately after Greenwood's interception gave Iowa a chance to open up a two-score lead and possibly salt the game away and, as noted, the final drive was pretty awful -- but for the most part there isn't too much bitching to be done here. They put up 30 points (and put Iowa in the position for more, if not for the special teams snafus), which really ought to be enough.
No, the bigger issue concerning the offense may be the refusal to acknowledge that it, not the much-hyped defense, is the actual strength of the team. There were a handful of concerns that we had about this team coming into the season -- the offensive line, the new linebackers, the kicking game -- and a few of those have proved pretty well-founded (like the linebackers and, especially, the kicking game), but the offensive line hasn't been one of them. Outside of the meltdown against Arizona, they've done a fairly remarkable job of pass-blocking for Stanzi and they've also done a mighty fine job of opening holes for A-Rob, assuming the defense isn't absolutely loaded up to stop the run. So the offensive line has been a very pleasant surprise, Stanzi has been playing at a much higher level than a year ago, A-Rob has been a revelation, and the receivers and tight ends have been as good as we hoped they'd be.
Iowa's scored 30 or more in five of their seven games this year; in comparison, Iowa scored 30 or more just three times last year. In 2008, Iowa scored 30 or more six times, but fattened up against bad defenses and scored 20 or fewer in four games. In 2005, Iowa again scored 30 or more six times -- but they were held to 20 or less in four games (losing three). The 2004 and 2003 offenses also scored 30 or more 5-6 times each, but were also held to 20 or fewer points seven times (losing five). Iowa hasn't scored less than 24 all year. They've rarely had trouble scoring points (aside from last-minute drives against Arizona and Wisconsin, obviously, but that's a rather different kettle of fish). They've scored 30 or more five times and face two more putrid defenses (Indiana and Minnesota) and one questionable defense (Northwestern); it's not unreasonable to think that they could score 30 or more in eight games this year -- the last time they did that was 2002 (nine games of 30 or more points). (FUN FACT: 2002 was also the last time Iowa lost a game in which they scored 30 or more points.)
The 2010 offense isn't as good as the 2002 offense (that unit had personnel advantages over 2010 at every unit but wide receiver), but it's pretty damn good -- and the best offense Iowa's had in quite some time. Post-2002, the Iowa strategy has almost always been to win with stout defense and strong special teams and make do on offense; we might need to flip that script this year. The special teams are wholly unreliable, and while the defense isn't bad, it's not a rock, either. On the other hand, the offense has been remarkably reliable and potent -- maybe it's time to embrace that a bit more.
* The season is not toast -- yet. The national championship dreams are officially done (though the Arizona loss had certainly put them in critical condition anyway), and Iowa no longer controls their own destiny to make the Rose Bowl (at the very least, they need someone to knock off the Badgers in one of their final four games). The loss cost Iowa bragging rights over a border rival and a trophy and it removed whatever narrow margin of error was left, but it didn't destroy the entire season. Iowa still has games against Michigan State and Ohio State at home and if they can manage to win out, they'll assure themselves of no worse than a share of the Big Ten title (although any sort of multi-team tie doesn't exactly favor Iowa when it comes to determining a Rose Bowl participant; if you're still dreaming of Pasadena, start hoping for no worse than a two-team tie with Sparty).
The $10 million question is, of course, can this team do that? Certainly not if they keep shooting themselves in the foot with careless penalties, bad tackling, and miserable special teams errors. Can they get better? Yes, unquestionably. Will they? Look, if I knew the answer to that question, I'd be headed to Vegas now, not writing this screed. We know Ferentz has done it in the past. We know this is a talented -- and very proud -- team. We know no team in the Big Ten is invincible; Michigan State may still be unbeaten, but they've hardly looked like unstoppable juggernauts over the course of the season. We know that this year, as much as any other in recent memory, has seen chaos wreak havoc with the established order in college football. Among other things, three straight number one teams have lost, Baylor's atop the Big 12 South division, and Iowa State just beat Texas for the first time ever, in Austin. Truly, dogs and cats are shacking up together this year and logic has taken a leave of absence. So there's a pretty good chance that teams like Wisconsin and Michigan State could get tripped up again -- the question is whether Iowa can improve enough to take advantage of those slip-ups.
That said, while yesterday's loss didn't completely snuff out the hopes for a special season, it was certainly a significant blow -- and it put a ton of pressure on this week's game against Michigan State. A loss there and the ceiling for Iowa's 2010 ambitions probably drops to the Outback Bowl (at best); that's a fine result most years, but not so much this particular year. So we have Iowa coming off a painful loss in which the opposing team engineered a backbreaking drive late in the fourth quarter to win the game, getting ready to play a late October/early November home game against an undefeated top ten team with dreams of a Rose Bowl (and more), in a game which could determine whether Iowa has a good season or a middling season. Sound a little familiar? It should. Two years ago, the result was pure magic; in less than a week, we'll find out if Iowa has any magic left.
* Finally, on a more maudlin note... Yesterday's loss, coupled with the Arizona loss and the general tenor of nervous anticipation and expectation that has characterized this season has only served as a harsh reminder of how important it is to savor seasons like last year, or 2004, or 2002, or 1981, when success arrives unexpectedly and with no shortage of magic and wonder. That isn't to say that Iowa doesn't need to learn how to embrace pressure and win when expectations are high -- winning under those circumstances is just something consistently good teams do. But there's no denying that pressure is a bitch and the best things often come when you when you don't expect them. Since 2000, precisely one team has managed to lead the polls wire to wire and win a national championship -- 2004 USC. Every other champion in that timeframe has been a surprise, to varying extents. For instance, Ohio State started the 2002 season ranked 12th; we all know how that turned out. Again, Iowa still has a shot to have a satisfying, remarkable season this year; I don't want to ignore that. But unless you get hit by a bus tomorrow (and if that happens, sorry dude), chances are Iowa will enjoy another really incredible, surprising season in your lifetime -- make sure to enjoy it.
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I still have a headache
Back to bed.
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Oct 24, 2010 6:27 AM CDT reply actions
Nice write up, Ross
This pretty much summed up the issues, I think, most of us had with the game. I give my tip of the hat to a-rob because he’s been an absolute horse for this team. Special teams gets my wag of the finger. My liver doesn’t like the prospects of angry drinking as I look forward to the rest of the season.
This is a thorough write up...really excellent! Thanks Ross (and getting it out so early is amazing)
But, of course, I am happy to add to it! I think Iowa has an abundance of talent. By Big Ten standards, by national standards, and certainly by Iowa standards, this is a very talented football team. When you have talent good things are expected of you and pressure is a byproduct of expectations.
But there is another kind of pressure that comes from facing down dire circumstances, knowing if you don’t succeed your world might come to an end. Lee Trevino is famous for mocking fellow PGA pros who whined about the pressure they felt in golf tournaments by saying that, “You don’t know what pressure is until you’ve played for $5 a hole with only $2 in your pocket.” Well, before last night this team had $5 in their pocket. At the start of the season they might have had more. Watching them play Arizona and Wisconsin it was pretty clear to me that Iowa had better personnel and we were in fact straight up in the fourth quarter of both of those games. They were right there despite special teams, despite miscues and brain farts.
If you tally Iowa’s record since last year’s Northwestern game (11 gameas ago), Iowa is 7-4 over that span. They have played some tough teams to be sure. They have had the lead or been leading in the fourth quarter of every game but the Northwestern game in that span too. Again, this is a good team.
As hard as KF has worked to get this point, he and his team have not worn the coat of expectation very comfortably and last night I am afriad it was Kirk Ferentz who wore it the worst. I have noticed an ever increasing tight fist with Kirk over the past few games. It started with Penn State, worked through the Michigan game, and settled in with Wisconsin. Well, he’s two out of three in that span, so maybe he is right to have played it that way. But I think Ross is right, KF has gone all in with the defense, not the offense, in the big games this year and it just didn’t work out. And frankly, Iowa almost blew that Michigan game with that mentality.
So we are where we are, and now Iowa has real pressure now. Another loss will, no matter how it occurs, have many Hawkeye fans considering this team one of the great disappointments of the KF era and another loss after that will seal the deal. I will be most curious to see how they handle it because Iowa now only has $2 in their pocket.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
2 Dollars
and a crumpled visitors guide from Pasadena… You are right, this is the crux of the season… Or maybe just the last chance to be somebody… either way, the backs are to the wall, and we will see just what kind of men we have on the team based on how they react.
and what kind of a coach
KF has proven he can exceed low expectations. He’s proven that in spades. What he has yet to do is prove he can meet high expectations. Only the really great ones do. It’s a bitch having people think you should be perfect week in and week out, but great coaches earn their pay in those moments.
