Future’s bright

[HawkNole09]

Guys, I know we get down in years where we have 5 losses to 8 bowl bound teams.
In which 3 of those five we decided by one possession, or even a single play. In a year where we kept the B1G Champion from playing in the CFP. A year where we played freshmen at a higher rate than we’ve ever played them before.

This was a huge rebuilding year.

And the strength of the program is showing itself when blue-blood suitors try and steal our best recruits in the 11th hour. But, we’re holding strong and guys are realizing that this program is in a building phase.

2015 made many of us realize what is possible at Iowa, but how much ground needs to be covered to reach the final goal.
I’m sure the coaches see it too — our roster points to 2019.

We need a couple elite recruits to round out this, and next year’s classes. But we should be competitive for B1G Championships in 2018 and more so in 2019.

Dream big Hawkeyes!

 

[markfromj]

What is "the final goal"?

 

[dcfan1]

World Domination.

Sincerely,

Dr Evil

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I hope the OP is right, but I have my concerns.

Whenever this board talks about the present, it's a focus on coaching. When we talk about the future it's on talent.

The talent on this team should be better, but play makers like Wadley, Jewell and Jackson are hard to replace. Where would the 2017 Hawks have finished without those 3?

So, I have a few concerns. Will this team have play makers next year - guys that turn nothing into something? How about the chemistry? Other teams improve too - how good will Purdue, NW, Minny, Maryland, Indiana and Iowa State be next year? That's 6 games that most fans would argue are 5 W's, at least. What if it's only 3?

Will year 2 of a reconfigured coaching staff improve the fundamentals of this team? Things like blocking and catching the football come to mind.

Markfromj asks - what's the final goal? For me it's simple - improve over 2017. Stop looking ridiculous on offense at times. Close the gap with Wisky, get those 5 W's against the teams I mentioned above. Be in the discussion of winning the division and get to a better bowl game.

Iowa football is the most fun when it has an upward trajectory. That's what I am hoping for.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

The talent on this team should be better, but play makers like Wadley, Jewell and Jackson are hard to replace. Where would the 2017 Hawks have finished without those 3?

Are they ... really? I'm not trying to be facetious here either. With no breaks in between, we went from Barr to Hodge to Klinkenborg to Angerer to Morris/Nielsen to Morris to Alston to Jewell. While health issues and experience issues may have cropped up ... I don't really see any "duds" there.

Wadley was an impressive play-maker, no doubt ... but against good defenses, his performances could be hit or miss ... largely dependent on the quality of the blocking in front of him. Shonn Greene, in contrast, didn't really have a single dud to his resume when he was our feature back. Given what we've seen from Toren and IKM, I am confident that behind solid blocking ... they'll be far more than serviceable.

Lastly, as for replacing Jackson ... none of us saw replacing Jackson as even something that we'd have to worry about entering the season! Heck, I don't even think we saw that coming even after our entire non-conference slate! Weren't we more concerned about how we'd "replace King?" Who will be the next guy to emerge at CB for us? Heck if I know?! All I know is that Phil likes the guys in his room ... and it's more than possible that a guy (or two) emerges.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Are they ... really? I'm not trying to be facetious here either. With no breaks in between, we went from Barr to Hodge to Klinkenborg to Angerer to Morris/Nielsen to Morris to Alston to Jewell. While health issues and experience issues may have cropped up ... I don't really see any "duds" there.

Wadley was an impressive play-maker, no doubt ... but against good defenses, his performances could be hit or miss ... largely dependent on the quality of the blocking in front of him. Shonn Greene, in contrast, didn't really have a single dud to his resume when he was our feature back. Given what we've seen from Toren and IKM, I am confident that behind solid blocking ... they'll be far more than serviceable.

Lastly, as for replacing Jackson ... none of us saw replacing Jackson as even something that we'd have to worry about entering the season! Heck, I don't even think we saw that coming even after our entire non-conference slate! Weren't we more concerned about how we'd "replace King?" Who will be the next guy to emerge at CB for us? Heck if I know?! All I know is that Phil likes the guys in his room ... and it's more than possible that a guy (or two) emerges.

Agree, of course. Plenty of replacement talent. Point being, Jackson made some plays this year that were eye-popping. Wad made plays that were just head shaking. Jewell is the D player of the year.

You can have guys with excellent "talent" that are very good, but don't seem to make that "wow" play.

Guys will step up, I have no doubt. Hoping the Hawks will have some guys making "wow" plays that change the game. I think they will.

