can we all agree now...

[Kurt Warner]

That we finally have the right qb starting? Cj had a very nice game and clearly is and was the better of the two. There is concern however with the receivers not creating enough space for cj to hit them on several occasions. I thought cj did an excellent job of not forcing anything and taking what the defense gave him. Looking forward to seeing how good he really can be now that he has the reigns.

 

[frydaze]

That we finally have the right qb starting? Cj had a very nice game and clearly is and was the better of the two. There is concern however with the receivers not creating enough space for cj to hit them on several occasions. I thought cj did an excellent job of not forcing anything and taking what the defense gave him. Looking forward to seeing how good he really can be now that he has the reigns.

The reality is what other choice do we have? Weigers?

Ruddock is gone now--regardless of why, regardless of whether he is better or worse than Beathard.

Ruddock started the last two years over Beathard because it was felt he gave Iowa the best chance to win. Now Beathard is the guy. It's on him.

Beathard played very well yesterday overall. Beathard now has 2 starts in his college career and the best team he's ever started against was Pitt last year. I was not going to anoint CJ the next star no matter what from yesterday, yet I was also not going to say he was the wrong guy if he didn't do great yesterday.

QBs are judged by how their team does. If Iowa wins 9 this year, he'll have been great. If Iowa wins 6, most won't think he was.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

That we finally have the right qb starting? Cj had a very nice game and clearly is and was the better of the two. There is concern however with the receivers not creating enough space for cj to hit them on several occasions. I thought cj did an excellent job of not forcing anything and taking what the defense gave him. Looking forward to seeing how good he really can be now that he has the reigns.

Yes, many people have nasty crow to eat.

 

[ChrisVarick]

I like CJ and wanted to see him play over JR last year. He has a better arm and is more mobile. At the same time let's not act like yesterday was clear evidence that he is a far superior QB. CJ didn't do anything out of the ordinary that Jake didn't do against lower competition. Next week and against Pitt we will get a better idea of where he is at in terms of development.

 

[Sett1997]

I like CJ and wanted to see him play over JR last year. He has a better arm and is more mobile. At the same time let's not act like yesterday was clear evidence that he is a far superior QB. CJ didn't do anything out of the ordinary that Jake didn't do against lower competition. Next week and against Pitt we will get a better idea of where he is at in terms of development.

Agreed. He had all day to throw on several occasions and still missed targets. If the argument is no one was open then he should have waited even longer. Several incompletions were thrown with absolutely no one pressuring him.

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

A 200 yard performance against a lower division opponent, with no real great throws by any means, is hardly evidence of some great superiority. It didn't remind me of the Chucks, more like Matt Sherman. Having said that, CJ played a good game and we certainly looked sharper than we did in the first game of Rudock's junior year. Hopefully there's even room for even more improvement and the demonstrated a little more challenging game plan.

Let me add that both Jake and now CJ are really limited by a truly poor group of wide outs.

 

[RocknRollface]

I thought we had all agreed on it a year ago.

 

[RocknRollface]

A 200 yard performance against a lower division opponent, with no real great throws by any means, is hardly evidence of some great superiority. It didn't remind me of the Chucks, more like Matt Sherman. Having said that, CJ played a good game and we certainly looked sharper than we did in the first game of Rudock's junior year. Hopefully there's even room for even more improvement and the demonstrated a little more challenging game plan.

Two words.....ARM STRENGTH.

So damn simple.

Playing the guy who can't throw the ball, no matter how smart he was, was stupidity.

 

[hawks223]

A 200 yard performance against a lower division opponent, with no real great throws by any means, is hardly evidence of some great superiority. It didn't remind me of the Chucks, more like Matt Sherman. Having said that, CJ played a good game and we certainly looked sharper than we did in the first game of Rudock's junior year. Hopefully there's even room for even more improvement and the demonstrated a little more challenging game plan.

Let me add that both Jake and now CJ are really limited by a truly poor group of wide outs.

"No real great throws by any means" LOL He actually had a couple pretty damn good ones that Rudock couldn't pull off in a walk through.

 

[A.Woolridge]

That we finally have the right qb starting? Cj had a very nice game and clearly is and was the better of the two. There is concern however with the receivers not creating enough space for cj to hit them on several occasions. I thought cj did an excellent job of not forcing anything and taking what the defense gave him. Looking forward to seeing how good he really can be now that he has the reigns.

I agree. However...would have liked to see him throw downfield some more.

I think C.J. 'was and is' the better option over Jake. Ferentz knew this, and to his credit named Beathard the starter when it was the most prudent. Thought the O-Line played really well.