Again, I think Fran Mac will be a good influence on Kirk. However, it will be a few years for those lessons to take place.
And watching Kirk’s presser after the game, I sensed he knew he coached a poor one. I have never seen him defensive like that. Psychologists say that attitude change occurs over time. I believe in Kirk and believe he will grow from this year. I also think the talent pool is getting deeper at Iowa. So Ross is right, we will rise again. Starting with THIS YEAR.
As much as I hate Dantonio, and Bielema, and as much as Fitz at jNU annoys me, all those guys try t omake things happen as coaches. You can do too much on that side of the equation, but you can also do too little. I think Kirk has settled into the latter these past few games. He’s been too much of an engineer working with drawings, and not enough of a pilot. Xs and Os are how these guys build teams but in coaching it is the in-game calls that take you to the next level or get you fired.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
The Sweater Vest influence...
The Ohio State game last year showed KF is somewhere to the right of William F. Buckley. With a chance to win in Columbus for the first time in recent history, he clocked the ball and played for overtime. I don’t think any of the 3 coaches above would have done the same. The game may have still gone to overtime, but they would have taken a shot.
Playing not to lose is a strategy, but it works better when you have the talent pool of tOSU. You can rely on your superior talent to come through when needed. However, when playing teams of equal or greater talent, the strategy needs to be more flexible. Bielema recognized this yesterday and played to win.
by Feelin' Orney on Oct 24, 2010 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
The Ohio State Game
Last year, Vanderberg threw a ton of near interceptions on that last drive. I think there was at least three that we got lucky on. One was even intercepted and was called back a penalty.
We criticize Ferentz because we lost the game. If we would’ve won in overtime, he would’ve been smart for playing for it. If Vanderberg had thrown an interception and Iowa lost the game, he would’ve been crucified for it.
Iowa was at the Horseshoe with a quarterback in his first start who was extremely limited at that point and had nearly turned the ball over. There’s things to criticize Ferentz for in the past, but I never got that one. It was the right decision.
by DisplacedHawkeye82 on Oct 24, 2010 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree
to an extent. I used the OSU game as a small example of an overall trend. Shutting down the offense with a 14 point lead against Michigan was another example (and against PSU this year). Yesterday, the 3 plays following the interception with a chance to ice the game. I would even say the 3 plays to start the 2nd half. Against subpar competition this year, they showed a killer instinct that was lacking last year. Against 4 decent teams we played, not so much.
by Feelin' Orney on Oct 24, 2010 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I have to believe with the season hanging in the balance
Kirk is going to pull the gloves off of KOK and let it rip. He did it at Ohio State, and I think he must do it here. We are not winning with last year’s formula. And Michigan and Penn State were two games that were near disasters if something flukey happened. He is threading the needle instead of leveraging our superior talent. I don’t get it.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
by StoopsMyAss on Oct 24, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Keep believing man, but we sure could have used that yesterday. What are we waiting for?
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
C'mon, it's obvious: they're waiting for the 2008 defense to show up and save the day.
We’ll see if yesterday’s loss forces any change in that perspective. I’m not sure it will, frankly — the post-game comments seem to indicate that they think they need to clean up the special teams errors and play better/smarter/harder/whatever on defense. And while those things are certainly true, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t (and shouldn’t) also acknowledge the reality that we’re a potent offensive team and that we should play to that strength.
But we’ll see what happens on Saturday. I hope they go out thinking they need to put up quite a few points, because nothing I’ve seen this year gives me much faith that we can hold MSU to less than 28 points.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Yeah . . . I really like the "have faith in the offense angle" as a takeaway . . .
and I have confidence we’ll adjust. It will probably take longer than I’d like, but that’s Ferentz for you.
Running into people all day who are all about firing KoK and Ferenntz and hiring little Timmy down the street who is so good at the video games.
These people don’t realize that KF’s conservatism has almost certainly won us a lot of games (we’ll never know how many interceptions we would have thrown last year in late-game situations if KF decided to air it out instead of trusting our defense).
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
This is simply false:
If we would’ve won in overtime, he would’ve been smart for playing for it.
Sure, uninformed fans maybe think like this, but thousands of fans (including me) would view that as a mistake win or lose. In fact, I was in Columbus and turned to the guy next to me and said “even if this works, it’s a terrible decision.”
Calling everyone who disagrees with Ferentz’ hyper-consevative strategy results-oriented is just not fair. Lost of people have been consistent in this criticism through many wins and losses.
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I agreed with it then
and I still agree with it now. If Stanzi was the QB, I would have definitely thought we needed to go for the win. But with a freshman QB who had already thrown a few actual picks and a couple other near misses, I think OT was the way to go.
Yes, but now we're talking about particular game strategy, which is fine . ..
I’m not in a mood to debate why going for a tie on the road when you’ve got momentum, a tired OSU defense, and an offense that has shown some real fire is a dumb move. Your position is reasonable, just (in my opinion) wrong.
But I’m not arguing about the playcalling, I’m taking exception to your claim that everyone would have been singing a different story if we’d won that game. I, for one, criticism our coaching staff’s in-game decision making after wins and losses. I’m glad when our poor-decisions don’t bite us in the ass. I’m sad when they do.
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
It was ACCEPTABLE because it was Vandenburg.
But not necessarily completely right. When you are on the road, and you are playing a very talented team like OSU, you probably want to shorten the game, especially if you are competitive or are leading. And at that time, we may have had some concern about the kicking game, but not severe doubts.
Overtime in college doesn’t necessarily help, because each team has a chance with the ball (and on the 25 yard line, it isn’t really a dire situation).
Finally, when it is a game like Iowa v. OSU, and Iowa has only won once every 8 or 10 years, then that means Iowa needs to be more aggressive (not hyper-aggressive, but a bit more than normal) to take that game when they have the chance.
I don’t think I whined too much about it back then, partly because I was still in shock from the great start to the season and then the back-to-back losses, but today’s fourth quarter has me ready to provide polite criticism. I’m no swinging swaggerer, but if Iowa does want to go to the “next level,” then they probably need to leave the turtle shell back in the locker room.
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 Oct 24, 2010 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Forgive my uninformed-edness.
But it wasn’t a terrible decision. Watch that final drive again and see how many times Vandenberg nearly got picked off. And with that amount of time left on the clock, we would’ve had to throw those same type of throws in order to try and get into field goal range.
It is cost/benefit. Everybody gets a touch in overtime. If Vandenberg throws a pick in Iowa territory, the team is screwed. I still think our chances were way better in overtime than to hope for another drive where Ohio State defenders continuously drop potential interceptions.
by DisplacedHawkeye82 on Oct 24, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Vandeburg did keep us in a position to win that game ...
and the OSU secondary was dropping the potential INT’s, which should have made us more likely to pass, not less.
I’m just saying everything was working for us at the time and we killed the clock.
My main point was about something else completely – just because something worked means it was good. If Stanzi had pulled off a miracle instead of the desperation shovel to Robinson . . . well I’d probably be hung over still . . . but later today I would have been asking what in the hell the staff was thinking calling for the time out in a clear spiking situation or calling for a punt return in a clear punt safety situation. Read through the game thread . . . we hated the decision at the time. We still hate it, especially because we ended up losing the game in which it was made.
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with what you're saying
and I am on the same page with you about being conservative following the INT, the TO instead of the spike, etc. I was simply saying in that instance, with the evidence we had (namely, freshman QB on the road with a penchant for throwing it to the other team), it was the right decision, which is important, because context counts.
I don't think Ferentz will ever be as much of a risk-taker as Dantonio, Bielema, or Fitzgerald.
I can’t see him ever calling a fake punt like Bielema did yesterday and whether that’s good or not, it is what it is. Iowa can still win games not doing that, but the one change he absolutely has to make is realizing that even if HE isn’t going to make that call, OTHER COACHES might. If we’re ready for a fake there, chances are we either stop them and likely win the game there (either by tacking on another score from a short field or grinding enough time off and giving them bad enough field position that they can’t drive down the field and score a TD) or force them to not fake it and instead punt it away, giving us a chance to eat up more clock (and possibly score again and lock up the game, considering how well the offense moved yesterday for most of the game). Punting and playing defense is the safe way, but we have to expect that NOT everyone is going to do that — especially in that situation in the game.
