Are we sure James Vandenberg is a good QB?
by Notclevr on Aug 30, 2011 10:42 AM CDT
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PrintLike most Iowa fans, I expect a lot from James Vandenberg this season. I'm worried about the defensive line and a lack of depth in both the offensive and defensive backfield, but the more pre-season content I've digested the more I've come to accept what seems to be the conventional wisdom that Vandenberg is a quality starter and maybe even a potential All-Big Ten contender. He may not have the size and strength of Ricky Stanzi, but he does a lot of things well and may even be an upgrade in some phases of the passing game.
But where does this view come from? When we think about Vandenberg, we all think back to the moral victory that was #10 Iowa 24 - #11 Ohio State 27 (OT). It was November of Vandenberg's redshirt freshman year, and the stakes could not be higher on the road against the perennial class of the conference. I know I recall being surprised that the plucky redshirt freshman who looked so bad against Northwestern kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win had we gotten just a few more breaks. If you recall the game the same way, take a guess at Vanenberg's line right now.
Made your guess? If you're like me, it was probably a better line than 20/33 (60%) for 233 (7 YPA) with 2 TDs and 3 INTs, including the game-losing INT in OT.
Fine though--it's still a decent line, especially considering the circumstances, and those INTs were not all his fault. What if we include his other appearances, including the 9/27 for 82 yards and an INT debacle when forced into action against Northwestern, but also including his spot duty in blowouts as a sophomore against the Eastern Illinois and Ball States of the world? His career stat line to date:
47/95 (49%) for 525 yards (5.5 yards per attempt) with 3 TDs and 5 INTs.
That's a 95.8 college passer rating, and 54.9 using the NFL formula. For context, Jimmy Clausen had the NFL's worst rating last season at 58.4.
The good news? His career numbers still make up a very small sample, and a quarter of the passes included came in a Northwestern game where he was not part of the game plan and did not expect to play. But while Vandenberg's career stats represent a small sample, his performance against Ohio State represents an even smaller sample, especially when we only remember his successes and excuse his failures during that game.
I think the truth is that we all look at Vandenberg through rose-colored glasses because he is a native Iowan and because he comes across so well in interviews and on the public speaking circuit. He is a genuine student-athlete and by all accounts a good person. But that doesn't mean he's not a huge downgrade from last year at the most important position on the field.
Ricky Stanzi had a 141.6 career college efficiency rating (92.1 NFL equivalent) and had the physical tools to get drafted by the NFL. Stanzi also produced early, putting up a 134.8 college rating (87.4 NFL) his redshirt sophomore season and earning the job from Jake Christensen on the field. His failures were often spectacular and he was at times frustrating, but if we want to be fair to James Vandenberg we should expect even greater shortcomings this season.
If I am wrong--and I hope I am--and Vandenberg does beat out Denard Robinson, Dan Persa, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Nathan Scheelahaasahshshasee and Taylor Martinez for All-Big Ten, then so much the better. But better to set expectations low and be pleasantly surprised than to set ourselves up for disappointment.
Next in my Debbie Downer preview series*: Why 219 Yards on 33 Carries Against Missouri Doesn't Mean As Much As You Would Think
*not really
Unless otherwise expressly indicated by BHGP editors, this FanPost is strictly the viewpoint of the author and is not endorsed by BHGP in any way.
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I have no idea how the Mandenburg will perform. But, this is a Ferentz and KOK coached Iowa team – tell me if Coker is going to stay relatively healthy without getting run into the ground when Iowa’s up by 30 on Michigan State and I’ll have a better feel for what to expect from him. If Iowa is beastly running the ball, Mandenburg will be great. If the running game is a horrorshow, look the fuck out.
Excellent point
A lot depends on the OL, not just for pass protection but for consistently establishing a running game. If it turns out that the DL has looked awful in practice because the OL got dominant, then look out world. But if it turns out the DL is just terrible and the OL has gotten rusty pushing them around in practice, then we’re in trouble. Still, I’ll always bet on a Ferentz-coached line to come through.
And it really goes without saying at this point in the AIRBHG Era, but Coker’s health really is the most nervewracking variable going into the season.
