Derrick Willies is tearing it up at Texas juco

[RocknRollface]

Sure he had better physical skills, but if he wasn't there mentally, all that is wasted. The problem is that you assume you know more than the coaching staff...if you've attended all the practices, team meetings, discussions on reading D's, etc and know that CJ was absolutely ready and better overall, I apologize. The fact that it didn't show up that way on the field makes me think the coaches knew what they were doing.

I have no such information, but the way things played out I think a pretty reasonable analysis of what transpired looks like this (to avoid the inevitable...what follows is my speculation, I'm not claiming any of it as fact):

Going into last season, Rudock had the play book, reads, etc. down pat. He also had reasonable physical skills. He was a solid QB, but not a playmaker. This also fits what we're seeing from him at Michigan.
At the same time, the coaches felt CJ was the better player physically, but were not comfortable that he had it figured out mentally. I think they suspected he was a "gamer". Hence the decision to get CJ game time experience...see what he could do "under the lights" and get more info on whether or not it was time to switch.

The problem was that CJ didn't light it up and they felt, for the bulk of the season, that Rudock was the QB more likely to put them in a position to win.
By the end of the season, they decided CJ had progressed to a point where they were putting their eggs in that basket. He wasn't going to be worse than Jake, and he had much higher upside. I think they also realized that the QB controversy was not good for the team, so in January they released the 2 deeps announcing CJ as the clear #1. Controversy gone, team can rally around one QB, one QB getting #1 reps in practice, and the QB can play without looking over his shoulder.

You can believe one of two things at this point: that CJ improved and earned his starting spot and the coaches recognized and rewarded that, or that CJ was clearly better overall (not just in physical skills) and that the coaches were too stupid to recognize it or too stubborn to act on it (yeah, maybe they deliberately played a worse QB because....they wanted to win less?). KF has said on more than one occasion that CJ has grown immensely since last year.

I have a pretty good idea which one is more rational, but I'm guessing it's not the one you'd choose.

Sure he had better physical skills, but if he wasn't there mentally, all that is wasted. The problem is that you assume you know more than the coaching staff...if you've attended all the practices, team meetings, discussions on reading D's, etc and know that CJ was absolutely ready and better overall, I apologize. The fact that it didn't show up that way on the field makes me think the coaches knew what they were doing.

I have no such information, but the way things played out I think a pretty reasonable analysis of what transpired looks like this (to avoid the inevitable...what follows is my speculation, I'm not claiming any of it as fact):

Going into last season, Rudock had the play book, reads, etc. down pat. He also had reasonable physical skills. He was a solid QB, but not a playmaker. This also fits what we're seeing from him at Michigan.
At the same time, the coaches felt CJ was the better player physically, but were not comfortable that he had it figured out mentally. I think they suspected he was a "gamer". Hence the decision to get CJ game time experience...see what he could do "under the lights" and get more info on whether or not it was time to switch.

The problem was that CJ didn't light it up and they felt, for the bulk of the season, that Rudock was the QB more likely to put them in a position to win.
By the end of the season, they decided CJ had progressed to a point where they were putting their eggs in that basket. He wasn't going to be worse than Jake, and he had much higher upside. I think they also realized that the QB controversy was not good for the team, so in January they released the 2 deeps announcing CJ as the clear #1. Controversy gone, team can rally around one QB, one QB getting #1 reps in practice, and the QB can play without looking over his shoulder.

You can believe one of two things at this point: that CJ improved and earned his starting spot and the coaches recognized and rewarded that, or that CJ was clearly better overall (not just in physical skills) and that the coaches were too stupid to recognize it or too stubborn to act on it (yeah, maybe they deliberately played a worse QB because....they wanted to win less?). KF has said on more than one occasion that CJ has grown immensely since last year.

I have a pretty good idea which one is more rational, but I'm guessing it's not the one you'd choose.

False dichotomy.

I don't have to believe either of those for what I said to be true.

