Glen Mason: CJ is B1G's Top QB
- Thread starter OnceAhawk
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I like CJ and believe he is a top 3 to 4 qb in the Big Ten but number one seems like a stretch expecially following a pretty poor showing against Wisconsin. I would still take Connor Cook over him and likely either Ohio State quarterback despite their inconsistent play as well. We all have seen what Ohio State's quarterbacks can do when they are on their game.
Glen Mason does not believe that.
This is what gets me. We got our own fans telling other Hawk fans to chill out after beating Wisconsin because we might still lose a game, especially one we're not suppose to, and yet we get every other media source singing high praises about the Hawkeyes just one week after they were calling them pretenders and in some cases firmly sticking to their guns (and some still are).
It almost takes the fun out of proving the naysayers wrong, when they become almost unbearably complimentary of Iowa after a big win, especially given how quickly they change their tune and make it sound like not only can Iowa do no wrong, but their players are among the best, and they should expect great success (after these same people said that we should not expect great success just weeks prior).
Forgive me for not ever being too fully appreciative of the media attention Iowa receives after winning big games, especially after the 2010 season, when all the media outlets were lathering up the Hawks as the next big thing. The praise may be nice, but suddenly when things go wrong, everyone is noticeably edgier than they ever would've been had expectations not been unnecessarily increased to over-exaggerated proportions. That is a true story by the way and Kirk Ferentz's roller coaster of a career is all the proof needed for that.
I don't blame the media for Iowa's struggles. That's not what I'm talking about. Don't get that confused. But they do share the blame in our fans getting over-excited about results, like our win over Wisconsin, which now has people thinking undefeated regular season (or at least joke about them on certain call-in shows) for Iowa and Iowa having the best QB in the league and Iowa getting its face all over news outlets as an up-and-comer, which as I mentioned above has prompted some of our fans to step in and say "chill...we only beat Wisconsin and in ugly fashion...we could still lose games on our schedule...etc etc"
The media will spoil you if you happen to find success, but I've seen enough to know some parts of it all is also bull sh**, fake smiling and pandering to the crowd. And that I don't like. Especially if and when Iowa loses and we see the mask come back off. Then I'll be pissed.
/tl;dr #dealwithit
This is what gets me. We got our own fans telling other Hawk fans to chill out after beating Wisconsin because we might still lose a game, especially one we're not suppose to, and yet we get every other media source singing high praises about the Hawkeyes just one week after they were calling them pretenders and in some cases firmly sticking to their guns (and some still are).
It almost takes the fun out of proving the naysayers wrong, when they become almost unbearably complimentary of Iowa after a big win, especially given how quickly they change their tune and make it sound like not only can Iowa do no wrong, but their players are among the best, and they should expect great success (after these same people said that we should not expect great success just weeks prior).
Forgive me for not ever being too fully appreciative of the media attention Iowa receives after winning big games, especially after the 2010 season, when all the media outlets were lathering up the Hawks as the next big thing. The praise may be nice, but suddenly when things go wrong, everyone is noticeably edgier than they ever would've been had expectations not been unnecessarily increased to over-exaggerated proportions. That is a true story by the way and Kirk Ferentz's roller coaster of a career is all the proof needed for that.
I don't blame the media for Iowa's struggles. That's not what I'm talking about. Don't get that confused. But they do share the blame in our fans getting over-excited about results, like our win over Wisconsin, which now has people thinking undefeated regular season (or at least joke about them on certain call-in shows) for Iowa and Iowa having the best QB in the league and Iowa getting its face all over news outlets as an up-and-comer, which as I mentioned above has prompted some of our fans to step in and say "chill...we only beat Wisconsin and in ugly fashion...we could still lose games on our schedule...etc etc"
The media will spoil you if you happen to find success, but I've seen enough to know some parts of it all is also bull sh**, fake smiling and pandering to the crowd. And that I don't like. Especially if and when Iowa loses and we see the mask come back off. Then I'll be pissed.
