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Early Camp Rumblings

Not very happy about this but I am hearing from my source that Cade limps around a lot at practice and is not very mobile. Hearing good things about the backup and that he has competed well and has good legs. I am hearing the offense just looks bad and the O-line does not look improved. Not hearing many details about what looks bad or anything outside of the OL looking very disappointing at this point and time. This again goes with saying that the defense looks great so maybe that is the problem.

ok thanks for that. i'll begin preparing for the worst.
anything about lester? should we expect him to be about as good as brian was?

giphy.webp
 
Not very happy about this but I am hearing from my source that Cade limps around a lot at practice and is not very mobile. Hearing good things about the backup and that he has competed well and has good legs. I am hearing the offense just looks bad and the O-line does not look improved. Not hearing many details about what looks bad or anything outside of the OL looking very disappointing at this point and time. This again goes with saying that the defense looks great so maybe that is the problem.
At media day tomorrow, the Iowa media will get a rare chance to talk with Barnett. Here is a fair question…

“During your three years at Iowa, the offensive line has been among the worst of any power conference program. Why will 2024 be any different?”
 
At media day tomorrow, the Iowa media will get a rare chance to talk with Barnett. Here is a fair question…

“During your three years at Iowa, the offensive line has been among the worst of any power conference program. Why will 2024 be any different?”
I wish any of us felt better about the OLine. But how could any of us REALLY feel that way:
1] Mason Richman has never looked good at LT even when healthy. Will that change in a year?
2] Beau Stephens has looked really good at guard but has not been able to stay healthy.. maybe a little optimism there?
3] Logan Jones has never even shown he can properly snap the ball in cadence throwing everyone's timing off. Until that's fixed (if it can be)... I've actually thought Tyler Elsbury looked better but we're not talking all B1G better
4] Conner Colby can't play tackle and hasn't exactly looked competent at guard in 3 years. Will this year improve?
5] Gennings Dunker really has shown great promise at tackle.. but both he and Stephens.....
I refuse to even mention a 6th year player who should never ever be allowed on the field. If the young guys had talent, it wouldn't be hard to displace a good portion of this group. I second asking both Barnett and Kirk the hard question about why Barnett is still here. Yes he inherited a mess but its all on him now.
 
Yet Kirk still rants and raves how good he is.
If I’m there, I come at Barnett with this.

Most reports claim to feel good about the OL, but one report on a message board claim it’s a complete disaster, and that McNamara looks like he is 90 years old. 90% of posters have taken this as settled science.

What do you have to say for yourself?

Now, if the post with the bad news said “my source has always had good info in the past,” I’d be all in on the report.
 
Seems like anytime there is ANY skepticism or concern about the starting QB that people always overestimate the backups ability and just assume that Kirk and the staff are idiots - as if they've never seen the backups play against competition before.

While there are rare cases where a QB plays better in real games than practice, it doesn't happen that often. As we saw with Padilla he wasn't any better than Petras (not much worse, but not any better). And Lainez might look ok coming off the bench late in the game with his feet, if you actually start him for a series of games in the season teams would easily scout him and turn him into just as much of a trainwreck as the starter was last year.

The other assumption people make about our staff is that they are too "loyal" or stick with veterans too much. While there is some truth to this probably, I think people underestimate the importance of maintaining chemistry and player satisfaction especially in the world of transfers.

In the case of the current QB role, I think it would have been fair to tell Cade that he would remain the starter as long as healthy, and that they would bring in a strong backup in the event of injury. They would also tell this to the NW transfer as they are usually very open and honest with players in this regard.

Now maybe fans would get mad at this, but fans don't have to manage 100+ young adult males in the day of NIL, free transfers and social media. I think it's appropriate to commit to Cade even if Sullivan is 5% better in practice .... because we committed to it. Without that commitment up front to BOTH players, taking a transfer in to compete with Cade who, at best, might be 5% better due to mobility, is a recipe for problems. We also don't know what was said to Cade prior to considering Sullivan, so a staff has to keep their word to players and this staff is one of the highest character staffs in that regard imo.

So, yes, maybe they do commit to Cade and then fans get mad if Sullivan looks good in an open practice but isn't getting many reps with the ones. Deal with it - most of us are thinking of this in one dimensional ways but program management and roster management bring a lot more complexity to the table then just thinking about a depth chart.