On a semi-related note, if you go back to 2008 and the PSU game, I think you see a (very slightly) more risk-taking approach from the coaches there. It’s not on par with fake punts, obviously, but the risky throw to DJK right before the FG playing for the block on that play when Sandeman got the roughing call (yes, they got pilloried for that decision and it may not have been the wisest call, but it was definitely indicative of a team that was trying to take control of the game rather than just waiting for the game to come to them)… I’m not sure you see those plays today.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Not trying to flame, or rile up, etc. but
Iowa can still win games not doing that, but the one change he absolutely has to make is realizing that even if HE isn’t going to make that call, OTHER COACHES might
But can we win it all without taking risks? Again, I’m not trying to be a dick or anything, but I want to be mNC or bust. 9-10 win seasons are good and all but I really want that mNC. One mNC is not enough!!!
I don't know.
But KF or not, the deck is stacked against Iowa winning a national title — just like it is against most teams. Only thirty teams have ever won AP or coaches poll titles and there hasn’t been a “new” (i.e., someone who hadn’t won it before) champion since Florida in 1996 — and they had (and have) all kinds of advantages that Iowa doesn’t have and will never have.
If you want an Iowa national championship, your best bet is probably becoming an advocate for a playoff — and a fairly large (i.e., at least 16 teams) playoff at that. The current system demands too much in the way of perfection and style points to favor a team like Iowa… unless you can persuade Urban Meyer to pick up sticks and leave Florida — and bring all his recruits with him. (Oh, and if he can get Dan Mullen and Charlie Strong back on his staff… Florida hasn’t looked the same since they left.)
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I hear ya
And actually I am a big proponent of a playoff system. I think getting rid of the BCS won’t happen, but if a playoff could happen I’d like to see the champions of the 6 AQ conferences and 2 at-large bids for an 8 team playoff. And let the rest of the teams play in some other playoff like the NIT that could fill up the rest of the established bowls.
I don’t want to get rid of KF, I like him; but sometimes I wish he was a little more 80’s HF. KF with a little tabasco and I think we are close to there…
Question: Do you, or anyone else think that if we had gone 11-1 with our only loss being AZ, would we had a legitimate shot at the mNC game? With AL, NE, OK losing so far, and no one really taking LSU seriously, we might have had a shot. I think AL would probably need to have another lose as well as Auburn needing to lose a game, but I could have seen us jumping Boise (fuck Boise!), and TCU. Especially if we could have dominated the rest of the schedule from Wisc. on… but with the caveat that I’m a homer and would have been SCREAMING foul had we not been chosen for the game…
We would have needed a lot of help.
Unless we would have clobbered teams like Michigan State and Ohio State, I suspect we still would have been passed over in favor of most 1-loss SEC teams and possibly a 1-loss Nebraska or Oklahoma team.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Yep.
That’s where the “style points” thing would’ve come into play (since, you know, we wouldn’t really have had any). Thank god we don’t have to worry about that now!
by Bucketochicken on Oct 24, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
But like I posted above, “if we could have dominated the rest of the schedule” I think that gives us the “style points” but we don’t dominate even though in a lot of instances I think we can. I think we could have made headline news if we hadn’t taken the foot off the gas against PSU and MI, but we did (at least it appeared so to me). And if we hadn’t simply meh’d on special teams and decided tackling wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be, I think we could have easily handled Wisc.
My frustration is that we always seem to do it to ourselfs… Give Wisc. credit, but if we had played them like we are capable of; I don’t think this game would have even been close. I think we could beat any team in the country, but it seems that if we should beat them then we won’t, if we have no business playing them, then we kick the shit out of them. I don’t remember the bowl game but we were something like 17 point dogs and we ended up kicking the dog snot out of them; I think it was against Texas.
I think we are just a little too conservative and that KF’s contract should be amended. He is now required to chug a small bottle of tabasco before every game!
Without the special teams blunders, I think Iowa wins.
I don’t think they blow out Wisco, though. Wisco was playing at a really high level on offense. Some of that was bad tackling/coverage from Iowa, but Tolzien was making good throws and Clay and Ball are hard to bring down.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I think we win if we have punt safe on
despite the blunders.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
/Retrieves Jack Daniels from cabinet.
"Yeah, and that’s bullshit, cause Boise plays Kirkwood every other weekend".
Smokin' Herb Grigsby's Mom (+1, I say)
Yes.
There is no doubt in my mind that Iowa would have gotten at least a field goal – even if they had started at their own 20.
A wolverine is really just an oversized groundhog. Also, the next man to call a stretch play gets sent to Botany Bay. Beat Michigan.
by ReadingRambler on Oct 25, 2010 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions
That risk aversion... is what bothers me
I really like KF. I mean it. The guy does a great job. What he has done with the program is self-evident.
“Fundamentally sound, conservative, well prepared…etc” has brought this program to a better level. That is how you prepare and practice. As a coach, that is how you want a game to work. Like Mick Jagger says, “ya can’t always get what ’cha want”.
Football is also emotion. Football is also luck. Football is not pure strategy, and is often times an out-of-control-seat-o-the-PANTS-free-fuck-for-all.
The players live for “those unforgettable” moments. (imagine…freshman quarterback… at the shoe…underdogs) They players are emotional. The fans are emotional. If KF does not use emotion in game time, he is not using every weapon available. It can back fire… sure… but so can conservatism. Solid coaching will win more games than it loses… it’ll never get Iowa a 12-0 season.
Man, did I want a first down strike at the end zone after Greenwood’s interception yesterday…
by iowabeakster on Oct 24, 2010 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Re: talent
I agree that this is a very talented team — by Iowa standards, Big Ten standards, national standards, etc. — but it also has a few weak spots right now (kicker, special teams units, CB2, LB (when injuries take their toll)), and we’re paying the price for that to an extent. More than anything, it makes me realize how incredibly rare and special it is to get just the right alchemy of talent, luck, and health to have a really, really good team. And how narrow the gap is between just a good team and a great team.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Those are certainly areas of concern
but Wisconsin lost all their offensive skill players but one yesterday. Their TE, Toon, and speed back…all gone. They adjusted. I think great coaches have a feel for THAT game. I just think Ferentz needs to tune into that specific game a bit better. But you are right, he needs to tap into the new coaching reality in the Big Ten, other coaches are going to take risks. Big time.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
by StoopsMyAss on Oct 24, 2010 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Is there a "new coaching reality"?
I don’t think so; I think Bielema’s fake punt is classic Hayden Fry, who sought victory through deception and surprise. I’ll always remember Fry’s comments about beating Michigan in 1985: he turned to a new playbook during prep and the game, stating that he didn’t believe that Iowa could win by executing the offense that he had shown in the games leading up to that point.
Here, I think we see Bielema reflecting Fry more than Ferentz did, and does. Ferentz doesn’t really manage games anything like Fry did. He’s a branch of the tree, but he is no emulator or student of Fry, as far as I can tell.
I’ve watched the Wisconsin game twice now and it seems very plain that we are just not a complete team. Last night, watching it again, I was struck how we were taking control in classic Iowa fashion, as Wisconsin became depleted, Greenwood stepped in front of the cross-the-body pass, Stanzi showed why he is second in the country in pass efficiency, a walk-on like Tillison next-man-in’d. Even knowing that we were going to lose, I’m watching this game and asking myself, “How can we lose this game? We’re doing what we always do to win.”
But then the third and fourth special teams screw-ups (the offsides on the kickoff, giving them a net 40 yards they didn’t earn, the fake punt). If you think back to the early aughts, we won games on special teams. Now we have lost two of them this season, on special teams. It’s just very surprising to me that what was once a primary strength of an undermanned team, is now the primary flaw of a team that matches up very well with most clubs. Worse, we are not outmanned on special teams, we just do not execute on special teams — in theory, what should be the hallmark of any Ferentz club. It’s extremely frustrating to see a game pissed away like that with unforced errors. Saturday morning I attended the PSU-Minnesota game (great stadium, major league food) and that’s how Minnesota loses: bonehead breakdowns (more of them, to be sure); not inferior people or even scheme. Just boneheaded breakdowns with no warning.