 

[unoHawkeye]

A few things things:
1) JR stared down receivers making it easy to jump routes and break up passes. CJ made quick passes and (something that I think should be a given, but wasn't last year) hit receivers in the flat on screen plays. He wasn't perfectly accurate, but when he missed guys he put it where nobody could get it.
2) Receivers weren't getting open downfield. There were multiple times that CJ was looking downfield but then tucked it and ran... which leads me to
3) CJ kept plays alive and had a couple big runs that made what would have been 3rd and 10's or 3rd and 15's 3rd and 6's or 3rd and 8's. Not to mention a couple TD runs (I guess one was a sneak, but still...). The announcers also pointed out how he was keeping his eyes downfield at all times. So when he was flushed from the pocket, there were a couple times he was still able to find a receiver downfield and hit him, something we didn't see from JR.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

I like CJ and wanted to see him play over JR last year. He has a better arm and is more mobile. At the same time let's not act like yesterday was clear evidence that he is a far superior QB. CJ didn't do anything out of the ordinary that Jake didn't do against lower competition. Next week and against Pitt we will get a better idea of where he is at in terms of development.

I saw a few of things CJ did that I doubt Jake would have done.

His quick throws to the WR's had more zip on them that Jake had (not surprising -- we all know he has a stronger arm), which made a difference. They were able to get upfield before the DB was on them.

That beautiful pass to Canzeri along the sideline, into coverage, took a lot of touch. I don't think Jake has the touch to put that ball in there like that.

He seemed more decisive to me than Jake was about throwing it away when the pattern wasn't there. Jake had a tendency to hold the ball too long and take sacks. Don't think CJ took any yesterday.

I agree that this game wasn't the ideal measuring stick, and I also agree that CJ didn't do anything all that heroic, but I do think there was some evidence that he's going to work out better for the Hawks, with all due respect to Jake. I wish him well at UM -- just think it's pretty clear that Kirk made the right call to start CJ.

 

[SoonerBeAHawk]

Well, CJ's grandfather said he likes CJ's chances at the next level.

I never heard Jake's grandfather say that about Jake.

So, there is that.

 

[Pepperman]

For the record, CJ did not start at Pitt last year. He came in for the second half and lead us to a really good comeback.

His only other career start was in Kinnick against Purdue. A game that didn't go that well for CJ but the receivers dropped a lot of balls, admittedly.

 

[HawkeyeDenny]

Thanks Pepperman I was just going to give the correction on Purdue....I think we have to prepare for times when CJ looks awesome and times you are going to say WTF, but either way I will be happier than watching Rudock check down and not have any pocket presence...

 

[Section8]

I thought we had all agreed on it a year ago.

Most of us did agree on it a year ago. Only those of us that bring home four million dollars a year didn't.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Cj is not always going to be perfect but everyone has to remember the guy hasn't had all that much live action as of yet. Ruddock was giving more than ample time to prove himself and should have be replaced sooner, but hey, better late than never. Let's set back and see what cj can do with his opportunity.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Most of us did agree on it a year ago. Only those of us that bring home four million dollars a year didn't.

If I remember correctly there were a lot of people on here that didn't want cj in there, but they seem kinda quite now.

 

[5Fan5]

If I remember correctly there were a lot of people on here that didn't want cj in there, but they seem kinda quite now.

A wise person once stated that it is better to be thought a fool and remain silent than it is to speak (in this case, post) and remove any doubt...

You are not now right because CJB had a very good start to the season yesterday. There is at least one other post pointing out some of the difficulties that he encountered in his performance against Purdue. The bowl game might just be another example to consider.

CJ has said himself that he has grown in his ability to dissect the game. He has much better understanding and has worked extremely hard since January to continue to be the best QB he can possibly be for the 2015 Hawks. Nothing at all is served by rehashing last season and that alone is reason enough that others may seem "quiet" (not quite) to you.

 

[lenoxhawks]

I agree. However...would have liked to see him throw downfield some more.

I think C.J. 'was and is' the better option over Jake. Ferentz knew this, and to his credit named Beathard the starter when it was the most prudent. Thought the O-Line played really well.

Greg Davis is the only reason CJ is still in Iowa City. KF was sticking with Jake until the heat got turned up and he finally listened to his assistants. This only occurred because CJ threatened to transfer.

 

[Hawkirish]

Greg Davis is the only reason CJ is still in Iowa City. KF was sticking with Jake until the heat got turned up and he finally listened to his assistants. This only occurred because CJ threatened to transfer.

BS

 

[lenoxhawks]

BS

No it isn't. Same thing happened with Stanzi. KOK had a screaming match with Ferentz because Kirk wouldn't let KOK bench Jake.

 

[5Fan5]

Lol, 5for5 you evidently thought jake was the man. Wrong, now stfu

The laugh is entirely on you, KW. You've got nothing other than your anonymity on a message board to hide behind. Two (count em) independent Big Ten coaches have elected to start Jake Ruddock in a game.