You don't get to define that .

 

[RocknRollface]

You really think that's a more reasonable explanation than KF was just giving fans the finger? You're an apologists. Have fun in Mediocrityville.

One of many possible reasonable expiations is that once a player has gained Kirk trust and has experience he has a hard time going with the unknown due to the inevitable learning curve. Especially at QB.

Similar to the Stanzi v Christiansen competition.

 

[oakhawk]

I'm glad he left. He hadn't proven anything. For every catch ( a few) he had twice as many drops and wrong routes run.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

KF's track record is consistent with his public persona. Conservative. What that often leads to is what we have seen, the inability to make a change due to comfort with what you know.
Jake was a known commodity. He would do what he was told. He would check down frequently. He was unlikely to take risks, which for him was probably not a bad thing as he does not possess superior speed/strength/quickness at his position.

The Hawks could certainly use Willies athletic ability at receiver. But, he has moved on and KF has moved on.

 

[5Fan5]

It's simple logic my friend.

What other teams have faced is arbitrary, it in no way has an effect on the caliber of opponent Iowa has faced.

I'm not criticizing but a 1aa and isu are not strong competition.

Pitt is decent.

Your logic may be simple but it is also flawed.

Computers supposedly have minimal bias. The algorithms take into account all games; not just the opponents of any particular team, but also the opponents of those very opponents.

Indeed, you are criticizing. "1aa (?) and isu" were, at the time, an average strength of schedule for Iowa. In fact, according to that same independent source, Illinois State and isu comprised a better duo of opposition than did the schedule faced by at least eight other Big Ten teams and at least eight big xii teams.

Pitt is a quality opponent - the second opponent from another Power 5 conference that Iowa has faced through the first three games of the 2015 season. The combination of Illinois State, isu, and Pitt resulted in Iowa having a schedule more difficult than three out of every four other major conference (Power 5) teams. You may want to label it 'arbitrary' because it does not fit your bias, but that does not make it so.

Supposedly, SOS, is and will continue to be one of the determining factors of which teams are selected for championship playoff consideration.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

False dichotomy.

I don't have to believe either of those for what I said to be true.

You don't get to define that .

OK, so what do you believe, exactly?

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

One of many possible reasonable expiations is that once a player has gained Kirk trust and has experience he has a hard time going with the unknown due to the inevitable learning curve. Especially at QB.

Similar to the Stanzi v Christiansen competition.

We know that that's what happened then? I must have missed that memo.

 

[RocknRollface]

Your logic may be simple but it is also flawed.

Computers supposedly have minimal bias. The algorithms take into account all games; not just the opponents of any particular team, but also the opponents of those very opponents.

Indeed, you are criticizing. "1aa (?) and isu" were, at the time, an average strength of schedule for Iowa. In fact, according to that same independent source, Illinois State and isu comprised a better duo of opposition than did the schedule faced by at least eight other Big Ten teams and at least eight big xii teams.

Pitt is a quality opponent - the second opponent from another Power 5 conference that Iowa has faced through the first three games of the 2015 season. The combination of Illinois State, isu, and Pitt resulted in Iowa having a schedule more difficult than three out of every four other major conference (Power 5) teams. You may want to label it 'arbitrary' because it does not fit your bias, but that does not make it so.

Supposedly, SOS, is and will continue to be one of the determining factors of which teams are selected for championship playoff consideration.

You completely failed to understand the point.

Where the opponents rank compared to other schools opponents is irrelevant.

It doesn't make them any better or worse.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

Yes It is a fact that Ferentz wanted Jake and is the reason CJ was never given a fair shot all season long. Ferentz got the ultimatum from Admin that it was win or be fired. The coaching staff met and Ferentz was forced to listen. 2 Jakes in a row that Ferentz had heated exchanges trying to keep them as the starter.

