"It's a new me" - Kirk Ferentz

[J_Heater]

Not only have we evolved into believing KF changed thanks to the fans, now we are creating fantasies in our hypothetical minds that all the players knew CJ was better. We seemed to have pretty good chemistry in 2013. Wonder if they liked Jake and then they caught him talking behind their backs about them. Ya that's what happened. Im sure of it. It has to be true.

You guys are a riot. As someone pointed out, last year, we were one stop (on defense) away from a chance to beat Wisconsin and 1 stop (on defense) away from beating Nebraska. We do that, we were playing in Indianapolis. What happened in 2010? Was Ricky Stanzi suddenly not liked by his teammates.

Sometimes you lose but it's awesome that you guys feel better by creating this little scenarios in your mind. It keeps me entertained.

 

[BeepBeepInMyJeep]

Couldn't agree more, In fact, the last time I felt this optimistic was coincidentally after the 2011 Pitt game where KIrk let it fly and JVB led that comeback by slinging the ball to every corner of Kinnick. The difference is this year we have more playmakers than in 2011 and speed to burn, so keep the throttle open for 4 quarters please. Something special is brewing IMO.

I'm not sure I can see the same parallels. That defense was very average (and thus subpar by KF standards). The offense has Coker and McNutt and. Other than that Very little in the way of decoys that could do anything against the better teams Iowa played that year. This year the defense has been decent at WORST of times and has been borderline dominant most of the time. Pitt really only had one good drive all game and were gifted 14 points.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

I agree with many things on this thread. However, if you think ticket sales, emails, threats, etc is the reasoning behind the transformation you are mistaken. If you think that the ISU and Nebby loss last year impacted you or that you were more disappointed in KF than KF was in himself, once again you are mistaken. Furthermore, I am really disappointed in many who did decide to not renew their season tickets, but in hindsight I think many are probably just as disappointed in themselves for not.....what a great game they missed last Saturday.
I think he did some self reflection, made the proper changes, and most importantly did not have to spend countless hours trying to raise funds, kiss butt to donors, etc and refocus on football operations.
I remember not much more than a few months ago I was one of the few on here that was in support of KF and many many posters were in huge disagreement.
Also agree that BF has been a valuable addition to the program and would not be surprised if he was a canidate to replace KF when he does decide to hang up the whistle. I have also never been one in support of bringing in Stoops or Beliema has a successor and the more Beliema speaks the smarter I begin to look

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Milehigh - I agree with most everything in your post. I have never been a KF hater, but thought it was time for some new blood. I am pleased that perhaps we get the new blood without having to change coaching staffs.

I am in the camp that believes that leading a major college football or basketball program to success is difficult and complicated. So many factors are important when you are competing against other teams that are trying just as hard.

I believe that KF is a very good person that has strong beliefs in his methodology. When it works, he is a man of discipline and principle. When is doesn't he is stubborn and foolish.

KF is getting a ton of credit for "changing". I'm happy for that, because he takes the blame for everything that goes wrong.

Personally, I don't think that much has changed. Yes, we faked a couple of field goals. The biggest difference is that we have a QB leader that makes plays. The same plays that were called in 2014 are actually working now - in critical situations.

The 2nd biggest difference is the comradery on this team - it has clearly improved and I believe that chemistry is vital to success in team sports. These guys are playing for each other.

Third - I think the bullies are back. I think we got pushed around the last few years, but not 2015.

Yep, I give KF credit for all those things.

Tip of the cap to KF, Barta and whomever was involved in the new football building. I think it deserves some credit for the comradery and the strength and conditioning.

I like this team. I like the direction of the program. I'm glad I don't have to decide when to fire the head coach because I would screw it up.

 

[BioHawk]

I think more has changed with how the program is run than changes on the field. I mean, I still see that God awful stretch play every week (one of these days it will work and I'll have to eat crow, but I don't think that will be soon). He changed things like how the practices were run and I'm betting they've made an effort to insert a lot more positive energy into what they do. All of these things seem to make a difference. Of course, winning football games probably helps with that more than anything else.

 

[hansenhawk]

Should have started about 5 years ago.

 

[hawkeyemark]

I agree with many things on this thread. However, if you think ticket sales, emails, threats, etc is the reasoning behind the transformation you are mistaken. If you think that the ISU and Nebby loss last year impacted you or that you were more disappointed in KF than KF was in himself, once again you are mistaken. Furthermore, I am really disappointed in many who did decide to not renew their season tickets, but in hindsight I think many are probably just as disappointed in themselves for not.....what a great game they missed last Saturday.
I think he did some self reflection, made the proper changes, and most importantly did not have to spend countless hours trying to raise funds, kiss butt to donors, etc and refocus on football operations.
I remember not much more than a few months ago I was one of the few on here that was in support of KF and many many posters were in huge disagreement.
Also agree that BF has been a valuable addition to the program and would not be surprised if he was a canidate to replace KF when he does decide to hang up the whistle. I have also never been one in support of bringing in Stoops or Beliema has a successor and the more Beliema speaks the smarter I begin to look

I consider myself a former critic of Kirk who had become disengaged and simply thought Kirk would probably retire early if things don't turn around which he still might only it would come after getting the program back on a positive track. I very much agree that we should not take our eyes off Brian Ferentz who I think will look more appealing if his Dad continues a general turn around. Brian has stayed somewhat quiet behind the scenes but I suspect has played a very critical role in the change of direction and I think he has a very good football mind which he displayed even in his playing days when he always gave engaging and interesting interviews as a player spokesman.