/tl;dr #dealwithit
Man, some of the things that people get lathered up about really amazes me. I follow the Hawks for fun and enjoyment. When they are 5-0 and ranked that is fun in my book. If I decide to take a flight of fancy and dare to take a peek down the road and allow my imagination to roam I sure doesn't expect any finger waving worry warts to take me to task for it.
I think CJ has a lot of potential to create plays, offer leadership, and look for multiple receivers.
Having a competent offensive line, a running game, and a bit of talent in the WR corps to create openings is just as important and his innate talent.
He has potential, IMHO, to be a good NFL QB...which would be fun to watch and great for Iowa recruiting long term.
Having a competent offensive line, a running game, and a bit of talent in the WR corps to create openings is just as important and his innate talent.
He has potential, IMHO, to be a good NFL QB...which would be fun to watch and great for Iowa recruiting long term.
I think MOST people, including those at BTN expect Iowa to lose a game or two the balance of the way. BUT, do not kid yourself, winning in Madison was a big win and set the table for Iowa to compete for the West title. SO much can happen between now and the end of the year but to have basically a 2 game lead on Wisky now (1 in the standings and 1 in the head to head tie breaker) is a big step. In addition, Nebraska with all of it's current issues and Minnesota can't score. All of these teams we picked AHEAD of Iowa by most people in the West for this year.
Now...Northwestern looks a hell of a lot different than most of us thought they would and that promises to be a very physically brutal game. In addition Indiana looks to be a tough out, but hell they have caused us fits before so that is really not a shock to me. Purdue pushed MSU to the brink but I am still not sold on the Boilers as MSU is taking on water fast with all of the injuries.
So, while I have not booked tickets and rooms for Indianapolis yet, I am enjoying the hell out of looking like we should against Illinois St, winning on the road by two tds vs ISU, beating what looks like a pretty salty Pittsburgh team now and doing what we should be doing against N. Texas....THEN going on the road and defeating the last Western Champ in their crib. After the last few years I am REALLY enjoying this in fact.
Take care of business for Homecoming and let it build some more. These guys are playing as a team and feel as though they can accomplish just about anything. They seem VERY focused and realize that every week is a new one and nothing should be taken for granted.
Frankly I don't care what the media says about us good or not so good......I see with my eyes what is different from last year and if we keep playing like we have been and don't take on more critical injuries (getting healthier would be nice) then we are in the running right now for the West. I did say before the Big Ten season began that injuries would play a big role in the West especially this year. There just is not much depth out there. Wisky looses their TB for a while and they are struggling. If we lost CJ for awhile that would be brutal. I don't see anyone in the West that can overcome that sort of hit.
Enjoy it ladies and gents. It has been a fun ride so far.
Now...Northwestern looks a hell of a lot different than most of us thought they would and that promises to be a very physically brutal game. In addition Indiana looks to be a tough out, but hell they have caused us fits before so that is really not a shock to me. Purdue pushed MSU to the brink but I am still not sold on the Boilers as MSU is taking on water fast with all of the injuries.
So, while I have not booked tickets and rooms for Indianapolis yet, I am enjoying the hell out of looking like we should against Illinois St, winning on the road by two tds vs ISU, beating what looks like a pretty salty Pittsburgh team now and doing what we should be doing against N. Texas....THEN going on the road and defeating the last Western Champ in their crib. After the last few years I am REALLY enjoying this in fact.
Take care of business for Homecoming and let it build some more. These guys are playing as a team and feel as though they can accomplish just about anything. They seem VERY focused and realize that every week is a new one and nothing should be taken for granted.
Frankly I don't care what the media says about us good or not so good......I see with my eyes what is different from last year and if we keep playing like we have been and don't take on more critical injuries (getting healthier would be nice) then we are in the running right now for the West. I did say before the Big Ten season began that injuries would play a big role in the West especially this year. There just is not much depth out there. Wisky looses their TB for a while and they are struggling. If we lost CJ for awhile that would be brutal. I don't see anyone in the West that can overcome that sort of hit.
Enjoy it ladies and gents. It has been a fun ride so far.
I agree with Mason. CJ is playing the best ball at this time. He has the strongest arm. He can beat you with his legs
and he is very accurate. CJ didn't play well last week and we still won the game.
