I like our odds in 2018/19

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

I have a feeling we’re going to be extremely happy Hawkeyes when the season unfolds.. Can we do a repeat of 2015 regular season and win the damn BTC? I think we have all the tools to do so, however we need to capitalize on all breaks such as turnovers turning into TD’s not 3 points.. our defense needs to figure out a damn rush for the ends and LB’s and create havoc.. and Stanley, he needs to hit those deep balls .. these are obviously just a few but we have all the makings of an team that could raise some eyebrows this fall into the final game of the season.. can we reach Indy and win it? I think we can.. I know we can .. and I think they will..

 

[CO_hawk]

People feel like this every year, history tells us every 4-5 years they are right.

I'm going the wait and see approach.

 

[Wingman137]

A person never knows how well the team gels with each other. One of the great unknowns in football. I personally believe we will compete in the West. I also believe that Wisc is still the team to beat. Until we catch them, we're 2nd best. If things come together, this might be the year. If not we'll sound like our friends to the west, "wait until next year!"

 

[mvhomerj]

Given the schedule, I agree it could be a very good year.

 

[Rifler]

My expectations for the the upcoming football season feel eerily similar to those that I had for the recently completed basketball season,.... Lesson learned. I'm going watch quietly and hope not to be disappointed....

 

[Hawk_4shur]

When you are Iowa, the margin for error is very thin. Injuries to a couple of key players, key penalties in a close game, a dropped pass - all could mean the difference between W and L.

Move the chains on offense. Slow down the run on defense. Be effective on special teams. Simple formula, right?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

If it occurs in '18 ... I would think that it comes a year early. I understand that we enjoy a favorable schedule in '18 ... but the structure of the roster seems poised to hit its apex in 2019. For magic to happen in '18, we'd need to see significant gains at WR and our LB play would have to play at a level higher than you'd ordinary expect for a trio of first year starters. Furthermore, while I know better than to question Phil Parker coached DBs ... we're still poised to experience some growing pains at CB. On top of all the above questions about the '18 roster ... our OL still returns surprisingly few starts.

I honestly believe that part of the reason why Kirk encouraged James Daniels to bolt early for the NFL was to help set up the OL for the 2019 season. The '18 season, for a myriad of reasons, is poised to be a solid season ... but still a bit of a transitioning season.

If you look to the 2019 squad, there should be a great mix of talent and experience at nearly every position group. Even if Fant bolts for the NFL early ... the group of TEs will still be a huge strength. Our WRs will only continue to improve and make developmental gains. On the OL, we're poised to only lose 2 starters ... and I anticipate that we'll have rotations at a number of spots in '18 (thereby continuing to built more depth on the OL). Consequently, the Hawks will return even more starts to the '19 OL group ... and even more guys who have seen quality snaps. Perhaps the most important thing is that Nate Stanley will be a SR ... I expect great things from this young man.

If you look at the defensive personnel - there really should be no "holes" in the roster. In fact, my only concern about the defense in '19 is where the leadership will come from. However, in terms of talent, the group should be swimming in it!

 

[ICTrojans99]

This seasons schedule may be easier than 19 but I think 19 could be right there with 02 & 09 talent wise. Top to bottom it could be Kirks deepest team. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. Time will tell.

 

[Harbinger273]

We need to keep in mind that at this point M. Kallenberger is the only reserve T. Paulsen is out the rest of the spring. ONE reserve Tackle is an issue because you cant reasonably expect no injuries to the Oline. I know Paulsen will return but even 2 backups is a problem.

 

[RogerKint]

We need to keep in mind that at this point M. Kallenberger is the only reserve T. Paulsen is out the rest of the spring. ONE reserve Tackle is an issue because you cant reasonably expect no injuries to the Oline. I know Paulsen will return but even 2 backups is a problem.

I just went through the roster and we are indeed thin at OT. Dalton Ferguson has some experience along with the Paulsens. Kallenberger continues to put on weight and he should be ready this year as well. We do have a lot of interior lineman that could fill in too. Let’s just keep Jackson and Wirfs healthy this year. If our O-Line continues to grow both physically and technically, it is going to be a beast next year.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

We need to keep in mind that at this point M. Kallenberger is the only reserve T. Paulsen is out the rest of the spring. ONE reserve Tackle is an issue because you cant reasonably expect no injuries to the Oline. I know Paulsen will return but even 2 backups is a problem.

I just went through the roster and we are indeed thin at OT. Dalton Ferguson has some experience along with the Paulsens. Kallenberger continues to put on weight and he should be ready this year as well. We do have a lot of interior lineman that could fill in too. Let’s just keep Jackson and Wirfs healthy this year. If our O-Line continues to grow both physically and technically, it is going to be a beast next year.

It's absolutely true that OT depth is non-ideal. However, last year was about as bad as the situation can get for us in terms of OT injuries ... and 6 different guys ended up playing at OT for us. Part of the reason for going that deep is that they were playing around with Welsh at RT for a while .. because they weren't keen on putting a true freshman in at OT. Had Wirfs not been dinged during summer/fall-camp ... maybe they don't even bother to slide Welsh to the outside.