Mr. Boh Knows ...
by Bellanca on Oct 25, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, about that Matt McGloin (#11) guy, huh?
He sure can throw it deep, can’t he?
Then he throws anything that’s not a deep pass and the result looks like a blue jay getting hit by a car.
A wolverine is really just an oversized groundhog. Also, the next man to call a stretch play gets sent to Botany Bay. Beat Michigan.
by ReadingRambler on Oct 25, 2010 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I liked him because they haven't had a chance to coach him into a fetal position.
He was out winging it and flinging it and the game (tempo, spirit) changed immediately. I think these things are much easier to see in person. He was a strong plus, though that interception was pretty horrible.
Mr. Boh Knows ...
About Wisconsin
The Badgers haven’t won in Ann Arbor since 1994. If you just though, “Well they likely won’t be losing to that craptastic defense in Ann Arbor” remember that they somehow manage to lose to that 2008 Michigan team. Weird shit happens in Ann Arbor for the Badgers.
Also, the week after that they host Northwestern who knocked off the Badgers in Evanston last year.
If this Iowa team does somehow get their shit together and run the table (a big IF) then I like our chances at Pasadena since Wisconsin isn’t exactly going to be able to walk through their remaining schedule.
Hoping Wis
http://victorypolka.blogspot.com/
The Great Lakes State
appears to be made of some sort of Badger Kryptonite. They typically beat both Michigan schools in Camp Randall and lose both road contests the other years.
Schadenfreude ist die schoenste Freude
Aside from the "weird shit happens in Ann Arbor" factor for Wisconsin...
There’s the fact that there defense just hasn’t looked that good. They played pretty well against Ohio State, but outside of that game they’ve definitely had their struggles against competent offenses — Arizona State, Michigan State, Iowa. And the one thing we know Michigan has is a damn good offense — and they have a lot of speed, which seems like a bit of a problem for the Badgers. Granted, Michigan’s defense is a disaster area so I don’t expect them to stop the Badgers much (if at all), but if they can turn it into a shootout… hey, you never know.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
If Dick-Rod is smart (and we know he isn't)...
he will stick about 9 in the box and hope to knock the Badger RBs out of the game. Michgan might be able to win a shootout with Wisky, but I don’t think they beat a Wisky team that controls the ball for 3/4 of the game.
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 Oct 24, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Time of possession is overrated, especially with an offense like Michigan's.
They can (and do) score in a hurry — witness the lightning-quick way they rattled off 21 points against Iowa last week.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Maybe so...
but if you have the ball, then they don’t.
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 Oct 24, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure Oregon's TOP is stupid low.
But they’re covering 80 yards in 90 seconds, or some other stupid numbers. TOP is, without question, the most over-referenced, worthless stat around.
by The Mexican't on Oct 24, 2010 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not true.
Some of the stats ESPN throws up (like, Kirk Ferentz is X and Y on Saturdays in Ann Arbor with 2:30 starts and non-mint chewing gum) are pretty damned worthless.
"Yeah, and that’s bullshit, cause Boise plays Kirkwood every other weekend".
Smokin' Herb Grigsby's Mom (+1, I say)
Yes, that's true.
But if you play at a fast pace — like Michigan does (or like Oregon does) — stats like T.O.P. lose a lot of meaning. With a no-huddle offense, you’re still getting a ton of plays off and giving yourself a lot of chances to score points.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I will certainly agree that Oregon is more successful...
if they have more possessions. They are good enough to be able to throw time of possession to the wind. They want to use the no-huddle to make the other team get tired.
Does Michigan do all of these things? I would say that they are good offensively, but not in Oregon’s class. I would say Michigan wants some extra possessions, but probably not at the expense of giving up an extra 10 to 14 points to a decent conference opponent (because that is what their defense will probably allow).
I would also argue that Michigan has to change strategy a bit when they are working with Forcier. I don’t see Forcier knifing through a tired-out defense (although that is not far from what he did to Iowa).
Yes, time of possession may be overrated, and at times becomes close to meaningless. But not really in the Big Ten. And it keeps some of its meaning if the opposing team is NOT turning the ball over repeatedly.
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 Oct 24, 2010 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
It was a good game....
wondering if Sporting News prediction of Hawks only winning two more games could come true…. 7-4…..
it very much could I am afriad...
time to let it loose. Nothing left to lose. We are playing strip poker with boxer and scarf at this point.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
Agreed....
the Hawks have the house money now, and are playing the role of spoiler the rest of the year.
Then again, Ferentz is more likely to check than he is pushing all the chips to the middle of the table.
Or worse.
Look, winning teams play special teams. We’re random on special teams. It’s mind-boggling to see the efficiency of our offense and incredible discipline of the defense — and we turn around and run down the field before the guy punts. It’s like the first think you look at on teams receiving kicks and punts: do the guys up front turn tail and run back to block, too soon. How could Iowa staff not see that? I don’t get it
Mr. Boh Knows ...
Thoughts on the game yesterday, because I know you're all interested.
It’s popular sentiment on some of the Iowa boards (HN) that Iowa gave away the game yesterday – and while that’s true to an extent, Wisconsin did drive the length of the field with 6 minutes to play, they did convert two 4th downs on that drive, and they did score the go-ahead touchdown with a minute to go. Iowa did leave the door open, but Wisconsin knocked it down and you have to give them credit for that.
Lots of “little things” added up to a bitter defeat yesterday. You can often point to 1/2 a dozen or so plays in a close game like that, and it’s those plays that determine the outcome. Yesterday, Iowa came out on the wrong end of all of them.
1. Blocked PAT
2. 3rd and 1 from the Badger 9 yard line, Iowa gets called for a false start and then an illegal formation, leading to…
3. A botched snap on the field goal, leaving Iowa with nothing 10 yards from the Wisconsin goal line.
4. Not knowing the fake was coming, even when running the fake was Wisconsin’s only chance of keeping the ball.
5. Stanzi taking a sack on Iowa’s last possession, costing Iowa valuable yards, and a timeout. This isn’t getting talked about anywhere, but Ricky has to get rid of the ball. Chuck that fucker into the stands. You absolutely cannot afford a sack at that point, and Ricky biffed that play big-time.
6. The clusterfuck that was the last couple plays of the game. It doesn’t look like Rick knew what the plan was after getting the first down, and that’s on the coaches.
7. Knowing you have no timeouts left, running a shovel pass up the middle of the field.
8. Intercepting a Tolzein with 8 minutes to play, having the ball inside the Wisconsin 30, and only getting a field goal out of it. A touchdown there essentially wins the game. Only getting a field goal allowed the Badgers to run their regular offense on their last drive.
The way I see it, this season can now go one of two ways. The senior leadership on this team can either step up and get it done (2008), or fold and lose more games like this the rest of the way (2005). It’s on them.
Small quibble
with #7. They didn’t “run” a shovel pass. Stanzi tried to step up, got tripped, and simply flipped to ARob in the flat. Should have just thrown it at his feet. Like I said, it’s just a small thing, and I agree with everything else you said. All of those are just small plays that add up in the end.
Fine. It's still a bad play.
From a playcalling standpoint, the only option at that point is to work the sidelines. Even with no timeouts, 12 seconds is plenty of time to get off two pass plays and get into field goal range.
by TarHeelHawk on Oct 24, 2010 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed completely
Like I said, that was the only thing I found wrong with the post. It was obvious that ARob was simply a last resort check-down. And if it’s a second or 2 later, most likely the backers & DB’s have dropped back far enough that ARob can get out of bounds. But because it was so early in the play, there was plenty of time for the defense to make the play. Not trying to be argumentative.
Where did the 4th quarter magic go?
If I hadn’t just bought a new TV, it wouldn’t have survived this game. I may pull the old one out for next week just so I can smash it should the need arise.
It has been well documented that Ricky’s numbers and decision making are better this year, but I will take 2009 15-pick Rick and the close wins over this.
As for the defense, If Michigan State has any sense they will dial up the Playstation offense and leave the running game back in East Lansing. Leave 6 in to block and throw to anyone matched up on a linebacker (and a couple over Micah Hyde to keep it balanced).
Special kicking teams? We’re fucked.
It’s not that I am giving up on the season, but the formula for beating Iowa is open source at this point. The next 4 weeks could look like the Michigan 4th quarter if someone doesn’t start making some adjustments.