How in the world do you know the ultimatum from admin and also how do you know what went on behind closed doors??????? You claim these are facts, so how do you know these are facts? You do know the difference between facts and assumptions right? If I am also allowed to make an assumption, I am going to assume that you are full of crap with your "facts". If you continue with this garbage I will then be able to give you another fact.....that fact would be that you are not very intelligent

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

Your logic may be simple but it is also flawed.

Computers supposedly have minimal bias. The algorithms take into account all games; not just the opponents of any particular team, but also the opponents of those very opponents.

Indeed, you are criticizing. "1aa (?) and isu" were, at the time, an average strength of schedule for Iowa. In fact, according to that same independent source, Illinois State and isu comprised a better duo of opposition than did the schedule faced by at least eight other Big Ten teams and at least eight big xii teams.

Pitt is a quality opponent - the second opponent from another Power 5 conference that Iowa has faced through the first three games of the 2015 season. The combination of Illinois State, isu, and Pitt resulted in Iowa having a schedule more difficult than three out of every four other major conference (Power 5) teams. You may want to label it 'arbitrary' because it does not fit your bias, but that does not make it so.

Supposedly, SOS, is and will continue to be one of the determining factors of which teams are selected for championship playoff consideration.

Now this post is factual, as opposed to assumption.....can not argue this FACT

 

[RocknRollface]

We know that that's what happened then? I must have missed that memo.

C'mon man.

Clearly I said it was a possible scenario.

I don't know why Kirk choose to do what he did. No one does but him.

I don't have to.

I know that in the games Beathard showed that he had a different level of ability.

I'm not hear to crush Jake or Kirk, It's over, nothing productive will come of it.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

You completely failed to understand the point.

Where the opponents rank compared to other schools opponents is irrelevant.

It doesn't make them any better or worse.

So it doesn't matter than Iowa's strength of schedule is ranked in the top 25% of all the P5 conference schedules and are 3-0????? That information seems very factual and relevant, as opposed to your assumptions, bias, and opinions

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

C'mon man.

Clearly I said it was a possible scenario.

I don't know why Kirk choose to do what he did. No one does but him.

I don't have to.

I know that in the games Beathard showed that he had a different level of ability.

I'm not hear to crush Jake or Kirk, It's over, nothing productive will come of it.

THis year CJB has shown a great level of ability, how can you argue that you saw a huge difference between either QB last year? Statistically speaking Jake's #'s were much much better in comparison to CJB's, and CJB started against the worst defense in the B10 last year (Purdue) and was far from spectacular.......the point is the staff is not lieing to us when they say CJB is a different QB than he was last year

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

C'mon man.

Clearly I said it was a possible scenario.

I don't know why Kirk choose to do what he did. No one does but him.

I don't have to.

I know that in the games Beathard showed that he had a different level of ability.

I'm not hear to crush Jake or Kirk, It's over, nothing productive will come of it.

Sorry, I meant that we know what happened in the Stanzi/Christensen situation. You say one possible scenario this time is that it's like that time. We know what happened that time?

 

[RocknRollface]

Now this post is factual, as opposed to assumption.....can not argue this FACT

Good grief.

You guys are missing the simple point.

How good Iowas opponents have been does not matter in relation to how good other teams opponents have been. It's completely separate topic.

We are not comparing Iowa vs other teams using the schedule as a means to do that. we are comparing Iowa to the teams that they faced .

Iowa has faced teams that are not very good and they were favored to win, it does not matter how good or bad the opponents another program has faced, because I was never attempting to compare.

Do you really not understand?

I don't even remember the original post on this, and I really don't care. I'm not putting the team down , at this point I'm just trying to explain a very very simple concept.

 

[RocknRollface]

Sorry, I meant that we know what happened in the Stanzi/Christensen situation. You say one possible scenario this time is that it's like that time. We know what happened that time?

Again, all we know is that KF procrastinated in getting the more talented guy on the field.

Yes Stanzi was a TO machine and there was a learning curve but he was clearly better than JC.