This
I think the truth is that we all look at Vandenberg through rose-colored glasses because he is a native Iowan and because he comes across so well in interviews and on the public speaking circuit
The Vandenberg situation has been in the back of my mind all off season. It seems that he has been crowned as Ricky’s equal without ever really having to prove it. Like you said, the sample size is too small to make a decision but EVERYONE wants him to be the next guy. Well written article.
He sired a baseball team... An orchestra, if you count the bastards!
by SaturdayMorningKegStanzis on Aug 30, 2011 11:13 AM CDT reply actions
Thanks
That really is the crux of it, and for me it’s been the same thing—“in the back of my mind all off-season” while reading season previews. I made it a post because it was turning into too long a comment and because I wanted more feedback, but it really does boil down to a reminder that Stanzi was really good and Vandenberg is still a big unknown.
Well yeah, but this is Iowa.
The expectations will ALWAYS be too high.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Aug 30, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Eric Guthrie's health and consistency may be the most important factor to this team/season
This is still a KOK/Kirk Ferentz team, right?
You got no fear of the underdog; That's why you will not survive!
by YouCanPutYourEddsInIt on Aug 30, 2011 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
punting is winning
He sired a baseball team... An orchestra, if you count the bastards!
by SaturdayMorningKegStanzis on Aug 30, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There are many factors to consider when selecting a 6' 6" 250 pound punter.
You got no fear of the underdog; That's why you will not survive!
by YouCanPutYourEddsInIt on Aug 31, 2011 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think Vandenberg is stronger than Ricky
If we’re talking arm strength. I don’t even think it’s actually close. If we’re talking intestinal fortitude, then it’s unknown.
That being said, I’m not sure I want Vandenberg throwing bombs into a 15+mph wind a ala Stanzi vs. IU ’09 or jNW ’10.
What makes you think JV is stronger?
Stanzi has NFL arm strength—weak NFL arm strength, but that is the main criterion that keep great college QBs out of the pros. He was often late on deep outs with disastrous consequences, but a lot of college QBs never even attempt a deep out because they don’t have the arm for it.
Have you seen the two of them throwing together in practice or something? Ricky is an inch taller and twenty pounds heavier (6’4", 230 versus 6’3", 212 listed), so I’m surprised if JV has a stronger arm.
Getting to watch JVB live once
it seemed that he did have the stronger arm. He really threw some darts but Stanzi has apparently impressed at the next level and I have seen more than one analyst talk about his arm strength as a positive.
He sired a baseball team... An orchestra, if you count the bastards!
by SaturdayMorningKegStanzis on Aug 30, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
That is good to hear
It will be interesting to see if they let JV go deep and throw sideline outs against Tenn Tech. If he can throw the deep ball (and judging by his high school highlights, he likes to) then I think McNutt and Keenan could give us a really fun vertical game.
Keenan, by the way, is one of the few players who seems “underrated” by fans to me. I think he is ready to make the leap.
by Notclevr on Aug 30, 2011 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, KDavis may not have wowed right away.
But people seem to forget that he sat behind record-setter DJK and (most likely) future record setter McNutt, and two depth charts full of upper classmen.
And he still played in a large number of games as a frosh and soph which is a bit unusual at Iowa (unless need dictates). And there just aren’t a lot of throws for the third string receiver in Iowa’s system.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Aug 30, 2011 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
I’ve been pretty pissed how Davis’ career has been mismanaged to date
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
FIRE ALL THE COACHES!
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 1, 2011 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I remember hearing about it in 2009
That the passes reached receivers more quickly and with more velocity in 2009 when JVB took over. I believe either DJK or McNutt mentioned it as an adjustment.
Also, why do you assume Stanzi is stronger? Because he’s taller and has 18 pounds more muscle? Neither of those variables presents a direct correlation to the strength of the muscles required to throw a football.
Body size is irrelevant
Vick is 6’, 215 and has one of the strongest arms the NFL has ever seen. JVB has the stronger arm. Believe it.
"There are few things graven in stone, except that you have to squat or you're a pussy." -Mark Rippetoe
Vick is 6'
Like most guys who say they’re “six feet” are—meaning he’s 5’11" at best. And he does have a cannon, so that does make me feel a lot better about Vandenberg.
Honestly, finally catching the BTN preview hour and the Kirk Ferentz show make me a feel a lot better too. That was pretty high praise from the coaching staff.