I trust our staff - they do make roster mistakes, but much of what we perceive to be "mistakes" might be situations where we would change our mind if we knew 100% of the information.
No need to "assume" KF is an idiot regarding QBs. The facts speak for themselves. Without writing a book, just look at last season. KF started a guy who was headed to Fordham and is now at Utah Tech (look it up) for 10 games. That guy was one of the worst QBs ever to wear the black and gold, let alone be a starter. He was as mobile as the Kinnick statue and was a turnover machine. But KF doggedly stayed with him until the last few seconds of the bowl game when Marco Lainez showed that he has some serious wheels. The guy playing ahead of Lainez all year came in with zero college experience, but KF installed him No. 1 when Cade went down and stubbornly kept him there to lead the nation's worst offense. Whatever great things you can say about KF, being a QB wizard ain't one of 'em. Period.
 
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No need to "assume" KF is an idiot regarding QBs. The facts speak for themselves. Without writing a book, just look at last season. KF started a guy who was headed to Fordham and is now at Utah Tech (look it up) for 10 games. That guy was one of the worst QBs ever to wear the black and gold, let alone be a starter. He was as mobile as the Kinnick statue and was a turnover machine. But KF doggedly stayed with him until the last few seconds of the bowl game when Marco Lainez showed that he has some serious wheels. The guy playing ahead of Lainez all year came in with zero college experience, but KF installed him No. 1 when Cade went down and stubbornly kept him there to lead the nation's worst offense. Whatever great things you can say about KF, being a QB wizard ain't one of 'em. Period.

You imply that Lainez would have won Iowa more games last year if he had started.

My belief is that when teams gameplanned for Lainez as the starter over a 10-12 game stretch that he would have done WORSE in terms of winning games. I know that's hard to believe, but Iowa won 10 games last year, and while our QB play was abhorrent, it's not hard to see how teams could easily gameplan away Marco's running ability and turn him into a thrower.....which would be even cringier than what we saw and likely led to more losses.

Speculation on both our parts here, but my point is that it definitely isn't a sure thing that Marco was better based on garbage time minutes against a team that didn't gameplan him.

It does appear that he may have improved since then, so we'll have to see what his ceiling actually is. If he can't make the reads on time and throw accurately it isn't very high, but the RPO offense may help him in that respect.
 
No need to "assume" KF is an idiot regarding QBs. The facts speak for themselves. Without writing a book, just look at last season. KF started a guy who was headed to Fordham and is now at Utah Tech (look it up) for 10 games. That guy was one of the worst QBs ever to wear the black and gold, let alone be a starter. He was as mobile as the Kinnick statue and was a turnover machine. But KF doggedly stayed with him until the last few seconds of the bowl game when Marco Lainez showed that he has some serious wheels. The guy playing ahead of Lainez all year came in with zero college experience, but KF installed him No. 1 when Cade went down and stubbornly kept him there to lead the nation's worst offense. Whatever great things you can say about KF, being a QB wizard ain't one of 'em. Period.
Are you going to be the first honestly say you believe Iowa would have won more games with Lainez playing instead of Hill?

Despite all the complaints, not one person has been willing to honestly say they believe Lainez would have won more
 
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You imply that Lainez would have won Iowa more games last year if he had started.

My belief is that when teams gameplanned for Lainez as the starter over a 10-12 game stretch that he would have done WORSE in terms of winning games. I know that's hard to believe, but Iowa won 10 games last year, and while our QB play was abhorrent, it's not hard to see how teams could easily gameplan away Marco's running ability and turn him into a thrower.....which would be even cringier than what we saw and likely led to more losses.

Speculation on both our parts here, but my point is that it definitely isn't a sure thing that Marco was better based on garbage time minutes against a team that didn't gameplan him.

It does appear that he may have improved since then, so we'll have to see what his ceiling actually is. If he can't make the reads on time and throw accurately it isn't very high, but the RPO offense may help him in that respect.
Bingo again
 
You imply that Lainez would have won Iowa more games last year if he had started.

My belief is that when teams gameplanned for Lainez as the starter over a 10-12 game stretch that he would have done WORSE in terms of winning games. I know that's hard to believe, but Iowa won 10 games last year, and while our QB play was abhorrent, it's not hard to see how teams could easily gameplan away Marco's running ability and turn him into a thrower.....which would be even cringier than what we saw and likely led to more losses.

Speculation on both our parts here, but my point is that it definitely isn't a sure thing that Marco was better based on garbage time minutes against a team that didn't gameplan him.

It does appear that he may have improved since then, so we'll have to see what his ceiling actually is. If he can't make the reads on time and throw accurately it isn't very high, but the RPO offense may help him in that respect.

I honestly have no idea how you could make this statement while looking at the stat line Deacon put up last year. This doesn't even account for the -114 rushing yards. I do not expect him to be better than either Sullivan or Cade based on the lack of arm strength.

CMPATTCMP%YDSAVGTDINTLNGRTG
12225148.61,1524.6585487.4
 
You imply that Lainez would have won Iowa more games last year if he had started.