 

[redcy]

Guys, I know we get down in years where we have 5 losses to 8 bowl bound teams.
In which 3 of those five we decided by one possession, or even a single play. In a year where we kept the B1G Champion from playing in the CFP. A year where we played freshmen at a higher rate than we’ve ever played them before.

This was a huge rebuilding year.

And the strength of the program is showing itself when blue-blood suitors try and steal our best recruits in the 11th hour. But, we’re holding strong and guys are realizing that this program is in a building phase.

2015 made many of us realize what is possible at Iowa, but how much ground needs to be covered to reach the final goal.
I’m sure the coaches see it too — our roster points to 2019.

We need a couple elite recruits to round out this, and next year’s classes. But we should be competitive for B1G Championships in 2018 and more so in 2019.

Dream big Hawkeyes!

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

we'll play about as many top 10 teams as you play top 25 teams

 

[Johnsoda123]

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

There are some weak teams on the schedule. Nebraska, Illinois, Northern Illinois...who did they beat in 2017?

Do you get your weak OL back next year?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I think that subtle differences from last year to this year can also help the Hawks. Here are a few ...

• Having Stanley as the top QB from the outset (and having that designation be EARNED) ... that will invariably pay off in terms of timing and chemistry with the receiving targets.
• Wallace was a new LB coach in '16 ... I think that it is fair to say that the LB play was even more consistent in '17, across the board. Part of this observation is likely attributable to the starters simply being more experienced ... however, I'm willing stake money on it also being attributable to Wallace getting a better feel for the guys in his room. Consequently, we have an opportunity to see this similar "bump" at both WR with Copeland and on the OL with Polasek. This is not to say that the position coaches weren't doing a good job before ... but the more you do things ... the better you tend to do them.
• Improved blocking by the TEs can significantly impact the dimensionality of our O ... and it can further help our pass-pro AND our running game too.
• We all know that the DL has personnel that we can be bullish about. However, the fact that those guys have now played so many more live snaps together will help them to continue to mesh and improve together as a unit. Similar statements can also be made about our OL personnel too.
• Entering the '17 season safety was a huge question ... and it's a critical position for our D. As we enter the '18 season ... it seems much less an issue.

As we all know - the lone true "hole" on the roster as we look to '18 is at LB. AND .... thanks to Hawk_4shur ... our P is another "hole" on the roster too. Of course, I do have some hope that Gersonde can still develop ... but he's also pretty young (throwing a young guy to the wolves isn't always fair).

 

[Hawk_4shur]

As we all know - the lone true "hole" on the roster as we look to '18 is at LB.

Hate to be picky, because I agree with your post. But, you forgot something ...

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Hate to be picky, because I agree with your post. But, you forgot something ...

LOL ... you are so correct on this one. I will edit my post for accuracy!

 

[redcy]

we'll play about as many top 10 teams as you play top 25 teams

That's not too accurate....we beat two top 10 teams this year, but that's not what this thread is about. In all serious ness, your 10 win seasons occurred when you didn't play the biggies from the east. It's just a matter of fact that an easier schedule means more wins for any program. I wasn't sure when your rotation got easier again.

Just in the days with the Big12 north. ISU was successful when we weren't playing Texas, Texas AM, and Texas Tech.

 

[redcy]

There are some weak teams on the schedule. Nebraska, Illinois, Northern Illinois...who did they beat in 2017?

Do you get your weak OL back next year?

Actually pretty excited with what we have coming back.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

Is Big 12 going to have anyone besides OU be any good next year just like this year?

 

[pacnorthhawkeye]

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

4th toughest schedule this year according to sagarin ratings compared to your 51st ranked smart guy. You’re trying too hard.

https://www.sbnation.com/college-fo...otball-strength-of-schedule-rankings-2017-sos

 

[Kurt Warner]

I recall myself predicting Jackson was gonna be a star or stud, one of the two after the first game if i remembered correctly

 

[sober_teacher]

That's not too accurate....we beat two top 10 teams this year, but that's not what this thread is about. In all serious ness, your 10 win seasons occurred when you didn't play the biggies from the east. It's just a matter of fact that an easier schedule means more wins for any program. I wasn't sure when your rotation got easier again.

Just in the days with the Big12 north. ISU was successful when we weren't playing Texas, Texas AM, and Texas Tech.

Iowa State...where success equals 7 wins season.

 

[ichawk24]

Iowa State...where success equals 7 wins season.