 

[revkev73]

KF quit on the team for several years...and he is still here...a self described new man...

Players might deserve the same treatment, no?

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

I think a lot of people, myself included, were pissed at Ferentz for saying how close it was in fall camp 2014 and then completely and utterly favoring one QB over the other for no good reason.

Greg Davis flat out said they would play 2 QBs on the field and that didnt really happen.

If Kirk had let them have equal PT in the first 3 or 4 games last season Beathard would have just beat him out and started the rest of the season.

Ferentz pulled a bait and switch between public comments and his actions.

Those misleading / dishonest comments are hard for me to forgive.

Kirk mishandled that whole situation very badly and cost Iowa wins last year and cost Beathard a lot of playing time.

Not fair to Beathard or the program (the rest of the players.)

And it all could have been avoided save Kirk Ferentz being a stubborn old codger.

I hope he handles future QB battles better and learns from this situation.

Let the kids earn it on the field.

Saban was interviewed about his QB situation at the start of this year and he flat our said practice is meaningless, he would make his decision after he saw his QBs perform on the field.

Kirk could learn a few things from Saban.

 

[pocha444444]

Good grief.

You guys are missing the simple point.

How good Iowas opponents have been does not matter in relation to how good other teams opponents have been. It's completely separate topic.

We are not comparing Iowa vs other teams using the schedule as a means to do that. we are comparing Iowa to the teams that they faced .

Iowa has faced teams that are not very good and they were favored to win, it does not matter how good or bad the opponents another program has faced, because I was never attempting to compare.

Do you really not understand?

I don't even remember the original post on this, and I really don't care. I'm not putting the team down , at this point I'm just trying to explain a very very simple concept.

Milehigh is a lost cause. I would stop wasting my time with him if I were you. He can't follow an argument to save his life.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Beathard said Willies was a "huge loss."

I trust his judgment.

big time college football is a talent arms race and Willies was an F22.

I wish the coaches would have handled that better too.

 

[nu2u]

KF quit on the team for several years...and he is still here...a self described new man...

Players might deserve the same treatment, no?

This has to be one of the single most asinine and fvcking idiotic comments I've read in the 9 years I've been a member here.

Congratulations, you have single-handedly raised the stupid bar to Olympic levels.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

Again, all we know is that KF procrastinated in getting the more talented guy on the field.

Yes Stanzi was a TO machine and there was a learning curve but he was clearly better than JC.

He sucked in the isu game. Physical talent does not equal on field success.

 

[lenoxhawks]

How in the world do you know the ultimatum from admin and also how do you know what went on behind closed doors??????? You claim these are facts, so how do you know these are facts? You do know the difference between facts and assumptions right? If I am also allowed to make an assumption, I am going to assume that you are full of crap with your "facts". If you continue with this garbage I will then be able to give you another fact.....that fact would be that you are not very intelligent

It's a fact when it comes straight from those in charge. Some of us actually have connections to the program.

 

[J_Heater]

It's a fact when it comes straight from those in charge. Some of us actually have connections to the program.

No you didn't! Did you really just go full Steven Patrick on us?

Now we know you are full of shit. Whenever you can't prove something, you just say you have an inside source.

I got one as well. He tells me you don't like KF and that you will make up stuff. Scouts honor, just got off the phone with him.

 

[buttermypancakes]

THis year CJB has shown a great level of ability, how can you argue that you saw a huge difference between either QB last year? Statistically speaking Jake's #'s were much much better in comparison to CJB's, and CJB started against the worst defense in the B10 last year (Purdue) and was far from spectacular.......the point is the staff is not lieing to us when they say CJB is a different QB than he was last year

Statistically speaking, Jake loved to pad his stats against a laid back prevent defense. You must love that nice long flowing JR release that gave receivers no time to run after the catch. We all know at this point GD loves the sideways passing game and with a QB that can't get the ball out that's impossible to be successful.