Iowa had 4th Toughest 2017 Schedule in Nation; should we give the staff some credit?

[Franisdaman]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow 9h9 hours ago

Top 5 toughest 2017 schedules in college football, per Sagarin, with season record.

1. Maryland (4-8)
2. Florida State (5-6)
3. Notre Dame (9-3)
4. Iowa (7-5)
5. Syracuse (4-8)


4 of our Losses (CFP Rankings last week):

@ #5 Wisconsin
#10 Penn State at home
@ #16 Mich State
@ #22 Northwestern

Wins vs Ranked teams (CFP Rankings last week):

#9 Ohio State (at home)

 

[2tightTshirt]

In short, yes.

 

[Nile High]

Thanks for sharing that.
It sure seemed like a tough one.
Go Hawks

 

[luvmyhawks]

In short, yes.

In long, no.

The loss to Purdue is ridiculous and just shouldn’t happen anymore. Had we won that, we would all be pretty pleased with the season, imho. It is frustrating to continue to lose those types of games.

 

[spiderland]

God, I’d think we would had to have been 1 or maybe 2 then if not for the Nebby game...

 

[Franisdaman]

In long, no.

The loss to Purdue is ridiculous and just shouldn’t happen anymore. Had we won that, we would all be pretty pleased with the season, imho. It is frustrating to continue to lose those types of games.

fair enough.

and i would say the way we lost to Wisky is not acceptable.

8-4 would have been great; but the way we got to 7-5 is a head scratcher.

I think this season will be remembered for "what if." What if, when it comes to those two 7 point losses at N'w and at Mich State. What if our D held on that final play vs Penn State.

Our 7-5 record could have been 9-3 or 10-2.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

credit for 66 yards in a game and a loss to purdue ay?

i'll give them credit

 

[Nile High]

In long, no.

The loss to Purdue is ridiculous and just shouldn’t happen anymore. Had we won that, we would all be pretty pleased with the season, imho. It is frustrating to continue to lose those types of games.

I'll see your Purdue loss and raise you an Ohio State beat down.

 

[Franisdaman]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow 10h10 hours ago
Chad Leistikow Retweeted Rob Howe

And four wins came against bowl teams: Wyoming (7-5), Iowa State (7-5), North Texas (9-3, in C-USA title game), Ohio State (10-2, B1G East champ).

Chad Leistikow added,

Rob Howe@RobHoweHN

All five of the Hawkeyes' '17 losses - Penn St., Michigan St., Northwestern, Wisconsin & Purdue - came to teams heading to bowl games. Their records were a combined 46-14 overall and 34-11 in B1G games.
4 replies14 retweets45 likes

 

[Eternal Return]

If Iowa had won against a couple more it would have been impressive. But they only beat one team that made the schedule difficult and they lost to a team they should have beaten. Not really impressed. Plus, if Iowa beats NW and MSU, those teams aren't ranked. I'm more impressed by good quality play and Ws than losses to teams that are supposedly good. The bottom half of the B10 (from #7 down) is putrid. If the 2015 team had played against this schedule would they have won more games? I would think so ... unless they were overrated.

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

You also have to consider we were breaking in a new OC, new QB, new WRs, new TEs, new CBs, new safeties, and new RT & LT for most of the season. Add that to the 4th toughest schedule in the country and I'll take 7-5. Games like Purdue happen to most programs, sucks but we deal with one of those pretty much every season. See last year NDSU.

 

[luvmyhawks]

I'll see your Purdue loss and raise you an Ohio State beat down.

So? Does that make it acceptable to completely forget to show up against Wisconsin and Purdue? I don’t think so. Again, it is these head scratching games every single year that keeps Iowa from taking that next step. It’s frustrating.

 

[Eternal Return]

You also have to consider we were breaking in a new OC, new QB, new WRs, new TEs, new CBs, new safeties, and new RT & LT for most of the season. Add that to the 4th toughest schedule in the country and I'll take 7-5. Games like Purdue happen to most programs, sucks but we deal with one of those pretty much every season. See last year NDSU.