A season for the ages and a 70% raise for the head coach.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

That's not too accurate....we beat two top 10 teams this year, but that's not what this thread is about. In all serious ness, your 10 win seasons occurred when you didn't play the biggies from the east. It's just a matter of fact that an easier schedule means more wins for any program. I wasn't sure when your rotation got easier again.

Just in the days with the Big12 north. ISU was successful when we weren't playing Texas, Texas AM, and Texas Tech.

2002 - Michigan, MSU, Penn St, Wisconsin - 12 wins
2003 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 10 wins (also ranked Minn, ASU, Purdue)
2004 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 10 wins
2009 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 12 wins

You're a ****ing moron. Go away.

 

[WahooHawk]

Personally think run game will be better next year. Wadley had flash, but not the girth for b10 defense. Staff was to hesitant to run Young this year, but his style and that of ikm is more suited for zone blocking (make the cut, pound the hole). Will also have a year of experience at the tackle and qb spot, and two studs at tight end. Not worried about linebackers, secondary should be fine, dline should be a strength.

Really, up to play calling...was complete trash at times this year. Lost games not because of defense this year, but piss poor offensive production that was predictable. How the f did this team loose to Purdue, unacceptable.

 

[bojihawk44]

2002 - Michigan, MSU, Penn St, Wisconsin - 12 wins
2003 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 10 wins (also ranked Minn, ASU, Purdue)
2004 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 10 wins
2009 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 12 wins

You're a ****ing moron. Go away.

And that's how you embarrass someone. Well done.

 

[redcy]

2002 - Michigan, MSU, Penn St, Wisconsin - 12 wins
2003 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 10 wins (also ranked Minn, ASU, Purdue)
2004 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 10 wins
2009 - Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin - 12 wins

You're a ****ing moron. Go away.

I'll dumb this down for you. Since going to two divisions in 2011, the only season you had 10 wins was 2015 and you didn't play Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State.

So going back 13 years, only one year you had 10 wins or more where you played Ohio State and Michigan.

Please note that 03, 04 and 09 you only played 8 conference game. What's interesting is that you went 5-3 in the conference in 2004 and you still got to 10 wins.

You're a moron if you don't recognize that the strength of schedule plays into your success.

 

[General Tso]

I think this thread is a good example of what plagues the Hawks long term. Most years, we have guys that blossom and reach their full potential. These are the players that get drafted, which leads to the seemingly odd disconnect between NFL representation and on field results. The problem is those players represent a small percentage of our roster. The supporting cast around these studs is typically at a much lower skill level, and that is what really drives on field results.

 

[bojihawk44]

I'll dumb this down for you. Since going to two divisions in 2011, the only season you had 10 wins was 2015 and you didn't play Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State.

So going back 13 years, only one year you had 10 wins or more where you played Ohio State and Michigan.

Please note that 03, 04 and 09 you only played 8 conference game. What's interesting is that you went 5-3 in the conference in 2004 and you still got to 10 wins.

You're a moron if you don't recognize that the strength of schedule plays into your success.

What's Iowa State's excuse for no success, then?

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

I'll dumb this down for you. Since going to two divisions in 2011, the only season you had 10 wins was 2015 and you didn't play Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State.

So going back 13 years, only one year you had 10 wins or more where you played Ohio State and Michigan.

Please note that 03, 04 and 09 you only played 8 conference game. What's interesting is that you went 5-3 in the conference in 2004 and you still got to 10 wins.

You're a moron if you don't recognize that the strength of schedule plays into your success.

A) If the only time we won 10 games since moving to divisions was 2015, why the hell did you make season(s) plural? How stupid are you?
B) why the hell are you only going back 13 years? Only an Iowa state fan would pull out a qualifier like that.
C) IDGAF if we only played 8 conference games in 03, 04, and 09, we "played the biggies from the east" and still got to 10 wins you moron. We also played two non-con games against P5 schools each of those years, one was 9-3 ASU team (#19) and an 8-5 Arizona team.
D) Iowa went 7-1 in conference in 2004 you idiot.

Blair, please ban this mouthbreather.

 

[redcy]

What's Iowa State's excuse for no success, then?

I didn't know the title of this thread had anything to do with Iowa State.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

I didn't know the title of this thread had anything to do with Iowa State.

Then why are you here?

 

[thrillpac]

Who really care's if there are two divisions or not? It doesn't change who was beaten and how good they were. ISU couldn't do anything when there were 2 divisions or one.