In the mutliverse
Trey Stross catches the ball and this article is never written.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
by Nature Boy on Aug 30, 2011 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
A good point
It’s an example of our making excuses for JV, but it’s also by far the most relevant example for why we remember his game at Ohio State as better than his stat line showed.
But still, he was miserable against jNW and it’s not like there was a QB controversy when Stanzi was throwing Pick Sixes. When the best argument for optimism cites the multiverse, it’s not a good sign.
Fixed for ya
But still, he was miserable against jNW and it’s not like there was a QB controversy when Stanzi was throwing Pick Sixeswinning games.
1) Ferentz doesn’t like QB controversy. He will stick with a QB to the death (see JC6 vs Stanzi)
2) Stanzi was a vocal and emotional leader of the team
3) Stanzi was the second winningest QB in Iowa history (I think). I never heard anybody calling for the Mandenburg to seriously replace him.
"He lowballed us and said: 'Take it or leave it. If you don't take our offer, you are rolling the dice.' I said: 'Consider them rolled.' " - Jim "Huge Brass Balls" Delaney
by ClaybornSmash on Aug 30, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh there were a couple of people
saying that the Mandenberg should still be the QB after Stanzi got back from injury. They were an incredibly small minority, but were pretty vocal after the OSU game. You just don’t remember them because they pretty much disappeared after the Minnesota game.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
McCan't
Point #1 above is a metaphysical certitude. See Banks sitting behind McCann.
by Billy Happel's Soft But Manly Hands on Sep 9, 2011 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions
C'mon
holding the jNW/ Minny games against him isn’t entirely fair either. I agree with you to the fact that this is all unknown, but the coaches obviously have faith in him. Not trying to make excuses but a RS Fr isn’t gonna push a Stanzi type into a competition at Iowa. Also, throwing him at jNW when the gameplan went super conservative isn’t a good barometer and either is the Minny game when it was known we would let the kicking game and defense win it for us.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
the coaches have faith in seniority and experience.
but can we afford to write the year off as a rebuilding year and put up with stagnant qb when we have the gatorade player of the world or whatever sitting on the bench and another big recruit not playing where we need him because we also promised him a shot?
I think this is far less than settled.
by sailorjerry on Aug 30, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
If Vande flames out
I would support an open competition. But consolidating his stat line from his RS Fr year and judging him against it with no context is foolish. The one game that Kirk and KOK knew they had to play like Stanzi was still in was OSU. In my book, he performed admirably. I can see the point that he is untested, but I’ve got my money on him.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
I've got my money on him too
I’m just worried that my bookie’s kids could have a very good Christmas.
by Notclevr on Aug 30, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have to tell myself we will be fine with Vandy
Cause AIRBHG, the d-line, LB depth scare the crap out of me.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
I agree that his RSFR year stat line shouldn't be held against him
And I won’t. But it will be interesting to see what happens IF Vandenberg does struggle this season. My one big qualm with the coaching staff is that, too often, they blindly stick with seniority, without giving someone else a shot when things don’t get it done. But that is a discussion for if/when it happens, not now.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
If memory serves, the game plan went surprisingly UN-conservative after Wootenpocalypse...
I seem to remember KOK disregarding the running game and forcing the game into Vandy’s hands instead of mitigating the risk. Also, I remember someone else commenting on Iowa players being ready when they know they’re gonna play, but suffering when they’re forced into the game. I think Vandy’s ready to perform and given a decent line, good ground game, and solid receivers, I think he will.
"...take it to Hamsterdam."
Thing is
if you’re going to use the OSU game to justify him being good, you can’t selectively say the jNW and Minny games don’t count. Or at the very least the Minnesota game. The biggest problem I saw from him was his complete inability to see a corner blitz coming, as one corner had 2 or 3 sacks that game.
That said, it was 2 years ago. I’m sure he’s learned and I’m honestly not too worried about him at the moment.
"There are few things graven in stone, except that you have to squat or you're a pussy." -Mark Rippetoe
I have been afraid of the JC6 situation all year
especially when we have, by all accounts and even greater hype, two amazing young candidates for the job. Sure, we are all comfortable with Vandenburg handing it off to Coker for two and a half quarters for the cupcake games, but I wonder how short of a leash he really has, especially if the younger guys come out looking awesome as well.