Cook has struggled this year. In fairness to him he lost his tailback and best receiver who are now playing on Sunday's. That being said he will join them next year.
Funny to see JT Barrett # 3 who is not even starting for OSU.
We can only hope "urbbb" keeps playing Cardale Jones.
I didn't see Rudock on the list hmm....
and he is very accurate. CJ didn't play well last week and we still won the game.
Cook has struggled this year. In fairness to him he lost his tailback and best receiver who are now playing on Sunday's. That being said he will join them next year.
Funny to see JT Barrett # 3 who is not even starting for OSU.
We can only hope "urbbb" keeps playing Cardale Jones.
I didn't see Rudock on the list hmm....
If you evaluate facts and results rather than uniform styles and hype, Mason is right. It's pretty clear cut. And CJ didn't have a bad day at WIsconsin, Greg Davis and the "new" KF did. Trying to run an offense in a phone booth against an aggressive and talented defense is a formula for failure.
Wisconsin's defense is similar, in both style and quality, to Pitt's, so what happened to the attack Iowa used so effectively against Pitt, including Beathard running, last Saturday?
I've seen Cook and the other Big Ten QBs play this season, and there isn't one I would trade for Beathard. Check back after the Illinois game and let's see where things stand.
Oh, and I don't see the Michigan QB on the list at all, either. Interesting....
Wisconsin's defense is similar, in both style and quality, to Pitt's, so what happened to the attack Iowa used so effectively against Pitt, including Beathard running, last Saturday?
I've seen Cook and the other Big Ten QBs play this season, and there isn't one I would trade for Beathard. Check back after the Illinois game and let's see where things stand.
Oh, and I don't see the Michigan QB on the list at all, either. Interesting....
Yes, yes he did have a bad day against Wisconsin. Jerminic Smith was open a number of times down field and CJ overthrew him. Now, the offensive line didn't do him any favors but let's not pretend CJ didn't play his worst game of the season.
The real answer is that there isn't a single QB in the conference that is having a very good year.
There are only 2 QBs in the league with 1000 yards (200 yds/game) and 60% completions through 5 games: Beathard and Stave.
There are only 2 QBs in the league with 1000 yards (200 yds/game) and 60% completions through 5 games: Beathard and Stave.
Let's not pretend that 20-30 mph wind wasn't a factor.
I saw Mason at dinner last Friday night at Topo Gigio in Chicago. Introduced my self and told him how knowledgeable he is, and that I really appreciated the fact that he did his homework. 
The Hawks are playing well and while we have a wider margin of error than we have had in the past couple of years we still can still fall and fall hard if we endure injuries either to key players or multiple injuries at a single position.
Going into the year I thought for us to be good we needed to be significantly better with Guard play on the offensive line, we needed the linebackers to step up on defense and then we need much more production and consistency from the punting position. All three have occurred. What has also occurred which I didn't expect was the upgrade at the QB position that CJ has brought. CJ has poise and a calmness about him that we haven't seen for a while. That and he can make throws in tight boxes like a witch.
Going into the year I thought for us to be good we needed to be significantly better with Guard play on the offensive line, we needed the linebackers to step up on defense and then we need much more production and consistency from the punting position. All three have occurred. What has also occurred which I didn't expect was the upgrade at the QB position that CJ has brought. CJ has poise and a calmness about him that we haven't seen for a while. That and he can make throws in tight boxes like a witch.
I don't think those QB runs against Pitt were designed runs, just CJ making plays when there were no open receivers.
There's no denying the wind was a factor but it was his worst performance of the year.
Do you all think Connor Cook or JT Barrett would put up the same numbers they do with our WR's, RB's and two new tackles that often leave CJ getting crushed?
You can't just always judge a QB by numbers when the skillset on varying teams is so vastly different. We do not have 1st round NFL talent at WR and RB like OSU does. Heck, even MSU's playmakers far outweigh ours. Without his dual-threat ability, we may be looking at two losses already.
You can't just always judge a QB by numbers when the skillset on varying teams is so vastly different. We do not have 1st round NFL talent at WR and RB like OSU does. Heck, even MSU's playmakers far outweigh ours. Without his dual-threat ability, we may be looking at two losses already.