Okay, now that's a good argument. I didn't consider that, so good call. Yes, with a makeshift staff trying to find its way and a lot of youth playing because of a lack of depth in the upper classes, it was a good season ... unless they lose their bowl game. I think it all boils down to getting a bowl win. Hell, if Iowa had the worst schedule in football but still managed to win a bowl game this year it would all be worth it. They have to win one this year, right? They can't lose forever, can they?

 

[luvmyhawks]

fair enough.

and i would say the way we lost to Wisky is not acceptable.

8-4 would have been great; but the way we got to 7-5 is a head scratcher.

I think this season will be remembered for "what if." What if, when it comes to those two 7 point losses at N'w and at Mich State. What if our D held on that final play vs Penn State.

Our 7-5 record could have been 9-3 or 10-2.

Yep. Definitely one of those woulda, coulda, shoulda type of seasons. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible season by any stretch. Go and win a bowl game and I think we can all head into the off season feeling pretty good and optimistic for the future.

 

[Franisdaman]

So? Does that make it acceptable to completely forget to show up against Wisconsin and Purdue? I don’t think so. Again, it is these head scratching games every single year that keeps Iowa from taking that next step. It’s frustrating.

agreed.

and i bet OSU is wondering how they loss to Iowa, too. LOL

Penn State must be wondering how they lost to MSU and how they give up that lead to OSU. Heck, PSU could be sitting undefeated right now....

Such a weird year this year. Parity?

 

[Eternal Return]

So why isn't Iowa ranked given that they have a winning record against the 4th toughest schedule? Alabama is ranked in the top ten and they played a weak schedule. What's going on?

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Again, it is these head scratching games every single year that keeps Iowa from taking that next step. It’s frustrating.

IMO, this is the single biggest difference between Iowa and Wisconsin. I don't expect Iowa to compete for the national championship every year, but we should be in the division hunt every year and beat teams that are not.

I seriously can't remember the last time Wisky laid a huge turd or was a total no-show for an important game. This happens to Iowa every year, usually twice.

 

[Eternal Return]

IMO, this is the single biggest difference between Iowa and Wisconsin. I don't expect Iowa to compete for the national championship every year, but we should be in the division hunt every year and beat teams that are not.

I seriously can't remember the last time Wisky laid a huge turd or was a total no-show for an important game. This happens to Iowa every year, usually twice.

2014 CCG against Ohio State. 59-0. But that's the only game I can think of right now. They recovered pretty well from that fiasco.

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

God, I’d think we would had to have been 1 or maybe 2 then if not for the Nebby game...

Damn Nebbers, even when we beat them by 60 points they find a way to bring us down.

 

[Franisdaman]

Okay, now that's a good argument. I didn't consider that, so good call. Yes, with a makeshift staff trying to find its way and a lot of youth playing because of a lack of depth in the upper classes, it was a good season ... unless they lose their bowl game. I think it all boils down to getting a bowl win. Hell, if Iowa had the worst schedule in football but still managed to win a bowl game this year it would all be worth it. They have to win one this year, right? They can't lose forever, can they?

Look at Smith Marsette; one play he looks terrible and fumbles; the next, he has the game winning TD. This is kinda how the season went; one game we look fantastic; then we lay eggs vs Purdue.

One thing that is interesting is that even when Smith Marsette made mistakes they kept going back to him; that did not happen in the past.

 

[Eternal Return]

Such a weird year this year. Parity?

You might be right. You made me think of how many underclassmen went pro from OSU the last two years. They still have talent, but they've lost at least 10 guys the past two years who still would have had eligibility this year. They probably won't lose as many this year, though. That kind of attrition catches up to even teams like OSU.

 

[Franisdaman]

Damn Nebbers, even when we beat them by 60 points they find a way to bring us down.

agreed LOL

 

[Eternal Return]

Look at Smith Marsette; one play he looks terrible and fumbles; the next, he has the game winning TD. This is kinda how the season went; one game we look fantastic; then we lay eggs vs Purdue.

One thing that is interesting is that even when Smith Marsette made mistakes they kept going back to him; that did not happen in the past.

We're probably another year away from Iowa not needing to play many true freshmen. I hope, anyway. It is good that Ferentz stuck with ISM, but I think it was in part due to the lack of depth at WR. It's still going to thin next year, but at least they'll be more experienced. I expect the top 3 WRs to be ISM, Easley, and Brandon Smith. Actually, I hope someone like Harrell steps up and pushes Easley down to the 4th WR. Not because I don't like Easley, I just hope for even better quality on the field.