Other than that, most everything I attributed to CJ has been well documented for anyone with even half a brain and the ability to be objective, but you seem to be lacking on both accounts.

It is old hat... time for you to move on.

 

[theIowaHawk]

A few things things:
1) JR stared down receivers making it easy to jump routes and break up passes. CJ made quick passes and (something that I think should be a given, but wasn't last year) hit receivers in the flat on screen plays. He wasn't perfectly accurate, but when he missed guys he put it where nobody could get it.
2) Receivers weren't getting open downfield. There were multiple times that CJ was looking downfield but then tucked it and ran... which leads me to
3) CJ kept plays alive and had a couple big runs that made what would have been 3rd and 10's or 3rd and 15's 3rd and 6's or 3rd and 8's. Not to mention a couple TD runs (I guess one was a sneak, but still...). The announcers also pointed out how he was keeping his eyes downfield at all times. So when he was flushed from the pocket, there were a couple times he was still able to find a receiver downfield and hit him, something we didn't see from JR.

When were these times he looked downfield then tucked it and ran?

 

[theIowaHawk]

Greg Davis is the only reason CJ is still in Iowa City. KF was sticking with Jake until the heat got turned up and he finally listened to his assistants. This only occurred because CJ threatened to transfer.

Well I see you are calling CJB and his father a liar, strange position to take.

 

[MitchL]

Greg Davis is the only reason CJ is still in Iowa City. KF was sticking with Jake until the heat got turned up and he finally listened to his assistants. This only occurred because CJ threatened to transfer.

How would you know this?

 

[Hawkirish]

No it isn't. Same thing happened with Stanzi. KOK had a screaming match with Ferentz because Kirk wouldn't let KOK bench Jake.

Bs - I will take the word of a Beathard over you. Sorry. Please share your source.

 

[jamhawk]

The reality is what other choice do we have? Weigers?

Ruddock is gone now--regardless of why, regardless of whether he is better or worse than Beathard.

Ruddock started the last two years over Beathard because it was felt he gave Iowa the best chance to win. Now Beathard is the guy. It's on him.

Beathard played very well yesterday overall. Beathard now has 2 starts in his college career and the best team he's ever started against was Pitt last year. I was not going to anoint CJ the next star no matter what from yesterday, yet I was also not going to say he was the wrong guy if he didn't do great yesterday.

QBs are judged by how their team does. If Iowa wins 9 this year, he'll have been great. If Iowa wins 6, most won't think he was.

Yes, thanks for the warning about any premature, positive speculation before the season ends. Otherwise the disappointment of not winning 9 games may be more than many could have handled.

 

[Kurt Warner]

The laugh is entirely on you, KW. You've got nothing other than your anonymity on a message board to hide behind. Two (count em) independent Big Ten coaches have elected to start Jake Ruddock in a game.

Other than that, most everything I attributed to CJ has been well documented for anyone with even half a brain and the ability to be objective, but you seem to be lacking on both accounts.

It is old hat... time for you to move on.

You said "a wise person once said" well spare me your idiotic dribble because you obviously are not a wise man. Now do us all a favor and go away please.

 

[unoHawkeye]

When were these times he looked downfield then tucked it and ran?

If you are asking me to share specific plays, sorry, I don't have the replay to go back and look. Maybe he was looking downfield but then ended up checking down. That wasn't really my point. I did see him look downfield multiple times, which is in itself a difference between he and Jake.

Kind of a silly point to quibble on

 

[Kurt Warner]

You didn't have to break out your pics of yourself playing a little one on one hop sing

 

[J_Heater]

I have always been in the camp of whoever starts that's my guy. I don't pretend to know more than the coaches, that's for a small minority on this site that missed their calling as a coach. Too much work left to do on the Internet I guess.

Regardless, I saw CJ have all day to throw and yet threw a pass away on at least 3 occasions. That is something you Internet coaches got pissed at Jake for last year. I also don't remember CJ throwing a pass deep down the field which is something you got pissed at Jake for not doing. He checked down a lot, which is something you got pissed at Jake for doing. Over 50% of his passing yards were less than 3 yard passes down the field that Canzeri and others turned into positive yardage. 3 yard passes ring a bell anyone? We had a comfortable win, got backups playing time and came out of it with no major injuries that I know of. Isn't that good enough?

To say it's obvious that CJ should have been starting last year is ridiculous. He started against Purdue, why not use that as his 1 game decides if he should have been starting. This kind of talk is irresponsible. I hope CJ has a All American type of year, but what happens if he struggles against Iowa State. Do we decide that finally CJ was not the guy last year?

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

For the record, CJ did not start at Pitt last year. He came in for the second half and lead us to a really good comeback.