Here's the breakdown: (of who played at each spot)

LT: Jackson, Myers, Wirfs
RT: Boettger, Welsh, Wirfs, Le. Paulsen

As we look to 2018, the guys who can play at OT are: Wirfs (SO), Jackson (SO), Kallenberger (RS FR), Ferguson (SR), Levi Paulsen (JR), Ince (TR FR), and Plumb (TR FR)

Obviously, we're not going to be wanting to rely upon true-freshmen to play for us in '18 - besides, Plumb obviously is going to have a ton of physical development still ahead of him. Levi is missing the whole spring ... so that too is problematic. Thus, it's rather prudent to have some concerns about OT depth.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

It's absolutely true that OT depth is non-ideal. However, last year was about as bad as the situation can get for us in terms of OT injuries ... and 6 different guys ended up playing at OT for us. Part of the reason for going that deep is that they were playing around with Welsh at RT for a while .. because they weren't keen on putting a true freshman in at OT. Had Wirfs not been dinged during summer/fall-camp ... maybe they don't even bother to slide Welsh to the outside.

Here's the breakdown: (of who played at each spot)

LT: Jackson, Myers, Wirfs
RT: Boettger, Welsh, Wirfs, Le. Paulsen

As we look to 2018, the guys who can play at OT are: Wirfs (SO), Jackson (SO), Kallenberger (RS FR), Ferguson (SR), Levi Paulsen (JR), Ince (TR FR), and Plumb (TR FR)

Obviously, we're not going to be wanting to rely upon true-freshmen to play for us in '18 - besides, Plumb obviously is going to have a ton of physical development still ahead of him. Levi is missing the whole spring ... so that too is problematic. Thus, it's rather prudent to have some concerns about OT depth.

This very reason is also part of the reason why I like how things set up for the Hawks even more in '19. By then, Kallenberger will be more than ready to go ... also Ince will probably be ready to start contributing too. Lastly, Ezra Miller is a big boy ... while it wouldn't be ideal to rely upon him being a contributor as a TR FR ... at least he'd be physically ready to help in '19 if called upon.

 

[N.Legend]

When you are Iowa, the margin for error is very thin. Injuries to a couple of key players, key penalties in a close game, a dropped pass - all could mean the difference between W and L.

Move the chains on offense. Slow down the run on defense. Be effective on special teams. Simple formula, right?

How can Iowa football be fixed? It has been nearly 15 years since the Hawkeyes have won a conference title. Are folks content with that or do they look at the program and see it needs a fix.

 

[hawkfeever]

How can Iowa football be fixed? It has been nearly 15 years since the Hawkeyes have won a conference title. Are folks content with that or do they look at the program and see it needs a fix.

1 play away in 2015. 1 play.

 

[N.Legend]

1 play away in 2015. 1 play.

And that's so true with a lot of teams.

 

[RogerKint]

And that's so true with a lot of teams.

No it’s not.

 

[rchawk]

This very reason is also part of the reason why I like how things set up for the Hawks even more in '19. By then, Kallenberger will be more than ready to go ... also Ince will probably be ready to start contributing too. Lastly, Ezra Miller is a big boy ... while it wouldn't be ideal to rely upon him being a contributor as a TR FR ... at least he'd be physically ready to help in '19 if called upon.

You make a good argument Homer, especially about the OL. I like that our #1 tackles are set for three more years. I like that we have a TE pipeline. Also that there are a lot of starters and very promising players with two years or more of eligibility. 2019 looks good.

I agree with the OP that there's reason for optimism in 2018. The schedule is better, for one thing. Last year Iowa drew crossover games with Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State. In the West we had Wisconsin and Northwestern on the road. This fall we get Penn State, Indiana and Maryland from the East. Toughest West road game may be Purdue. And we get the Badgers and Cats in Kinnick, which helps.

A lot of talent coming back. Stanley and returning OL starters will be more experienced and better. TEs, we are four-deep in high quality. We get to watch Noah Fant in (perhaps) his last year before becoming a multi-millionaire. DL will be a strength. WRs are a concern, so are new RBs and LBs. For the latter two I think the talent is there, albeit young.

Sorry to go on, but I am with the OP on optimism for 2018. I think there is good reason to expect a very good football team and a fun season.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I am always optimistic in April.

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

Iowa always needs luck with injuries to have 10+ win seasons. With a little luck, some natural improvement out of a few key offensive players (skill & line) and decent linebackers we could have a tremendous season. Now is the time for optimism.

Go Hawks!

 

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

Hey, great brains think a like! I like your optimism as well

You make a good argument Homer, especially about the OL. I like that our #1 tackles are set for three more years. I like that we have a TE pipeline. Also that there are a lot of starters and very promising players with two years or more of eligibility. 2019 looks good.

I agree with the OP that there's reason for optimism in 2018. The schedule is better, for one thing. Last year Iowa drew crossover games with Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State. In the West we had Wisconsin and Northwestern on the road. This fall we get Penn State, Indiana and Maryland from the East. Toughest West road game may be Purdue. And we get the Badgers and Cats in Kinnick, which helps.