Derby & Ruddock
It sounds like Derby has won the #2 spot, but hasn’t necessarily set the world on fire given that position change rumors are still rampant. I heard Ruddock was very impressive, and he certainly has the pedigree and looked great on the recruiting sites. I assume he redshirts and competes with Derby for QB2 next season, but it sounds like he might have a bit of Drew Tate precociousness to him.
?
So now rumors trump the words out of Ferentz’s mouth? I know it’s probably because Ferentz hates the media and he likes to keep things from us, but when he says Derby is the “next guy in the game” I tend to think that means he’s not going to switching positions any time soon.
Maybe it’s because I haven’t been on here as much as in the past, but what makes you think Ruddock has “Drew Tate precociousness”?
Speculation? Misinformation? HawkeyeNation?
A Hawk Fan craves not these things.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Aug 30, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
Admittedly I don’t know him well enough to even spell his name right, but I think it was the comparison in this post:
…that got me thinking that way. There may have also been a mention in one of the Iowa podcasts. But looking at it now, the comparison in that post is pure qualified speculation. The only part that isn’t is that he’s a highly-pedigreed, well-coached player out of high school. What he did in Florida justifies that.
But I plead no contest to speculation charges. Bring on the real football!
by Notclevr on Aug 30, 2011 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not speculation
I have no questions about JVB. I have questions about our unconditional yet unwarranted support of him. That and the two all americans on the bench. It’s ok to ask questions, I promise. Even if Coach doesn’t like it.
The two all americans?
As in US Army HS All Americans? Wasn’t the last Iowa QB who was one of those umm, a huge fucking bust?
My unconditional support of him is because he’s Iowa’s starting quarterback and until he JC6’s up in this bitch I will support him. Do I expect him to be Stanzi? No, maybe he’ll be better, maybe he’ll be worse. I don’t really know. Am I going to start evaluating and entertaining reasons why Derby or Ruddock or Wienke might give us a better chance to win BEFORE WE’VE PLAYED A SINGLE DOWN OF FOOTBALL? Hell no.
relax francis
and get with the concept that we aren’t questioning JVB. we are questioning the group-think mentality that says “he’s the best thing thing, he’s the only thing, just like coker and it will all be fine now pass the kool-aid”
it’s the internet in america, we’re allowed to wonder
I understand your issue is with the group think
So why do you feel the need to throw in statements that seem to question JVB in every post instead of just questioning the group think?
And don’t call me francis.
Vandenberg wins the Heisman this year, book it.
Parsimony methods are the easiest ones to explain - Felsenstein
No, that's unrealistic
A very very close 2nd in Heisman voting, but he will win O’Brien award. This is stil Iowa
That is as far as I am willing to let your chronic wet-blanketedness take me, but I do bow to your rationality.
Parsimony methods are the easiest ones to explain - Felsenstein
I predict that Vandy falls short of the Heisman
due primarily to the lack of an SID at Iowa but his mother is crown MILF Queen at the Iowa State fair and gets a free ride on my butter cow.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
Vandy will not be required to win any games for Iowa
he just needs to not lose any games for Iowa, everything else will take care of itself through the system and the 2011 schedule.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
by Kluginator on Aug 30, 2011 1:53 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I know what you are saying
but if Iowa ever takes this thing to the next level it will be because they have a qb that does more than just “not lose games”.
Parsimony methods are the easiest ones to explain - Felsenstein
by Lycurgus on Aug 30, 2011 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Didn't 'Bama win their last national champ. with a "game manager" at QB?
Granted, he may have more potential than “game manager”, but that’s what he was asked to do, considering their defense and Mark Ingram in the backfield.
You got no fear of the underdog; That's why you will not survive!
by YouCanPutYourEddsInIt on Aug 31, 2011 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
So he's already been slapped with the "game manager" tag has he?
[I don’t really have a problem with this, and don’t think it’s what you’re saying. I was just flippin you some shit.]
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Aug 30, 2011 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying
that he is “just” anything; I only said that Iowa’s system does not require a Michael Vick or Drew Brees. Vandy just has to play smart and not make any huge mistakes (no 98 yrd rick six passes) and the offense should do what it does – score some points and eat clock.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
Or make the tackle to prevent the pick six.