Over the past few years many on this board complained about the lack of Iowa talk on BTN. Now that Iowa is playing well, they are getting talked about. So enjoy the ride. I love the fact that I can randomly turn on BTN and the Hawks are being talked about.
It doesn't matter whether Mason is right or wrong. I like CJB, he's a gamer, and if Mason wants to say that after 5 weeks he's the best QB in the B10, great! It isn't going to affect the way this team prepares or plays.
It doesn't matter whether Mason is right or wrong. I like CJB, he's a gamer, and if Mason wants to say that after 5 weeks he's the best QB in the B10, great! It isn't going to affect the way this team prepares or plays.
If you base rankings on only the games that have been played so far, Northwestern should be ranked 5th in the country (or better). They beat Stanford, killed Minnesota (A team that lost to TCU by a touchdown) and Duke on the road. You tell me 5 other programs that have better wins than that? You can't. Keep in mind, I am a huge Hawkeye fan and I hate Northwestern, but the results are the results. If their name were Michigan or Ohio State with those wins, they would probably be ranked 1 or 2.
Just to be clear, is Northwestern going to be a top 5 team at the end of the year? Are they even going to be in the Top 20? I have no idea. But based on the results so far, they deserve be top 5.
In the post game...Wisconsin's QB was asked about the wind...he said that from his perspective, it wasn't much of a factor at all in his poor performance.
Seemed to be two pretty good defenses vs two separate offenses with a lack of playmakers because of injury and/or talent depth.
In the end if you win you are a "good" QB and if you don't you are a "poor" QB...in the eyes of most people.
Seemed to be two pretty good defenses vs two separate offenses with a lack of playmakers because of injury and/or talent depth.
In the end if you win you are a "good" QB and if you don't you are a "poor" QB...in the eyes of most people.
I am surprised at how high Glen Mason has been on Iowa this year. I always got the drift he never cared for Iowa much.
If you look through the B1G, how many fellow B1G QBs have faced Ds that have been playing better than Pitt and Wisconsin? Stave had to face off against Iowa and 'Bama ... but he's also a QB who doesn't belong on a list of "best QBs." Sudfield had had to face Wake Forest (#20 in total D) and Ohio State ... and he's performed admirably. However, how much of the Indiana O is attributable to Sudfield and how much of it benefits from scheme?
Consequently, I suspect that Beathard has been given the benefit of the doubt because he's performed admirably against most competition, he's played against some pretty elite Ds, AND when he DID struggle - he also happened to be missing his starting LT and his top WR.
Yeah, I think Beathard is good. I don't know if he's "there" yet ... but he's definitely capable of playing at a very high level.
Consequently, I suspect that Beathard has been given the benefit of the doubt because he's performed admirably against most competition, he's played against some pretty elite Ds, AND when he DID struggle - he also happened to be missing his starting LT and his top WR.
Yeah, I think Beathard is good. I don't know if he's "there" yet ... but he's definitely capable of playing at a very high level.
Stave showed pretty good leadership, humbleness, accountability in the interview following a painful loss, where most fans were blaming him, primarily.
Of course, the "failure" of a QB is most often quite complicated with many participants, coaching and players...
Of course, the "failure" of a QB is most often quite complicated with many participants, coaching and players...
Mason is correct.
CJ has the best passing completion % in the league.
No QB was good in the windy conditions Saturday. Armstrong was like 9 of 30.
Combine the lack of protection, wind and no separation WRs and CJ's numbers vs Badgers were no surprise.
He is playing the best right now in this league.
Those deep passes to Smith on Saturday were low percentage efforts in that gale.
CJ has the best passing completion % in the league.
No QB was good in the windy conditions Saturday. Armstrong was like 9 of 30.
Combine the lack of protection, wind and no separation WRs and CJ's numbers vs Badgers were no surprise.
He is playing the best right now in this league.
Those deep passes to Smith on Saturday were low percentage efforts in that gale.
I can't get past your first sentence; I did not have to read any further! Thanks for that !.
Uh, yeah, he believes that.