His only other career start was in Kinnick against Purdue. A game that didn't go that well for CJ but the receivers dropped a lot of balls, admittedly.

It was @ Purdue

 

[Kurt Warner]

I have always been in the camp of whoever starts that's my guy. I don't pretend to know more than the coaches, that's for a small minority on this site that missed their calling as a coach. Too much work left to do on the Internet I guess.

Regardless, I saw CJ have all day to throw and yet threw a pass away on at least 3 occasions. That is something you Internet coaches got pissed at Jake for last year. I also don't remember CJ throwing a pass deep down the field which is something you got pissed at Jake for not doing. He checked down a lot, which is something you got pissed at Jake for doing. Over 50% of his passing yards were less than 3 yard passes down the field that Canzeri and others turned into positive yardage. 3 yard passes ring a bell anyone? We had a comfortable win, got backups playing time and came out of it with no major injuries that I know of. Isn't that good enough?

To say it's obvious that CJ should have been starting last year is ridiculous. He started against Purdue, why not use that as his 1 game decides if he should have been starting. This kind of talk is irresponsible. I hope CJ has a All American type of year, but what happens if he struggles against Iowa State. Do we decide that finally CJ was not the guy last year?

Get back with me at the end of the season, if you end up being right I'll admit to it, if I end up being right I'll expect the same.

 

[Eburghawk]

I hope we're not going to have these comparisons game by game all year. CJ can do things the other guy couldn't.

Neither one is going to get much help from the receiving corps so you might as well go with the guy who can make something happen either with the big arm or his running ability.

The whole thing was handled with about as much deft touch as is on display on Saturdays whether we're trying to manage the game clock, get a play-call in on time or run a two-minute-drill, and we almost lost the wrong guy because of it.

 

[theIowaHawk]

If you are asking me to share specific plays, sorry, I don't have the replay to go back and look. Maybe he was looking downfield but then ended up checking down. That wasn't really my point. I did see him look downfield multiple times, which is in itself a difference between he and Jake.

Kind of a silly point to quibble on

But it isn't silly, it goes to the heart of your point: that he extends plays.

You claimed he extended plays with his feet, certainly implying something the previous qbs didn't.

But now you seem to be admitting that didn't actually happen, and that he just checked down...something our previous qbs did often.

 

[Mojumbohawk]

The most popular qb on the the team is the 2nd stringer.

 

[lenoxhawks]

I have always been in the camp of whoever starts that's my guy. I don't pretend to know more than the coaches, that's for a small minority on this site that missed their calling as a coach. Too much work left to do on the Internet I guess.

Regardless, I saw CJ have all day to throw and yet threw a pass away on at least 3 occasions. That is something you Internet coaches got pissed at Jake for last year. I also don't remember CJ throwing a pass deep down the field which is something you got pissed at Jake for not doing. He checked down a lot, which is something you got pissed at Jake for doing. Over 50% of his passing yards were less than 3 yard passes down the field that Canzeri and others turned into positive yardage. 3 yard passes ring a bell anyone? We had a comfortable win, got backups playing time and came out of it with no major injuries that I know of. Isn't that good enough?

To say it's obvious that CJ should have been starting last year is ridiculous. He started against Purdue, why not use that as his 1 game decides if he should have been starting. This kind of talk is irresponsible. I hope CJ has a All American type of year, but what happens if he struggles against Iowa State. Do we decide that finally CJ was not the guy last year?

Unfortunately the more CJ is coached by KF the more he will do what you described. I thought CJ was more conservative than usual which is in line with KF history of turning guys into robots.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Unfortunately the more CJ is coached by KF the more he will do what you described. I thought CJ was more conservative than usual which is in line with KF history of turning guys

I noticed that too. He didn't sling it around like normal. Hopefully we aren't beginning to see another vandy situation.

 

[And1Hawk]

CJ looked pretty darn good but keep in mind that Saturday was his second start of his career at Iowa. He has not had that much PT either in his time here. There's still a learning curve. Jake had 2 years of starting experience that many are comparing him to.

He has been told to keep the mistakes down by KF so it looks like he is trying to find that line between being a gun slinger and making plays to appease KF and gain his trust.

He does not have a vertical threat on this team so far unless Scheel or the freshman Simpson or Falconer emerge. Sorry Rliey Mccarron is not going to scare anyone and Vandeburg/Hillyer are more of possession guys. T Smith seems to do his best work on slant patterns and will draw the top corner on each team. How I would love to have Powell this season or Willies!

The o-line looked better than expected against IL St but is still an unknown against power 5 opponents. We had a size advantage for once against an opponent. That will not be the case starting next week.

I am very excited about CJ and also think Wiegerts will be fine if needed due to a CJ injury. People forget Tyler was a good recruit. He was just inexperienced the first time fans saw him.