This.
It’s become very clear how you beat Iowa: keep it close, don’t turn the ball over much, protect the QB, throw the ball. MSU is a well-coached team, and they’ve certainly figured it out.
I agree on the Stanzi take. I’m glad that he isn’t throwing picks, but it’s almost as if he’s overthinking. He’s trying so hard to throw the ball into this one-inch window when sometimes you gotta just put it in a good region and let your WR make a play. And that last drive was bathed in “don’t make a mistake” to the point of paralysis.
I can't fault Ricky very much.
Yes, he looked bad for two or three plays right at the end. And he was throwing it about 2 yards ahead or to the right of receivers earlier in the game. But, in a big ten football game, to have no turnovers and only take one or two sacks, that’s doing great.
Sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes the bar eats you. Last year, we ate every bar put before us with Ricky at the helm. This year, karma is introducing itself.
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 Oct 24, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
But this is a 2 variable equation
I believe Ricky was the Y-factor last year – the defense was the X-factor. They sealed wins last year in the 4th quarter and that doesn’t seem to be happening this year. We led in the 4th quarter and Arizona and Wisconsin went on long, game winning drives. Michigan went Tecmo Bowl on our ass. We had to put up a field goal to secure the game. Show of hands – who wants to rely on the kicking game for a win this season? Anyone?
I certainly didn’t mean to single out Ricky for the losses. Clearly this was an entire team fail.
by Feelin' Orney on Oct 24, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I was impressed by Tolzein yesterday
I have to say, I didn’t see that coming from him. Very impressive.
Not sure why you didn't
He’s been doing it all year, and most of last year (basically with the exception of their games against us and fOSU).
A couple of thoughts
because I’m still frustrated:
1) KF is a great coach, but I believe he considers himself a teaching coach. His attitude is not win at all costs. This is great for the guys on the team and the university. But it’s not always good for us as fans. Which is the way it should be. It’s just hard to digest as a fan with so many coaches who believe winning is the most important thing at this level. We’re not them, and we need to understand that.
2) The defense did a good job against their O-line and Clay, holding him to under 100 yds, despite times when it seemed like they were pushing us around late. But we have serious trouble with short passing attacks, which is familiar as we always seem to have trouble with them. Tolzien was accurate and we has no answer for it. We got very little pressure on him and continued to give large cushions to the receivers. If they had played tight man to man, we may have gotten burned deep, but this is the poison we picked, and it’s the one that killed us. This really worries me with MSU and Northwestern coming up.
3) I’m not mad. I’m disappointed. Unexpected success is great. However, as an Iowa fan, what I’ve been taught over the years is to never expect sustained greatness, and that any spot greatness will be unexpected. This year was expected, and the reality has not lived up to the expectations. We could very easily lose several more games, which would label this team as one of the more disappointing ones under KFs tenure. Is that unfair to the team? Of course it is. But as a fan, to come into this season with a strong returning cast and a favorable schedule, there were higher expectations than we have had for a while. Those expectations have shifted. Dramatically. In the early part of the season there was a lot of “Swagger” talk around here, trying to shed the perception that we can’t win when the spotlight is on us, that we need to fly under the radar. But guess what, we didn’t. What I’ve learned is continue keeping the expectations in check. Expect a couple of losses a year, even if the collective wisdom is flying high about the expectations. Because to start out up there and to end up here hurts.
4) What I think as a fan matters exactly for shit. On the bright side, I don’t have any lingering superstitions, I can wear and eat whatever I want. Hell, I’m going to the Northwestern game, last time I did that it was a disaster. But it won’t stop me from being any more miserable if we lose. Each lose still hurts. There’s just nothing I can do to help my team.
5) National perception of not being respected is justified. We have not earned it.
6) Coaching continuity is a double edged sword. It’s great for consistency, but can breed stagnation. I’m not saying any of the coaches is bad or needs to go, but what I am saying is look at Fry’s coaching tree. There were a ton of guys there who went on to be head coaching, guys who were upwardly mobile. Hungry for advancement. There was a “next man in” philosophy in the coaching ranks that forced everybody to adapt a little more, simply because more and different ideas were coming in with new guys. When coaching vacancies open up, other than the “KF to the NFL”, how often do we see the coaches under KF get mentioned? I’m not just just talking about Norm and KOK, they aren’t going anywhere. It seems to me that we’re not really seeing our assistants either wanting to move or being desirable enough to be hired.
7) Clayborn is having a very solid year, but he’s not having as big a year as was expected. Everyone is gameplanning for him. I wonder if, late at night, he ever questions his decision to stay this year. He’d do just fine at draft day, but I don’t believe he’s made his stock raise any higher than it was.
8) Maybe it was the wind, but Stanzi didn’t seem that accurate to me. I haven’t gone back and watched the game, and god knows I’m not going to, but there seemed to be a lot of passes that weren’t where they needed to be. Maybe that’s the improved Stanzi decision making, that he puts the ball where only the receiver can get to it, and incompletions are fine. Let the receiver get the ball, just don’t let the defender get to it. I don’t know, it just seemed off to me.
9) ARob is a stud. And I like Meyer, but he’s only a freshman. If Murry were healthy, well, I don’t know if things would be different, but I don’t think KF trusts his field goal kicker yet, and that has to factor into his game plans.
10) What does KF learn from these games? We all talk about how he learned how to prepare for bowl games because of the losses. What does he learn from these losses? I don’t know. I don’t believe anything. I hate that feeling.
It never gets to be easy
Stanzi's passing
There was one pass I was very disappointed in. It was in the 1st quarter and he threw it to the outside shoulder to Reisner (i think) where a Wisco player was coming in and left the ball a little too long in the air. AR had his hands on it, but the knock forced the ball out of his hands. Now, I’m not saying I can do any better, and I obviously don’t what it looks like inside the pocket, but I feel like if you don’t think you can get a good pass off, you shouldn’t leave your teammates out to dry. :/
and that's another Hawkeye first down... EHAWW!!
@Chitown
We have had some Ferentz assistants go to other (usually “better” jobs). Joe Philbin, Bielema, Ron Aiken, and maybe one or two more that I can’t think of.
You know Norm wasn’t going anywhere. And the fact that he is older and not always in great health may keep some of the more tenured defensive assistants around to possibly take over (Phil Parker, Darrell Wilson). Reese Morgan probably wouldn’t leave Iowa City unless some major program came calling, and maybe not even then. O’Keefe and Erb seem to work together well, and Ferentz seems to love them. Kacenzki and Campbell seem to have been nice additions. It is a bit difficult to seriously criticize Eric Johnson.
Yes, many of the successful college coaches in this era have not been afraid to jump around when they see opportunities (Saban, Meyer, Carroll, and others have coached at at least 5 different colleges in some capacity). But, I also hate those guys like I hate poison, so…
Staff continuity at Iowa is probably 98% good, and maybe 2% slightly negative.
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 Oct 24, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Man, when your best players play that well, you really should win the game.
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
I woke up this morning...
… knowing that somehow Bielema is going to screw himself over someday. It made me happy.
and that's another Hawkeye first down... EHAWW!!
oh and
(if you happened to catch my comment in the venting post from last night)
but, I ended up sucking it up and going up to who I thought was Shaun Prater (ended up really being him) in Red Lobster last night and told him he had a good game. He said that hearing that from a fan is “the best medicine. knowing they still have fans.”
and that's another Hawkeye first down... EHAWW!!
by HawkPocket on Oct 24, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm sure that did help
Those guys probably do feel like a lot of the fans turn their backs when things don’t go our way. I’m sure plenty of people tell those guys how great they are on a daily basis, but probably not after games like yesterday, when they really need it.
I sincerely hope KF doesn't believe what he said about spikegate
If we hadn’t burned that timeout we wouldn’t have had to watch the last 5 seconds bleed off the clock. I need to know that somebody is learning something from this experience.
by KOK's Masterplan on Oct 24, 2010 10:22 AM CDT reply actions
pretty sure that's KF MO
play things down so players dont take the blame
by IrishHawkeye7 on Oct 24, 2010 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
If Stanzi hadn't taken that sack, the spike
probably doesn’t come into question. If the Hawks don’t get the PAT blocked, the spike doesn’t come into question. If the snap on the field goal is good, the spike doesn’t come into question.
There is a theme here, and it’s that made just enough mistakes yesterday to have those mistakes come back to bite them at the end of the game.