And seriously, what on God's green earth gives someone from ISU the authority to question Iowa's wins and SOS? Iowa State has never won 10 games in a season, and has only won 9 games once in the last 100+ years. Even in the "glory days" of the late 70s, ISU topped out at 8. There were years in the Big XII where the North was a cluser bleep and all you had to do was beat Kansas or down-trodden Mizzou to win the North and you couldn't (see 04-05).

In 2015, Iowa had 12 wins. From 2013-2016, Iowa State had 11 wins, Combined. SOS or no, that definitely speaks volumes. I think you should just enjoy your special year with your special coach. ISU wins 7 games with weak SOS, season for the ages, chests get puffed ,and trolls talk bleep. Iowa wins 7 games with a difficult SOS, people are disappointed.

You could just be happy with your nice 7 win season and 2 huge victories along with a bowl birth. Yes, Lazard can leave his couch and finally play football after November now. No need to make yourself look ridiculous.

 

[RogerKint]

Then why are you here?

Jealous little brother. He wants to hang out with the big boys.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

That's not too accurate....we beat two top 10 teams this year, but that's not what this thread is about. In all serious ness, your 10 win seasons occurred when you didn't play the biggies from the east. It's just a matter of fact that an easier schedule means more wins for any program. I wasn't sure when your rotation got easier again.

Just in the days with the Big12 north. ISU was successful when we weren't playing Texas, Texas AM, and Texas Tech.

tcu is not a top 10 team

we had ONE ten+ win season where we didn't play mi/osu/etc
nice try though

b12 north .....isu=successful? you've had ONE season of more than 7 wins in my lifetime

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Iowa State...where success equals 7 wins season.

maybe this year they'll top 7 wins for the 2nd time in my lifetime!
all they have to do is beat an AAC team.....

 

[H4wkfan4life]

I'll dumb this down for you. Since going to two divisions in 2011, the only season you had 10 wins was 2015 and you didn't play Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State.

So going back 13 years, only one year you had 10 wins or more where you played Ohio State and Michigan.

Please note that 03, 04 and 09 you only played 8 conference game. What's interesting is that you went 5-3 in the conference in 2004 and you still got to 10 wins.

You're a moron if you don't recognize that the strength of schedule plays into your success.

We tend to do just as good against quality teams as we do against crap teams like yours.
Thats how we beat osu and lose to pu, beat mi and lose to ndsu etc etc.
Can't explain it but it is what it is.

We went 5-3 in 2004 but finished the season 10-2 w/ a cap 1 bowl win over lsu? Actually we went 7-1 and won the b1g.
And yes we played 8 conf games in an 11 game season!
Yeah you got the dumb part right.....

 

[redcy]

A) If the only time we won 10 games since moving to divisions was 2015, why the hell did you make season(s) plural? How stupid are you?

B) why the hell are you only going back 13 years? Only an Iowa state fan would pull out a qualifier like that.

C) IDGAF if we only played 8 conference games in 03, 04, and 09, we "played the biggies from the east" and still got to 10 wins you moron. We also played two non-con games against P5 schools each of those years, one was 9-3 ASU team (#19) and an 8-5 Arizona team.

D) Iowa went 7-1 in conference in 2004 you idiot.

Blair, please ban this mouthbreather.

A) At the time, I was just relying on my memory and had assumed you had maybe won a couple since the divisions started. When I noted the teams from the East, I was referring to the divisions, not the general direction as most of the big10 teams are east of Iowa City. Dah. I guess you are right, I was stupid to assume that they did it more than once. LOL.

B) Why the hell did you to back to 2002? Only an Iowa fan would pull out a qualifier like that.

C) You mean the ASU team that finished 5-7? You did have a great run in 2002, 2003, 2004....can't argue with that.

D) Sorry, off by a year 2003 you were 5-3.

Are you really that insecure that you act like this?

 

[hawkinne]

Do you get your week schedule back next year? That will help.

Iowa does play ISU so yes the OOC is weak.

 

[BioHawk]

Iowa is poised to make another serious run in 2019. Of course, they have a crappy schedule so it will be another year of listening to the national media slam Iowa's schedule.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Iowa is poised to make another serious run in 2019. Of course, they have a crappy schedule so it will be another year of listening to the national media slam Iowa's schedule.

2019? Not what I'd call crappy. Especially if PU can keep improving and braska finds a pulse.

 

[CyProf]

A season for the ages and a 70% raise for the head coach.

yeah and where did you graduate from? Tavern Hawkeye I suspect!

 

[kceasthawk]

Is Big 12 going to have anyone besides OU be any good next year just like this year?

No. Same old story. OK in football, and KU in basketball. Wake me up when anyone else actually challenges these teams........