Got a free ticket from a buddy to the UNI/Iowa State game, so went to check them out and the new and improved Jack Trice. I must say the additions they've made look really nice and the atmosphere to start the game was very electric. Iowa State has a really nice venue for football now. I think Iowa fans making the game next week will probably have the same or similar impression.
I think the game next week should be very good and competitive. If Iowa's secondary can hold up against the playmakers ISU has at receiver, and they have some good ones, then I like the Hawkeyes chances. Obviously, turnovers and special teams always factor in, but to me that is the key: Iowa being able to hold up in the secondary, because ISU has more than one legit home-run hitter at wide receiver. With that said, ISU's running game was not good at all, and I would be shocked if they have any success whatsoever against Iowa next week. Also, Richardson looked decent at times, but also looked pretty shaky at times as well. Part of that is a credit to UNI, as they were able to put pressure on him fairly consistently. Richardson, in my opinion, was so-so at being elusive. Iowa State's defense, however, is vastly improved from last year, so Iowa's offense better come ready for a dog fight. I know that's not saying much (ISU's defense improving from last year), but still, their defense is not the same eyesore it was last season.
I really liked what I saw from the Hawks on TV today. I felt the defense was solid all around. The secondary looked good for the most part, the linebackers didn't seem as clueless as they did last season, and the defensive line looked outstanding. I also was VERY impressed with Iowa's offensive line. Even though they outweighed ISU's kids by an average of 30 pds, I still think they looked good in terms of technique and in pass protection. That was my big concern, pass protection, and at least from TV it looked like Beathard had a pretty comfortable pocket the majority of the game. With that said, it did concern me that he didn't seem to be able to find any open receivers down field with all the time he had to throw (I think CJ did an outstanding job of managing the game today, btw). Obviously, TV doesn't allow for a view of what the wide receivers are doing downfield, so my question would be for anyone at the game, were the receivers blanketed that much or was CJ just missing wide open receivers a lot? That would be the one major concern I have with this team right now that seemed to be an issue last year: receivers not getting open. Yes, I know Rudock had a reputation last year for being Captain Checkdown before plays had a chance to develop, but it seemed that today receivers not getting open downfield was an issue given how much time Beathard consistently had to throw.
Anyway, very happy with what I saw today. Hope they continue to build upon a good start and end up somewhere north of 8 wins this season. Obviously with the schedule they have this year, it could easily happen.
I think the game next week should be very good and competitive. If Iowa's secondary can hold up against the playmakers ISU has at receiver, and they have some good ones, then I like the Hawkeyes chances. Obviously, turnovers and special teams always factor in, but to me that is the key: Iowa being able to hold up in the secondary, because ISU has more than one legit home-run hitter at wide receiver. With that said, ISU's running game was not good at all, and I would be shocked if they have any success whatsoever against Iowa next week. Also, Richardson looked decent at times, but also looked pretty shaky at times as well. Part of that is a credit to UNI, as they were able to put pressure on him fairly consistently. Richardson, in my opinion, was so-so at being elusive. Iowa State's defense, however, is vastly improved from last year, so Iowa's offense better come ready for a dog fight. I know that's not saying much (ISU's defense improving from last year), but still, their defense is not the same eyesore it was last season.
I really liked what I saw from the Hawks on TV today. I felt the defense was solid all around. The secondary looked good for the most part, the linebackers didn't seem as clueless as they did last season, and the defensive line looked outstanding. I also was VERY impressed with Iowa's offensive line. Even though they outweighed ISU's kids by an average of 30 pds, I still think they looked good in terms of technique and in pass protection. That was my big concern, pass protection, and at least from TV it looked like Beathard had a pretty comfortable pocket the majority of the game. With that said, it did concern me that he didn't seem to be able to find any open receivers down field with all the time he had to throw (I think CJ did an outstanding job of managing the game today, btw). Obviously, TV doesn't allow for a view of what the wide receivers are doing downfield, so my question would be for anyone at the game, were the receivers blanketed that much or was CJ just missing wide open receivers a lot? That would be the one major concern I have with this team right now that seemed to be an issue last year: receivers not getting open. Yes, I know Rudock had a reputation last year for being Captain Checkdown before plays had a chance to develop, but it seemed that today receivers not getting open downfield was an issue given how much time Beathard consistently had to throw.
Anyway, very happy with what I saw today. Hope they continue to build upon a good start and end up somewhere north of 8 wins this season. Obviously with the schedule they have this year, it could easily happen.