It’s a pro-style system. Hell even in the NFL, “pro-style” QBs aren’t asked to win games a la Sanchez and Cassell to name a couple.
"...take it to Hamsterdam."
I'd consider the Packers, Colts, Patriots, and Saints more of a spread offense.
Maybe the most pro-style QB asked to win games is Matt Ryan.
"...take it to Hamsterdam."
I guess the lines do get blurred in those offenses.
Is the West Coast offense a spread? I’m not sure Ryan is asked to win games. If you put them in a hole and forced him to throw and not manage an offense with a running game bad things happened (69.0 not a good passer rating)
I just remember a Falcon game where they were playing the Bears
and Ryan took them like 60 yards on 3 passes in 0:15 to win on a last second field goal.
"...take it to Hamsterdam."
Yeah
But that’s not their formula. Just like 7 got 6 isn’t what Iowa is supposed to do, but it can happen occasionally.
no, i don't accept this. you need to score points to win games
and the way we let spread offenses shred the field our offensive balance and production has to be a concern. we can’t sit back and count on our secondary to score game winning touchdowns. we can’t be so one dimensional, i think that’s the worry here.
by sailorjerry on Aug 30, 2011 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Vandy will be fine.
KF clearly thinks very highly of him. He’ll make a few bad decisions as new QBs tend to do, but I expect him to be accurate with a good amount of zip on the ball. Not worried at all about him as the starting QB, and don’t think I should be.
just wait until he breaks all the receivers' fingers
and they all strauss the ball all over the place. then you’ll see some real hand wringing
Next year he'll may be better than Stanzi was this past year
But in the meantime, I fear he is going to have to learn not to throw interceptions. I also fear he’s going to be a little too McNut centric. And I don’t blame him for that but teams are going to be ready for that.
I also fear KF is going to tell KOK to run the shit out of Coker and by Big Ten season he’s going to have a million wounds. I’m just not sold on our offense is what I am saying. Too few RBs, not a proven QB or second WR and a total wild card at FB. It might all work out, or it might be a total piece of shit.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
this. this is exactly what i'm saying.
what happens if/when the starting offensive game plan doesn’t work, because it’s not exactly rocket science and everyone will be ready for it. then take that and combine it with a backfield injury (AIRBHG be praised) as one or both of the bench guys coming out and rock everyone’s faces off in late game duties. so, you know, by the northwestern game.
it’s not that i or anyone else think JVB is bad, it’s just this certainty of trying to write him off as a known quantity when he is decidedly not that worries me. alot-alot-alot-alot-alot. our unproven offense and its likely imbalance scares the shit out of me.
Then we'll throw to The Polish Hat and Herman.
With an end around from Canzeri.
Why is it that other schools deal with a new QB all the time without freaking out, but Iowa fans just can’t be cool and wait to see? Seriously, he’s not a “known quantity” but it’s not like he’s never played a snap. I don’t remember people freaking out when unknown quantity JC6 was going to be the starter. Was it because he had stars next to his ranking in high school? Do we, as Hawk fans, need a 4/5 star guy to not have a spaz in the runup to the season (and I don’t mean you specifically, but just the general consensus)?
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 1, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Eyeheart, I think it's a safe assumption that other schools freak out.
Replacing a record setting, NFL drafted QB is certainly good reason to get our freak on and the preseason is specifically made for …
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
by Kluginator on Sep 1, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did you just call me a bitch?
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 2, 2011 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe people freak out
because the memory of JC6 is stlil fresh in their mind?
by Luke Recker No-Look Pass on Sep 2, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions
One point of minor disagreement
I actually think Vandenberg will be a little more Davis-centric than McNutt. Hopefully, it will pay off. I don’t have any objective reason for believing this, just that Vandy and Davis have worked together on the 2nd team for the past two years and are much more familiar with one another than Vandenberg is with McNutt.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
Re: Vandy-Davis -- true, but...
he also threw two gorgeous TDs to McNutt when he got to start the OSU game.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I think he'll be more Davis-centric as a result of everyone thinking about McNutt.
That’s why I switched my avatar. I think Davis is going to have a breakout game this weekend.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 1, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I was wondering why you switched.