DID THE DEFENSE FORGET HOW TO TACKLE?
The D-line seems to be overly cautious knowing that they can’t make mistakes because they don’t have stoppers behind them. The linebackers have to start making tackles and stop somebody. Hunter and Morris are the only ones that seem to get it. Tillison gets it but he is still in purgatory for leaving. They safeties are starting to look like ghetto players afraid to hit and stand back and just try to strip the ball. This works if the ball carrier is actually stopped and not crossing the goal line. Maybe they should replace one of their linebackers with a safety that can stay with a receiver and isn’t afraid to trade hits for playing time. What are we saving Berstein (sp?) for? I never thought that I would see a day when a Hawk team able to score at will blow so many games. Give the kids some room and maybe some mistakes aren’t made (after all, I would think that Stanzi has played long enough to know to spike the ball without looking for instructions from the sidelines). Let em soar
Voted "Other"
The O-line played better than I expected. Ricky had all day and the run game was solid.
With each week I'm starting to believe that ARob may very well be the best offensive player on this team.
I voted for DJK because it seemed like he was running solid routes and brought down everything thrown his way (even the ball that sent him 3 yards out of bounds). Storminspank said it on the Twitters, and I’ll agree here, DJK is better than Timmy D and is, in all likelihood, the greatest Iowa WR of all time.
I can get with that
I was going to say in one of the threads last week, while Timmy was arguably our best playmaker ever, he wasn’t the best WR. DJK has shown better and better route running and hands every year, in addition to his willingness to block. You could probably throw Quinn Early into the discussion (although admittedly, I never saw him play in college), and maybe Danan Hughes (I was like 10 when he was at Iowa, so I don’t remember a ton about his career either).
Yeah, I'm going to go there . . .
if DJK was an aw-shucks white farmboy from Ottumwa, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. He is clearly the best WR in Iowa history by a lot. Obviously I don’t know the full story (and DJK is too classy to ever do a tell-all after the season is over) but the staff and University’s constant downplaying of his accomplishments is a travesty.
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh please.
He is clearly the best WR in Iowa history by a lot.
Hyperbole much? He’s very, very good, but there’s no need to denigrate some of the other very, very fine receivers Iowa has had to prop up DJK for a specious claim.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I am the best user of hyperbole ever.
And you are right that ‘by a lot’ was clearly overstatement,but I guess I meant more that he is clearly the best ever, not that he is the best ever by a wide margin.
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
agree
I don’t think Dwight was utilized properly to make full use of his ability.
But, I’m a big fan of DJK. . Whether he is the “best” or “best by a lot”… he is a special and rare offensive talent (for an Iowa team).
by iowabeakster on Oct 24, 2010 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
It's really not that big a statement on the Hawks or the coaching staff.
Some people in the media and elsewhere are acting like we just lost to an FCS squad. Wisconsin is a good team. A really good team. Yeah, they got upset by Michigan State, but they just pounded Ohio State. Though we have a really talented team, so do they. They are usually our equals and we’ve beat them consistently for several years now. Its not a big shocker that they finally pulled one out on us.
It is disappointing that we missed the extra point and had that sloppy possession that resulted in the missed field goal. The clock management at the end wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t exactly a great situation. It was a long shot at that point.
I was pretty depressed yesterday, but let’s lay off a bit. It’s not the end of the world, guys. If we beat MSU and Ohio State, it’ll still be a great frigging season.
by DisplacedHawkeye82 on Oct 24, 2010 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
Bear in mind that Kirk Ferentz himself says after EVERY game...
“We will look at the film and see what the mistakes were and attempt to correct them.” Even Ferentz looks more studiously at mistakes than successes.
That is all that is going on here. He is the head coach, criticism rightly belongs first and foremost to him when decisions are questionable.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
by StoopsMyAss on Oct 24, 2010 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
It's not the caliber of opponent that's the problem
It’s that we had every opportunity to win that game (and probably should have). Add in the fact that this has been the case with the two best teams on our schedule to this point, and this is what you get.
If anybody would have been shown Stanzi's numbers now at the beginning of the year
they would have been overjoyed. Yesterday, he had the most time to sit in the pocket and look around since Chuck Long sometimes did in 1984 and 1985. It was amazing. Run blocking was okay to good, and I was surprised that Robinson only had 21 carries. It seemed like they gameplanned it for him to still have legs in the fourth quarter, which, if true, was a good coaching move.
We are a good team. We are not a complete team. Losing Spivey was big, losing o-linemen was big, losing Wegher and Hampton has been big, but nothing compares losing Angerer, particularly in run support and, maybe more importantly for pass coverage, Edds. The difference shows up every week.
Yet, we still have a good team. I think Ferentz felt we had the better team going in , and when that happens, he seems to simply try not to goof it up. The inspiration to go a little out of the box just isn’t there in those situations. The team seemed to need something more yesterday, and didn’t get it. The moment that hits me is right after Greenwood’s interception, when we could have put the game away. It seemed we played not to get out of field goal range on a day when our defense didn’t show it could hold Wisconsin to a field goal.
We will, odd as it may seem now, go into next week also thinking we have the better team. But what will we do with it? Ferentz will not let the team get too low, but this one hurt deeply, it had to have hurt him, and I am waiting to see how the team responds. Ferentz has taken us far, and in many ways I think his teams are more fundamentally sound and strong than Hayden’s teams. But this week I find my self missing ’ol John Hayden. He would have been pissed, the team would have been pissed, and the final scene of “300” would be reenacted on the field.
In Norm we trust.
Edds, Angerer & Norm
Going into the season, I was concerned about the loss of Angerer and Edds. They were great playmakers and leaders for the Hawk’s defense. They were great at motivating their teammates on the field and very active communicators.
Finally, I think that we’re kidding ourselves if we don’t think that Norm’s absence hasn’t had a hugely negative impact on our defense. There’s a reason why he’s considered one of the best defense coordinators in the nation. That said, props to the coaches who have had to fill in.
Wisconsin played a great game, we made some mistakes, but let’s not eat our young just yet. Well, time for another beer or two, or three…
What's your deal?
by PCarroll_u_sm(j)irk on Oct 24, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Tough loss for you guys yesterday, don't get down on Frentz.
He is by far the best coach in the Big 10 and when Joe retires PSU will make a huge but quiet run at him.
Next to PSU, Iowa is my favorite team and this blog is the reason why.
Drink heavy today, it makes everything better
Hire Mike Pettine Jr!!!!!!!!
Thanks
I think most of us here feel the same way. And I think we’ll make a run at JoePa when KF retires
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Oct 24, 2010 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Ferentz is the best coach in the Big 10. PSU would go on my shit list if you stole him.
Though you literally may have to pay him 50-70 times as much as you pay JoePa.
But the very things that make him great can be liabilities when taken to an extreme. This is something that we’ve all seen happen over and over again with end-of-game management, Goldwateresque conservatism in offensive playcalling, and personnel-loyalty to a fault.
What’s maddening is none these things are incredibly difficult to correct.
by The Final Gun on Oct 24, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice write up Ross
The article and comments have helped me feel a little better today. But yesterday still frickin sucks right now. If Iowa can win out it’ll be a good season with either a Rose Bowl berth or Cap 1 bid (potentially at large BCS bid but unlikely I think due to the non-AQ teams running the table).
Unfortunately though looking at the Iowa thats showed up the first half of the season I think we’ll drop at least one more game if not two. I really hope I’m wrong and Kirk and the rest of the coaching staff straighten out the special teams along with either relying more on the offense than the defense (like mentioned above) or changing some stuff up schematically on defense. It seems that we just don’t have the personel this year to run our straight up cover 2 defense 90% of the time and stop people as effectively as last year. Whether its the d-line underperforming, missing two really good linebackers from last year, or not having a lockdown corner, or Norms in game adjustments being absent I’m not sure.
I think Iowa has a good to great coaching staff but yesterday ultimately I think the loss has to fall on them. Failing to forsee that fake punt call was the killer in my opinion along with just basic execution on special teams. The key thing here for the Iowa players and coaching staff is not to let Wisconsin beat us twice by coming out flat against Michigan State this weekend.
impossible is nothing
Mr Grizz's John Hayden Fry comment is the one....
…..that caught my attention, and is the most important in relation to the next few games.