A lot of talent coming back. Stanley and returning OL starters will be more experienced and better. TEs, we are four-deep in high quality. We get to watch Noah Fant in (perhaps) his last year before becoming a multi-millionaire. DL will be a strength. WRs are a concern, so are new RBs and LBs. For the latter two I think the talent is there, albeit young.

Sorry to go on, but I am with the OP on optimism for 2018. I think there is good reason to expect a very good football team and a fun season.

 

[N.Legend]

No it’s not.

2011 Michigan St was one play away from beating Wisconsin (roughing the kicker penalty on a return to the five-yard line).

Texas A&M beat the Kansas State Wildcats, on the last play in double overtime in the 1998 Big 12 Championships.

Auburn over Alabama on a field goal attempt return in the 2013 Sec Championships.

Texas over Nebraska in the 2009 Big Twelve Championships when a questionable clock expired.

2012 Pac 12 Championship game. UCLA missed a field goal in the waning few seconds and lost to Stanford.

 

[mvhomerj]

Being optimistic in April for the Hawks, is like bieing optimistic for the Cubs in December. Although it work once!

 

[ICTrojans99]

It sucks that for the 4th straight year we are this thin at tackle. Would have been real nice to get either of the Iowa Western Tackles to join this spring but oh well. WIth Plumb & Kallenberger we should feel a lot better next year at this time. I think I would probably recruit 2 tackles for every 1 G/C type lineman. Coaches are a lot smarter than me though. Except the ones that started Bower of course.

 

[rchawk]

Being optimistic in April for the Hawks, is like bieing optimistic for the Cubs in December. Although it work once!

The Hawks have a little better track record than the Cubs. I am hopeful for both this year.

 

[rchawk]

It sucks that for the 4th straight year we are this thin at tackle. Would have been real nice to get either of the Iowa Western Tackles to join this spring but oh well. WIth Plumb & Kallenberger we should feel a lot better next year at this time. I think I would probably recruit 2 tackles for every 1 G/C type lineman. Coaches are a lot smarter than me though. Except the ones that started Bower of course.

I think some fans are too hard on Bower. Not trying to blindly side with the coaches, but I do believe he was the best we had at his position. Linebackers have about one second to make a read and react.

I'm not sure we are so thin at tackle. Jackson and Wirfs are studs who will be knocking bad guys backwards for the next three seasons. The coaches really like Kallenberger. I remember when he was recruited posters who saw him play at Bettendorf really liked him too. Levi Paulsen should be healthy for fall camp.

I get what you are saying about recruiting tackles, but it's not that easy. High-quality Big Ten tackles are not that easy to find in the high school ranks. When you get a good one with the strength and the footwork he is not only rare but coveted by other schools as well. Big road graders are more common. Nothing wrong with that, they make fine interior linemen. .

 

[RogerKint]

2011 Michigan St was one play away from beating Wisconsin (roughing the kicker penalty on a return to the five-yard line).

Texas A&M beat the Kansas State Wildcats, on the last play in double overtime in the 1998 Big 12 Championships.

Auburn over Alabama on a field goal attempt return in the 2013 Sec Championships.

Texas over Nebraska in the 2009 Big Twelve Championships when a questionable clock expired.

2012 Pac 12 Championship game. UCLA missed a field goal in the waning few seconds and lost to Stanford.

Thank you for your hard work. I think you just made my point.

 

[unoHawkeye]

2011 Michigan St was one play away from beating Wisconsin (roughing the kicker penalty on a return to the five-yard line).

Texas A&M beat the Kansas State Wildcats, on the last play in double overtime in the 1998 Big 12 Championships.

Auburn over Alabama on a field goal attempt return in the 2013 Sec Championships.

Texas over Nebraska in the 2009 Big Twelve Championships when a questionable clock expired.

2012 Pac 12 Championship game. UCLA missed a field goal in the waning few seconds and lost to Stanford.

A) 6/129 (4%) teams since 1998 isn’t “a lot.”
B) I knew as soon as you responded that the 2009 Big 12 Championship game was going to get brought up. It’s funny to me how mad Nebraska fans still are about that game

 

[N.Legend]

Thank you for your hard work. I think you just made my point.

That its not true with a lot of teams?

 

[hawkfeever]

And that's so true with a lot of teams.

Not as clearly as it was for Iowa in 2015. Literally one single play. At least 3 Hawks with a chance to end it short of goal line. That close.

 

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

Have to agree with Hawkfever.. I watched that goal line stand and I can’t believe how many missed tackles or lack of pushing one RB back .. I know easier than it looks but when you have 3 clearly eligible Hawkeye body’s right there and not one can get enough push back to stuff him? I mean after watching that play when he scored to end Iowa’s dreams of the playoffs I felt like puking .. where was Jaleel? Shit, if it was more towards his side he would of ate that RB for lunch like he did in the Michigan game in 2016



QUOTE="hawkfeever, post: 5291424, member: 75440"]Not as clearly as it was for Iowa in 2015. Literally one single play. At least 3 Hawks with a chance to end it short of goal line. That close.[/QUOTE]

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I have a feeling we’re going to be extremely happy Hawkeyes when the season unfolds.

Uh, Hawkeye Report will be happy? Unlikely.