 

[Franisdaman]

We're probably another year away from Iowa not needing to play many true freshmen. I hope, anyway. It is good that Ferentz stuck with ISM, but I think it was in part due to the lack of depth at WR. It's still going to thin next year, but at least they'll be more experienced. I expect the top 3 WRs to be ISM, Easley, and Brandon Smith. Actually, I hope someone like Harrell steps up and pushes Easley down to the 4th WR. Not because I don't like Easley, I just hope for even better quality on the field.

I think BF is going to be ok as offensive coord. I think KF actually has a good staff; I like KOK there as QB coach and as a wise man that BF can lean on if needed.

Hopefully next year is not such a roller coaster ride. I like roller coasters, btw LOL

 

[robchawk]

We're probably another year away from Iowa not needing to play many true freshmen. I hope, anyway. It is good that Ferentz stuck with ISM, but I think it was in part due to the lack of depth at WR. It's still going to thin next year, but at least they'll be more experienced. I expect the top 3 WRs to be ISM, Easley, and Brandon Smith. Actually, I hope someone like Harrell steps up and pushes Easley down to the 4th WR. Not because I don't like Easley, I just hope for even better quality on the field.

and 4 of the 5 losses were to ranked teams if I am not mistaken..

 

[Eternal Return]

I think BF is going to be ok as offensive coord. I think KF actually has a good staff; I like KOK there as QB coach and as a wise man that BF can lean on if needed.

Hopefully next year is not such a roller coaster ride. I like roller coasters, btw LOL

I'm cautiously ... cautious, lol. If Iowa plays well and wins their bowl game I'll upgrade to cautiously optimistic.

 

[Franisdaman]

and 4 of the 5 losses were to ranked teams if I am not mistaken..

4 of our Losses (CFP Rankings last week):
#5 Wisconsin
#10 Penn State
#16 Mich State
#22 Northwestern

 

[Eternal Return]

and 4 of the 5 losses were to ranked teams if I am not mistaken..

Yes. But we want to do better than that, don't we? If Iowa can mature enough to come out on top against teams of this year's MSU and NW caliber on the road, then I'll believe they've turned a corner. I don't think any of us are going to be satisfied with losing 4 of 5 games to ranked opponents next year. We got a bump this year because it wasn't 1-4 with a win against NW. It was 1-4 with a win against OSU! But Iowa doesn't play OSU again for a while so they need to convert opportunities against teams like Michigan State, NW, and even UW. Well, if we want to see them get to 9-3 with at least a chance to win the West in the final game of the season. I'd like that. For now, win a damn bowl game!!!

 

[Eternal Return]

4 of our Losses (CFP Rankings last week):
#5 Wisconsin
#10 Penn State
#16 Mich State
#22 Northwestern

I think Michigan State is ranked too high, honestly. Still top 25, but should be closer to 25. They're jumping after beating some really weak competition because so many other top 25 teams lost to other good teams (and some not so good teams). If they end up going to anything higher than the Outback they're gonna get killed. They might even get slaughtered in the Outback, depending on the opponent.

 

[Franisdaman]

Yes. But we want to do better than that, don't we? If Iowa can mature enough to come out on top against teams of this year's MSU and NW caliber on the road, then I'll believe they've turned a corner. I don't think any of us are going to be satisfied with losing 4 of 5 games to ranked opponents next year. We got a bump this year because it wasn't 1-4 with a win against NW. It was 1-4 with a win against OSU! But Iowa doesn't play OSU again for a while so they need to convert opportunities against teams like Michigan State, NW, and even UW. Well, if we want to see them get to 9-3 with at least a chance to win the West in the final game of the season. I'd like that. For now, win a damn bowl game!!!

We were soooooooooo close.

Last second loss to Penn State
7 point loss on road to beatable MSU
7 point loss on road to beatable Northwestern
Inexcusable loss at home to Purdue

11-1 was in our grasp, baby! =)

 

[TonyTheTiger.1865]

Defensively yes, offensively NO!

 

[Eternal Return]

We were soooooooooo close.