My belief is that when teams gameplanned for Lainez as the starter over a 10-12 game stretch that he would have done WORSE in terms of winning games. I know that's hard to believe, but Iowa won 10 games last year, and while our QB play was abhorrent, it's not hard to see how teams could easily gameplan away Marco's running ability and turn him into a thrower.....which would be even cringier than what we saw and likely led to more losses.

Speculation on both our parts here, but my point is that it definitely isn't a sure thing that Marco was better based on garbage time minutes against a team that didn't gameplan him.

It does appear that he may have improved since then, so we'll have to see what his ceiling actually is. If he can't make the reads on time and throw accurately it isn't very high, but the RPO offense may help him in that respect.
No one has any idea what would have happened if Lainez had played instead of Hill. I have a hard time believing that the results would have been much different either. People saw him run around which only seemed unique after watching Cade and then Hill lumber around. He still couldn't complete passes and the offense was still broken. The reality is that there was no viable plan B after Cade went down and the results on the offensive side of the ball were predictable given how bad they were before he even went down.
 
No need to "assume" KF is an idiot regarding QBs. The facts speak for themselves. Without writing a book, just look at last season. KF started a guy who was headed to Fordham and is now at Utah Tech (look it up) for 10 games. That guy was one of the worst QBs ever to wear the black and gold, let alone be a starter. He was as mobile as the Kinnick statue and was a turnover machine. But KF doggedly stayed with him until the last few seconds of the bowl game when Marco Lainez showed that he has some serious wheels. The guy playing ahead of Lainez all year came in with zero college experience, but KF installed him No. 1 when Cade went down and stubbornly kept him there to lead the nation's worst offense. Whatever great things you can say about KF, being a QB wizard ain't one of 'em. Period.
Kirk himself said he doesn't know much about the QB position. That doesn't mean he and others can't tell the difference between a bad QB and a worse QB. The problem hasn't been playing the wrong QB. The problem last year was a lack of viable QB's period.
 
ok thanks for that. i'll begin preparing for the worst.
anything about lester? should we expect him to be about as good as brian was?

giphy.webp
I think the offense will be better. We all know the defense is always ahead of the offense. It bothers me to hear that about Cade, though.
 
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Ahh like the swallows returning to Capistrano you know the calendar has turned when you start hearing about the backup QB pushing for reps, previously unknown WR's are flashing big in camp, who is the walk on WR that will become camp darling this year? The shifty, overlooked prospect that reminds us of Charlie Jones............
Time for some games as most can write the remainder of the posts leading up to the games.

Did I leave out the 'which 4-8 team is going to be a tough road'

But as is the case always 'this is the year for Nebraska'
 
You imply that Lainez would have won Iowa more games last year if he had started.

My belief is that when teams gameplanned for Lainez as the starter over a 10-12 game stretch that he would have done WORSE in terms of winning games. I know that's hard to believe, but Iowa won 10 games last year, and while our QB play was abhorrent, it's not hard to see how teams could easily gameplan away Marco's running ability and turn him into a thrower.....which would be even cringier than what we saw and likely led to more losses.

Speculation on both our parts here, but my point is that it definitely isn't a sure thing that Marco was better based on garbage time minutes against a team that didn't gameplan him.

It does appear that he may have improved since then, so we'll have to see what his ceiling actually is. If he can't make the reads on time and throw accurately it isn't very high, but the RPO offense may help him in that respect.
Maybe Marco would have been better and maybe not.

I think what upset fans is the fact Kirk didn't even TRY anyone else. He continued to play one of...if not THE...worst QB in college football and not give anyone else a chance.
 
Kirk himself said he doesn't know much about the QB position. That doesn't mean he and others can't tell the difference between a bad QB and a worse QB. The problem hasn't been playing the wrong QB. The problem last year was a lack of viable QB's period.
And going into the season one would have expected Labas to be a viable option, but it seems he withdrew himself from that consideration
 
I honestly have no idea how you could make this statement while looking at the stat line Deacon put up last year. This doesn't even account for the -114 rushing yards. I do not expect him to be better than either Sullivan or Cade based on the lack of arm strength.

CMPATTCMP%YDSAVGTDINTLNGRTG
12225148.61,1524.6585487.4
Everyone knows how bad Hill was.

Simple question: do you honestly believe Iowa would have won more games with Lainez at QB?

I'm still waiting to for someone to be the FIRST to say they honestly believe that
 
Maybe Marco would have been better and maybe not.

I think what upset fans is the fact Kirk didn't even TRY anyone else. He continued to play one of...if not THE...worst QB in college football and not give anyone else a chance.
And maybe the staff already knew exactly what they were dealing with. We saw in the bowl game that Marco read the field like a true freshman.