Fry indeed would’ve been PISSED at pissing that game away with mistakes in all four quarters. People think ‘Hayden was just a good ole boy, but he hated to lose as much as Lombardi. Reporters would’ve been a-feared to even ask him about spiking the ball, no to mention the fake punt fiasco in the wake of such a loss.
I am a little concerned that we maybe going into the next few games with an “Oh woe is me” attitude. It would do Ferentz well to get a little pissy—at his players, at his coaches, and at himself—while preparing for MSU. For one thing, it will at least build up some emotion amongst the team going into the next game. For another, it might prove to be a distraction from remembrances of the last game.
But my #1 worry at this point is that we will be feeling sorry for ourselves next week, and get toasted. Fry knew how to keep that from happening—and being a super-nice guy who aw-shucked around wasn’t it. I don’t know how Ferentz will react to this loss, but a little fire under the asses of all concerned might not be a bad idea.
I'm not worried about the psychology
I’m worried about the almost blind allegiance to the philosophy. Game plans are guides, not doctrines. I think Kirk needs to assume a bit of urgency in these games.
I know for him it is hard to imagine an opponent faking a kick down six in their own territory, then converting two 4th down plays and scoring a touchdown. If I was a gambling man I would not have bet on Wisconsin doing that either…in the abstract. But, watching that game I sensed immediately that Wisconsin was desperate. They were unable to stop our offense after the first series, and we were a quick snap away from that drive continuing (another mistake in my book). So Bielema eschewed the conventional wisdom and called the fake the moment he saw the return team out there.
The perplexing thing is that we all know we were not going to return that punt for TD or even more than 10 yards. Just call the punt safe the entire 4th quarter…you have the lead, they cannot stop you, get the bacll and let your offense go to work. If we had not been moving the ball, then yeah, hope for a big return. It really was a no brainer to me.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
by StoopsMyAss on Oct 24, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
From Ryan S.'s article at Hawk Central...
Sandeman said Iowa worked on a punt block and punt return during the week, but not the fake. "I don’t think they’ve faked this year," Sandeman said.
The Iowa junior said the Hawkeyes run a regular defense set with no back when they expect the fake, but it wasn’t called. "Hindsight is 20/20," he said.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
hindsight?
Obviously we have the benefit of hindsight right now but like you mentioned above why even set up a return when our offense had been clicking and our return game has been pretty meh all season? I was under the perception that if we got the ball there we would win the game. I expected some shenanigans from Wisconsin with the window of opportunity closing for them and as a result was extremely disappointed that our coaching staff wasnt thinking the same thing.
impossible is nothing
See Game 1 film...
My question is…did someone forget about Eastern Illinois? I am guessing the Bucky special teams coach watched that film while snacking on cheddar and Milwaukee’s Best Light. After the shock of the Pakiblock wore off, I am guessing he drew up the fake based on the Sex Panthers’ success. If I remember from the ESPN write up about the game, that fake was installed this week.
Good coaching Wisconsin, poor adjustment Iowa.
by Feelin' Orney on Oct 24, 2010 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions
there is such a thing as
“in game adjustments” that can be made even if not practiced all week.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
It's 20/20
but shouldn’t there be at least one guy whose job is to go after the punter if it’s a fake? I’m no football genius but this just seems really basic. You don’t rush a few and have everybody else turn their back and run down the field. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
And the thing that makes it even dumber, is KF’s “play it safe’/cover your bases nature”. But he let’s a GIANT GAPING HOLE exist because surely nobody will ever take advantage of that.
"If you need a rah-rah speech at halftime, you’re playing the wrong sport." - Pat Angerer
I only saw
2 guys pressing the edges, leaving at least one big boy with a lineman number and the punter unaccounted for. It would have been nice to at least have man-for-man assignments.
by Feelin' Orney on Oct 24, 2010 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions
It doesn't have to be a known fake.
Maybe things have changed, but on kickoff and punt returns, the first thing the guys up front do is make sure the damn ball has been kicked. The punter could kick it, he could have authority to run based on his read, he could drop the snap, the snap could sail … We just turned around and started running back to block. Bizarre.
Mr. Boh Knows ...
Particularly so under the circumstances
Both teams knew that each posession was precious in the fourth quarter. We had been moving on them for most of the day. And I’m sorry—that punt formation practically screams fake, even if they were in it each time before to set it up. The only downside of not absolutely sitting on the line, or just putting one man back and keeping everyone up, is bad position once you get the ball back. Wisco had already used all but one timeout, if I remember correctly. Worst case, we’re pinned inside the 5, Ferentz plays Ferentz conservative for three plays and we let our all-conference punter send it as far as he can. And we burned clock. You could even repeat the safety at Penn State if you wanted; if you really think you aren’t going to give a touchdown, which Ferentz apparently did, take your safety after you burn clock and let Donahue boom it from the 20.
In Norm we trust.
The loss yesterday was heartbreaking..
mostly because we had played a very solid game throughout.
First of all, we had no turnovers. I would never think we would be talking about a loss when we played the whole game without one. Second, we converted on 11 of 16 3rd downs. This is an absurd number of conversions. Third, I loved how our offense played throughout the game. Wisconsin had some very long drives and kept our defense on the field for huge chunks of time. To counter, our offense then came out and put together some very long and time consuming drives of their own. Some of my friends questioned why we didn’t throw any more deeper passes and I think that keeping our offense on the field and allowing our defense to rest is why.
But, we did some things that just absolutely can not happen. We didn’t play Iowa football. We were all there physically and performance wise, but mentally we made too many mistakes. Not a common mistake coming from an Iowa team. Avoiding talking about the timeout situation and Stanzi’s last pass, I have a huge issue with whatever is taking place between Stanzi and Ferentz’s quarterback/center exchange. I don’t know what the problem is exactly, but if I were to guess it is that on a quick count Ferentz isn’t snapping the ball. That penalty on 3rd and 1 from Wisconsin’s 9 is inexcusable. If it were the first time all year I would let it slide, but this same thing has happened against Penn State in a similar spot and happened last week against Michigan.
Is it just that there was a position battle this summer at center? Mental mistakes throughout the game? Not being completely used to each other yet? I don’t know, but I would like to believe it would have been worked on weeks ago when we settled for a field goal on the opening drive against Penn St because of it.
I'm happy with an 8-4 season in which we trounce some hapless SEC team in a boring game
I really am. Before this season, I thought we were lucky to be 10-2 last year. We could have lost to any number of teams. UNI. Arkansas State. Michigan State. Michigan. Indiana. Even Minnesota only needed 2 game breakers to turn that fiasco around.
When you add all that up, Iowa could have as easily been 7-5 as 10-2. Special seasons are full of games like Iowa-MSU 2009. If you’re Iowa. And they’re full of games like Iowa-Wisconsin 2010. If you’re Wisconsin.
It’s a fickle game in a brutal conference where nothing comes easy. Ohio State may make it look easy some years, but it’s not. Purdue-OSU 2009? Wisconsin-OSU 2010? These games happen.
So if we drop the MSU and Ohio State games and limp into the Outback Bowl, I’m ok with that. It’s what I call “meeting expectations.” MY pre-season line up had Iowa around #20, and that’s really where we belong.
What’s disappointing is that the team is clearly capable of so much more, and for every time somebody stepped up and made a clutch play last year, it’s not happening this year. Last year, we pounced and won close games. This year, our opponents are.
Now, we could JUST as easily be 6-0 right now and eyeballing that national championship game. That’s the hard part of this. But, as I said above, your special seasons are the ones where you close out these games. LOTS of teams have the talent and coaching to do it, and sometimes it really does just take a little bit of luck.
We’ve got a good team. We’re going to probably find ourselves in the #3 or #4 spot, and that’s not bad. The way I break it down, you’ve got 3 goals:
(1) Win the national championship. One you lose a game, that’s all but a lost cause.
(2) Win the Big 10 championship. That’s not quite out of reach but it’s close.
(3) Win your bowl game. This one is entirely within our control. Let’s line up a quality opponent from the “fast” SEC and knock the snot out of them as only we can.
You do realize that Iowa is 3-1 against the SEC in the BCS era? Wins over Florida, LSU, and South Carolina? Our one loss is to Florida in the famous “offsides” play. I’d be pretty happy to take down another one of these guys and make it 4-1.