Aside from worrying about bad vibes, that is
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Sep 1, 2011 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey! How goes?
Yeah, as much as I fear the bodily harm that’s been promised me if I changed it, I started to realize that people could totally misread my intent (it was just a remnant of one of those crazy internet meme moments, and I thought it was an excellent reminder that everyone ended up with egg on their faces due to the viral nature of the moment).
I don’t want people thinking that I make fun of people who are differently abled, because that has never been the case. Plus it was time for a change (she was the only avatar I ever had).
I decided that this football season I would select a player each week that I thought would be key in the next Hawkeye game. Game one I went with Keenan Davis because I think he’s going to be huge this year (and against TennTech).
Hey, did you catch the Marcus Coker’s Day Off post? Glad you’re still around.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 1, 2011 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
The Marcus Coker's Day Off post was blindingly glorious, saw it a day or two late.
I’m still around, just less frequently. I dipped my commenting toe back in on SMA’s DJK piece and quickly remembered why I stopped commenting so much, so still just very occasional comments and mostly rec’s from me.
Please keep on keepin’ on for everybody else, though. You’re all beautiful authors and commenters that make this site so great. Don’t let my inability to play calmly affect your wanting to post.
/sorry for too many words about myself
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Sep 1, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
It might all work out, or it might be a total piece of shit.
This is the key point. Not “if/when” it goes awry. But it could work, it could fail. We’ll have to wait and see. Maybe it’s more 2008 than 2010. Maybe it’s 2005 all over again. Maybe it’s something totally different. I just think that the doomsday scenario SJ keeps making to counter the perceived unbridled optimism is kind of overplayed angst.
I'm pumped for crowd shots of Vandy's mom
I hope she is ready for the season
by vahawk on Aug 30, 2011 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 9 recs
There are many factors in choosing something we can all agree on.
by EnergizerHawk on Aug 31, 2011 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I spent half my life's earnings on wine, women & song. The other half I wasted.
by therealCatnuts on Sep 2, 2011 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I think VDB's success will correlate to how much of the offense they allow him to run.
As in, he was cut loose in the OSU game, and almost, could have, won it.
I also don’t think we’re going to know the answer to my question after this Saturday, which, if I understand these coaches, will be all about choosing a left guard and seeing if the right guard (Gettis) is finally ready to play well in games. It could be a colossally dull game if TTech can’t get anything going on offense.
I think VDB could be better than Stanzi and wouldn’t be surprised if he is. He has the arm and the head and the experience to compete very well. DiNardo is an honest critic, and he said that he thought VDB might be the best pure passer in the Big Ten, and that is a very, very big compliment. I shudder, however, when I consider the propensity of this staff to micromanage the offense. That micromanagement and don’t-screw-up ethic explains the weird statistical results from VDB first three games. If VDB very quickly earns the trust of the staff and they take the cuffs off him, I predict a really good year for him — especially if Davis and CJ make their moves this year.
We play tackle football.
This echoes my sentiment exactly
if allowed to play ball (cut loose) Vandy will be good. And with what the coaching staff has gone through with Vandy in the OSU game coupled with how Stanzi evolved the last two years I think the time is right for good QB play in our offense. I believe the offense has plenty of weapons and that the young backs will find some carries to spell Coker enough (all praise AIRBHG) to keep him relatively fresh.
"I don't believe in quotes" - Karl Klug
Alls good, after practice yesterday......
…..they sacrificed a virgin to AIRBHG.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
Ok, I zoomed in reaaalllly far
And I still can’t quite tell. I’m assuming the one they sacrificed is the blonde next to Bloodpunch Lennox. Is that an InconsolaVirgin? I can’t quite tell.
I don't see them cutting him loose...
even if he is totally air tight on every pass. Because,
a) KF is an O-line coach and his heart is on the ground, not in the air.
b) we might have a serous talent at RB
c) we have depth and experience on the O-line.
d) we don’t play anyone that is likely to overwhelm us for some time, if at all, this season with their talent (which seemed to be the conditions that led to them allowing VDB to cut it loose against OSU two years ago)
KF believes in balance to a fault.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
by StoopsMyAss on Aug 31, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
This...
KF believes in balance to a fault.