If you can't say for sure that Iowa would have won more games under Lainez, then what's the big deal?

Players don't get "tries". They win their position. And coaches don't change QB's while their team is winning games
 
Everyone knows how bad Hill was.

Simple question: do you honestly believe Iowa would have won more games with Lainez at QB?

I'm still waiting to for someone to be the FIRST to say they honestly believe that


Well his ability to use his legs may have gotten a us couple more 1st downs against Minnesota and helped us win. Unfortunately we'll never know for sure
 
No need to "assume" KF is an idiot regarding QBs. The facts speak for themselves. Without writing a book, just look at last season. KF started a guy who was headed to Fordham and is now at Utah Tech (look it up) for 10 games. That guy was one of the worst QBs ever to wear the black and gold, let alone be a starter. He was as mobile as the Kinnick statue and was a turnover machine. But KF doggedly stayed with him until the last few seconds of the bowl game when Marco Lainez showed that he has some serious wheels. The guy playing ahead of Lainez all year came in with zero college experience, but KF installed him No. 1 when Cade went down and stubbornly kept him there to lead the nation's worst offense. Whatever great things you can say about KF, being a QB wizard ain't one of 'em. Period.
Capt Kirk is a Fossil.
I understand fossilization.
 
Everyone knows how bad Hill was.

Simple question: do you honestly believe Iowa would have won more games with Lainez at QB?

I'm still waiting to for someone to be the FIRST to say they honestly believe that
Let me be the first.
Hill was the worst QB on the planet behind a dismal OLine.
THERE IS NO WAY Lainez couldn't have been better just due to mobility/survivability.
As mentioned earlier, the Defense & Special Teams got us 10 wins DESPITE our Offense being a national joke.
 
Hawk receiver McCarron was fast, had good hands, ran great routes and he was really productive. He spent a few years in the pros. I hope Wetjen can by that Welker , McCarron type
Good comparison to McCarron.
 
I hope its close enough that Sullivan plays some significant snaps in the first game or two. He needs to be ready. That much we know already...
I'd really like to see Sullivan get a series or two in the 1st half. Mop up duty always results in a limited playbook and less pressure...that doesn't prepare you very well should an injury arise.
 
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I'd really like to see Sullivan get a series or two in the 1st half. Mop up duty always results in a limited playbook and less pressure...that doesn't prepare you as well should an injury arise.
This is one of the interesting questions to be answered. Will KFz allow Lester to do this?
 
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Everyone knows how bad Hill was.

Simple question: do you honestly believe Iowa would have won more games with Lainez at QB?

I'm still waiting to for someone to be the FIRST to say they honestly believe that
I don't know the answer to the question. I do know that I had absolutely no faith that Hill could manage to guide us the 25-30 yards we needed in the Minnesota game. Could Lainez have done so? I believe he may have been more likely to gain the yardage than Deacon. Of course, we will never know.
 
And maybe the staff already knew exactly what they were dealing with. We saw in the bowl game that Marco read the field like a true freshman.

If you can't say for sure that Iowa would have won more games under Lainez, then what's the big deal?

Players don't get "tries". They win their position. And coaches don't change QB's while their team is winning games
So you are saying Kirk is perfect and never makes a mistake?
 
Everyone knows how bad Hill was.

Simple question: do you honestly believe Iowa would have won more games with Lainez at QB?

I'm still waiting to for someone to be the FIRST to say they honestly believe that
Minnesota stats from Deacon, do I think they have a better chance at winning that game with Marco in, the answer is a resounding yes.
CMPATTYDSCMP%TDINTLNGSACKRTGQBRCARYDSAVGTDLNG
102811635.70136463.49.18-22-2.817
 
So...are we going to get the "well, we've got a new OC and all new offense" excuse when...er, I mean if... the offense comes out and struggles in the opener?
 
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Minnesota stats from Deacon, do I think they have a better chance at winning that game with Marco in, the answer is a resounding yes.
CMPATTYDSCMP%TDINTLNGSACKRTGQBRCARYDSAVGTDLNG
102811635.70136463.49.18-22-2.817
Yeah. There might not have been an able bodied human who wouldn’t have given Iowa a better chance to win that game.
 
I think the offense will be better. We all know the defense is always ahead of the offense. It bothers me to hear that about Cade, though.
Sure, if ANY of what he posted has even a grain of accuracy. The guys who cover the hawks seem to be optimistic, and yet some random guy who has what exactly for access tells a poster the sky is falling, and we head right back down the rabbit hole. Maybe lets wait and see.....
 
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