So, you know. As these loftier goals evaporate, you focus on what’s left to enjoy, and there’s a lot of football left to enjoy. 8-4 is my threshold for a good season. A 7-5 season is mediocre. 8-4 is good. 10-2 is excellent. And 12-0 is a once-in-a-lifetime dream come true. 10-2 is within reach. The season isn’t over. There’s big games left.
Let’s enjoy them!
You must be a mind reader.
I agree with every point you made here. Every year I hope for 8 victories in the regular season. I did get my hopes up this year but agree that last year just as easily could have been 7-5 instead of 11-2.
My 2 cents:
Hopefully the special teams miscues get cleaned up for the rest of the season, clean those up and Iowa definitely has the talent to win the rest of their games.
All hail Brak!
I want to play (and hopefully beat) someone good in a bowl...
so a CapOne against Bama? Or a Gator Bowl against Arkansas?
If we pull off a miracle and finish first or second in the Big Ten, perhaps we could play someone quite good in an Orange/Sugar/Fiesta Bowl. I could handle playing Boise or TCU there. A Fiesta Bowl (or, if all really goes badly, an Insight appearance) might actually be my best chance to attend in person.
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 Oct 24, 2010 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think we would beat Boise this year.
If Norm makes it back in time, maybe. Their offense is very hard to prepare for AND they are going to come up with a new bag of tricks just for the bowl game. We’d end up in a shoot out and our special teams would blow it.
If I had to guess, I see Boise in the Rose Bowl vs the Big Ten champ. And even if we run the table, odds are we won’t get the call since Sparty and Wisco would both have to lose one more.
As for the “other” Big 10 BCS game, think Ohio State. They’ll sell their tickets and draw more eyeballs.
It’s Cap One at best from here folks.
"If you need a rah-rah speech at halftime, you’re playing the wrong sport." - Pat Angerer
If we run the table, we only need Wisco to lose.
We’d have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Spartans.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Iowa was outcoached on Saturday
We are all quick to boast up the quality of our coaches when they win but on this day BB out-coached KF. I get sick when I think that this team could be undefeated and ranked 2 or 3 in the nation but for some god awful special teams play.
"Have you ever had the Hot Pocket Hot Pocket? It’s Hot Pocket inside a Hot Pocket. Tastes just like a Hot Pocket."
"Other" vote for Sash
Sash played his ass off yesterday, 13 tackles I believe, that is Bob Sanders like. Unfortunately, 13 tackles from the safety position come because our LBs are deficient.
The one thing I am holding on for now
is passing by Wisconsin in the BCS rankings. If we win out and they win out against a soft schedule, I think it is posslble we could catch them. If they lose to Michigan and we win out, we’re passing them. And that would be sweet.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
We'd definitely pass them
if Wisky loses one more and we win out, as we’d be tied, with MSU, for the Big Ten title and, by virtue of head-to-head, would get the Rose Bowl bid. So, here’s hoping for that scenario
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
My two cents...which somehow is worth less than two cents.
If this has already been mentioned/discussed, then I apologize for missing it.
I have been thinking about all of the same things concerning yesterday’s game, and I agree with Ross on pretty much all accounts. The one thing that keeps bothering me, however, is the defense (and I know that has been mentioned ad nauseum, especially concerning the LBs). However, the one thing that I think needs to be considered is our defensive predicatability. Yes, not having Norm hurts, but even with him, I am pretty sure every coach knows exactly how we are playing defense right now. No tricks, nothing new. We rush four, and hope that our LBs and DBs can cover. Offensive coordinators have been watching what we run for quite a while, and they are now designing gameplans to beat it. And they are. While it is neat to say “hey, we rush four and beat you with our extreme athleticism and discipline”, the reality is that the Hawkeyes are officially predictable. As a defense, that is the death knell. Blitz some, change up the coverages, surprise the other coaching staff, or find a way to earn your paycheck strategically.
I am far from astute, but this is what I am currently thinking…and it frustrates me (there is just too much talent on this team to be in this situation).
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missourah." - Abe Simpson
That's been the situation for some time now
I highly doubt that’s the biggest problem. I do think if Norm were there, he would be making some better adjustments than what have taken place. I guess my point is that after 12 years of running damn near the same thing, I doubt that coaches are just now catching up to it.
I don't mean to sound too self-righteous...
but I am almost more worried for Norm’s personal health than I am about the Hawkeyes at this point. Was Norm at the Wisky game? I almost hope he takes an extra couple weeks or month and gets as well as he can before he tries to re-join the team.
And I’m assuming when he is back, he will most likely be in the press-box.
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 Oct 24, 2010 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
By all reports
he wasn’t there and is still at Mercy Hospital in CR recovering. Hopes were to have him back in the football complex working this week, but not at the MSU game. First game he would be “back”, if it happens at all, would probably be the OSU game as I don’t imagine him going on road trips this season.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
Thanks Ross
So, the wife and I were at the game, our once yearly. Here’s my irrelevant thoughts:
1) Last drive – on 3rd down, ball snapped over Tolzien’s shoulder, had him dead to rights for about 12 yard loss and he flips it to make it 4th and 5. Killer, never should have happened. Don’t know what Bielema would have done on 4th and 25, but I like our chances there a lot better.
2) We were on the west side, 60+ rows up, and everyone, I mean everyone, around us was yelling they were going to fake the punt as soon as they lined up. Beyond frustrating.
Football is a funny game. I don’t think this was karma or anything else, but a lot went right for Wisconsin to win. Sometimes shit just happens. The defense misses Angerer and Edds. I’m not denigrating the current guys, but the defensive philosophy is predicated on the LBs making plays they are, at present, physically unable to make because I think our younger guys are still undersized. On the flip side, the O line has performed better than we had any right to expect coming into this year.
Unfortunately, the truth is 70,000 Iowa fans stood quietly for 15 minutes after the game ended and watched a good number of Badgers fans sing and dance in Kinnick. Clayborn and company need to figure something out pretty quickly – how to stop a running based attack and get pressure on a qb. They surely didn’t on Saturday.
Good point.
1) Last drive – on 3rd down, ball snapped over Tolzien’s shoulder, had him dead to rights for about 12 yard loss and he flips it to make it 4th and 5. Killer, never should have happened. Don’t know what Bielema would have done on 4th and 25, but I like our chances there a lot better.
Nice call. This was an underrated backbreaker of a play. It looked like we were finally going to get a big negative play on that drive and then they wound up getting positive yardage out of it. Brutal.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Tolzien was crafty all day
A lot of his throws looked like disasters, yet he managed to put them right where they needed to be.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
Give credit where it is due...
Our O-Line has exceeded all expectations. From looking at the individual stat line, JJ Watt had a pretty a pretty ho-hum game. (2 tcks for a loss where pretty huge, but not disruptive). Other Wisky d-line numbers were kept pretty low. Of coures, when watching replays of the game, you notice how much time Stanzi had in the pocket. Wish he could have hooked up w/ DJK or McN on those sideline routes.
Kinda hard to be pissed off about this one. The mistakes aren’t as glaring as the ‘Zona game, as they didn’t really manifest until the final score, but must be corrected.
by hawkeye_heartattack on Oct 25, 2010 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
I voted for the O-line
It’s a drum that has been beaten but when you run the same 3 plays on the opening drive every game its bound to get stuffed. !0 guys in the box and we’ve got a run called, fuck it do it anyway and it has not worked at all. Im tired of seeing A-Rob smashing into the back of his line when we run the ball to the short side of the field with 9 or 10 in the box. Also the defense was a fail yesterday and the LB’s are the main culprit. Watching the 10 yard out on what seemed like every third down was infuriating. KF only opens up the playbook when behind. Getting 3 after the pick was worht nothing when the D can’t buy a stop. This is a better team than last year but they aren’t gonna win against good teams with the current offensive philosophy paired with bend and break defense
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
If we are pointing fingers for blame...
I blame Wisconsin, for being a very good team that played like last years Hawks team..Damn them to Hell…just a note..I’d hate to be Sparty right now, they WILL get their collective asses handed to them Saturday, just sayin
"He was the one that didn't give us a touchdown, ... He didn't officiate for us again." ...Hayden Fry
by chuck longs mom on Oct 25, 2010 12:52 PM CDT reply actions
You are correct
I would bet the farm if I could get anyone to bet with me.
There can be no second-guessers unless there is first-guesser.
by terpyturtles on Oct 26, 2010 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions
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