Last second loss to Penn State
7 point loss on road to beatable MSU
7 point loss on road to beatable Northwestern
Inexcusable loss at home to Purdue

11-1 was in our grasp, baby! =)

lol, I don't know about 11-1, but the game against NW should have been won and the Purdue debacle was just ... an ugly hangover from the UW thrashing. Like I said, if the Hawks can convert those close (and somewhat ugly--esp. MSU and NW) losses next year, we'll see that they've matured and the second offseason under the new offensive staff is starting to take hold in a productive way. I'm waiting on the bowl game to see where this team really is. No more horseshoes and hand grenades!

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

So? Does that make it acceptable to completely forget to show up against Wisconsin and Purdue? I don’t think so. Again, it is these head scratching games every single year that keeps Iowa from taking that next step. It’s frustrating.

There are head scratching games every week around the country and there is no program who is not prone to "let downs". You don't think the OSU game was a head scratcher???....that is why CFB is so awesome...........anything can happen any given week.

 

[amahawk]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow 9h9 hours ago

Top 5 toughest 2017 schedules in college football, per Sagarin, with season record.

1. Maryland (4-8)
2. Florida State (5-6)
3. Notre Dame (9-3)
4. Iowa (7-5)
5. Syracuse (4-8)


4 of our Losses (CFP Rankings last week):

@ #5 Wisconsin
#10 Penn State at home
@ #16 Mich State
@ #22 Northwestern

Wins vs Ranked teams (CFP Rankings last week):

#9 Ohio State (at home)

There is no excuse for losing to Purdue at home.

 

[Steve Waite]

I knew our schedule was tough, but damn 4th toughest.
Wisconsin has the easiest schedule I have ever seen. They played bottom tier teams from both divisions on the road. Iowa & Michigan where the only ranked teams at the time at home. Unreal!
Then they get OSU probably without JT on a neutral site.
If they happen to get into playoff they will be exposed and taken to the woodshed.

 

[Suterman]

Bottom line, you can't go 4-5 in your conference and call it a successful season. Sorry but you can't. The other teams in the conference are how we measure things. We got smoked by Wisconsin which you can't have, and we lost to an up and coming but still also ran Purdue, on senior night...at home. There were some fabulous highs this year for sure, but Wisconsin is leaving us in the dust and that will NEVER sit well with me. If we can't compete for the title in our division....why tee it up at all?

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

Give the youth of this squad that certainly puts a somewhat different perspective on the season.

New staff, completely inexperienced QB, freshmen starting tackles, the misfortune of a missed kick cost the NW game (can't blame the coach for that one) and probably a dropped pass in OT (can't blame the coach for that one). I'll give you Purdue was a hangover game where the kids didn't look ready to go.

You bring in a lot of new offensive coaches and a coordinator that did shake things up, together with a very young offense you'll get some inconsistency. Looked great against the Clowns, Brutus and the Bug Eaters. Not so great at others and terrible a few times. Young team, new coaches and inexperienced players + 4th toughest schedule is about a 7-5/8-4 production at Iowa.

The boys were a lot closer to nine or ten wins than the 4 or five wins so many people projected (because of the inexperience, new coaches, tough schedule) which makes it a pretty decent season. Not historic but not bad by any means.

 

[MitchL]

I look at it this way... if Iowa wins some of those games, the winning % of the teams we lost to goes down. So the schedule looks tougher because Iowa lost those games.
You can spin this any way you want. ISU fans have done it for years.

 

[spiderland]

Damn Nebbers, even when we beat them by 60 points they find a way to bring us down.

You know, the longer Campbell stays at Iowa State, I think the more you’ll start to hear Hawk fans say we need to keep the ISU series but find a way to drop the Huskers for schedule strength reasons. I live in Omaha and I’m already starting to hear it a little, although mostly from Nebby fans at this point.

 

[jhawkinaz]

So? Does that make it acceptable to completely forget to show up against Wisconsin and Purdue? I don’t think so. Again, it is these head scratching games every single year that keeps Iowa from taking that next step. It’s frustrating.

you may be right, but in 10 years we will be remembering that "game in 2017 when we destroyed O$U"..........and not so much that we lost to Purdue.