This is the one thing that has consistently hurt Iowa. He doesn’t believe in “scratching an itch” quite like Fry did. But they have both won plenty of games, so it feels a little nit-picky to complain about the it.
"...take it to Hamsterdam."
It hurts sometimes and helps sometimes.
That’s just the way it is.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 1, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sure I believe
we have serious talent at RB.
No, that’s not true, I think we have 1 guy who has the potential to be really, really good. But no depth, and that worries me a lot.
"'Contrariwise,' continued Tweedledee, 'If it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic." - Lewis Caroll, Alice Through the Looking Glass
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 31, 2011 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
hence
“a” talent. Agreed on the depth issue. In fact, I wouldn’t run Coker more than 18 times or so the first three games. I fear for the kid’s health because everyone and their dog expects him to carry the load and the will be a comin’ for him.
If you ask every D-coordinator who is going to have to prep for Iowa what they want to focus on first and foremost, James VDB’s name might not come up more than one or two times. The discussion will be all about Coker, run game, and O-line.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
by StoopsMyAss on Aug 31, 2011 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Ingrained in Kirks focus on balance
is the need for clock and tempo control. One way to keep your defense fresh and effective is to keep them off the field. Look at Michigan’s defense under DickRod, while they suffered from a drop in talent (relative to the usual crop of UM 4* recruits) they were on the field so much and with little rest between defensive possessions that they could not last four quarters. There is value in a balanced offense that eats clock as well as yards.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
One can eat clock by throwing
we’re not advocating a hurry up offense. I think the frustration with Kirk’s insistence at formula is that he is sometimes ignoring the results staring him in the face, on the field, during a game.
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
This
sometimes it’s not a bad plan to pass to set up the run game. If the defense is cheating up to stop the run, that’s not a challenge to prove you can do it anyway.
"'Contrariwise,' continued Tweedledee, 'If it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic." - Lewis Caroll, Alice Through the Looking Glass
by chitownhawkeye on Sep 1, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
"If the defense is cheating up to stop the run, that’s not a challenge to prove you can do it anyway."
/KF’s head asplode
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 1, 2011 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
When you throw the ball three things can happen
and two of them are bad.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
I wouldn’t run Coker more than 18 times or so the first three games.
I agree wholeheartedly with this, and in fact I wouldn’t play him more than about 3 series if need be versus TT. Unfortunately, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that we will see a lot of him until about halfway through the 3rd quarter tomorrow, and probably quite a bit the next few weeks as well.
"There are few things graven in stone, except that you have to squat or you're a pussy." -Mark Rippetoe
Look, you can use those stats all you want
But the reason for optimism is because most of them were TWO YEARS AGO. Don’t you at least expect someone in the system this long to improve over that time span? I certainly do and by all accounts he has and is ready for the spotlight.
They say you're a pitcher, you're sure not much of a dresser. We wear caps and sleeves on this level, son.
If you trust Howard Griffith knows what he is talking about
Vandy is the best pro style, pure passer in the conference right now.
I swear the "robbed a place" was actually not ment as a smart ass remark. I just forgot that he actually robbed a place for a second. ~ justsomehawkeyefan
Extremely valid point
But Stanzi did produce at a high level as a RS SO. I do expect JV to be better than the limited stats he has put up to date, but I will be very pleasantly surprised if he is as good as Stanzi, and it seems like a fair number of people assume something close to that.
Nothing wrong with optimism though. I’m anxious to see what we’ve got with the kid.
I think he will eventually be as good or better than stanzi
Just not right away like many are wishing. But he will be at the bare minimum serviceable to start off.
They say you're a pitcher, you're sure not much of a dresser. We wear caps and sleeves on this level, son.
I also reply fail.
They say you're a pitcher, you're sure not much of a dresser. We wear caps and sleeves on this level, son.
Vandenberg is going to put on such an aerial display that Bo Pelini will think Iowa hired Curt LeMay as our offensive coordinator.
“Jimmy my boy, I call this play the Tokyo BBQ”.
Parsimony methods are the easiest ones to explain - Felsenstein
Re: Tokyo BBQ
I’m listening.
Sorry if I took a simple quip that was meant as a rebuke for a single-minded poster and turned it into a completely uninteresting and inconsequential tangent.
-McCann't
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 2, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
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