 

[thirdandpunting]

Kirk saying its a new Kirk
Newspaper articles are on message

Iowa beat Iowa State for the second time in 5 years
Iowa wins an emotional game against Pitt
QB change

Perfect time for the Kirk camp to start the re-branding. "Kirk is a gun slinging play caller who has tapped in the pulse of the next generation of Iowa football players."

Critical moment in the late in the Pitt game, Iowa 4th and 2 near mid-field, the new Ferentz still punted to a chorus of "boo"s.

Don't get me wrong, it's great that Iowa is 3-0, CJB is playing and Iowa has tried some fake field goals. Just believe its a little too early to rebrand Ferentz. If he makes the aggressive calls in difficult situations then he deserves praise, until then he's still the same guy with a better QB.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

Give KF credit for pulling the plug on Rudock, but it did take him an entire season to figure it out and came darned close to seeing Beathard transfer. I cancelled my season tickets after KF played an awful Vandenberg every snap of 2011 season. And KF also was the guy that had JC Christiansen starting. KF has long history of not recognizing upside in talent at QB position and sticking with the veteran. Good to see Brian Ferentz/Davis were able to get him to grow.

While I think CJ has looked great this year, he did not play like this last year. He really grew up and, to a large extent, is playing like a QB who doesn't have to look over his shoulder worried he'd get the hook at the first mistake.

Had CJ played last year like he has this year, I think KF would have made the switch.

 

[TS568]

I'm not sure I can see the same parallels. That defense was very average (and thus subpar by KF standards). The offense has Coker and McNutt and. Other than that Very little in the way of decoys that could do anything against the better teams Iowa played that year. This year the defense has been decent at WORST of times and has been borderline dominant most of the time. Pitt really only had one good drive all game and were gifted 14 points.

I don't think you understood me, I said we have MORE playmakers and speed on offense than we did in 2011. And obviously this year's D is a far meaner beast. Hence, no need for a letdown like we felt a few games after the Pitt win in 2011. Like others said, sometimes there's just a sense that you're on the verge of something special. Even the injuries to Conner and Clement, two of the best RBs on our schedule, while unfortunate are things that happen when it's "your year". Don't misinterpret that please.

 

[hawkeyekid]

Should have started about 5 years ago.

So after an Orange Bowl win he should have been thinking "Wow. Things aren't going great. I should change things up alittle bit".

 

[icu81222]

In This hyper social media age for many it is. A vine video is only allowed to be 6 seconds. My hawkeye highlight videos sometimes go 6 minutes, it feels like a miracle to get anyone to watch with our societies short attention span.

Speaking of highlight videos......a new one for this week?

 

[uniFIGHTuniFIGHT]

Agree, i think most if not all of the guys knew CJ was the better option but Kirk loved Rudock and did have a decent season the year before so couldn't bring himself to supplant him.

I think it had a bad effect on moral.

I think you sound like middle management.

 

[mickv]

The assumption that the those that gave up their season tickets stopped going to the games is incorrect. I will go to every game, and so far sitting in a better seat than the one I had last year. Nice to have the option to stay home, but can't seem to do it. Being a Hawkeye fan has been a important part of my life..will always be a die hard fan.

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

If the football life doesn't pan our for CJ he can always be the Dread Pirate Robert in a remake of the Princess Bride.

568, I gotcha. Great movie line. "You bought a cemetery? Great! People gotta die, they might as well die for us." You think Hawks adversaries weren't lucky when they played Iowa without Marcus Coker, Jewell Hampton, Wegher or that good runner from Lincoln? A mysterious group of consecutive disappearances. Iowa isn't the kind of program that can take that loss of talent in a short period of time. It leaves devastating gaps in our talent.

 

[revkev73]

Like golf, it is so easy to revert back to what was, especially under duress or pressure...

Hope creative, go for it, KF will remain...

3-0 is a great start...could have ben 1-2 easily...but wasn't.

 

[nu2u]

Like golf, its easy to shank one when you're not paying attention.

 

[RocknRollface]

I think you sound like middle management.

Haha, I have no idea what that means.

Been the boss for 10 years.

 

[uniFIGHTuniFIGHT]

Haha, I have no idea what that means.

Been the boss for 10 years.

Do you speculate that freely with your employees?

 

[sadhawk]

Can I change my name to Happy Hawk?
I like what I see this year just keep up the tempo win or lose, just try to win for 60 minutes!

 

[RocknRollface]

Do you speculate that freely with your employees?

About football?

 

[uniFIGHTuniFIGHT]

About football?

About college athletes.

Edit: You're implying less-than-flattering things about people you don't know. That's a middle-management kind of move. The boss is supposed to delegate that task to middle management.

 

[Iowastudnothickjr]

Speaking of highlight videos......a new one for this week?

I second this. 6 seconds or 6 minutes a good video is a good video. I tend to look for "reedsposer22/Kirkferentzrocks" videos when I'm searching for new highlights. The Iowa vs Iowa State from this year is absolutely amazing.

 

[JStandefer]

About college athletes.

Edit: You're implying less-than-flattering things about people you don't know. That's a middle-management kind of move. The boss is supposed to delegate that task to middle management.

Don't be that guy

 

[J_Heater]

2 pages of this thread. Not bad for a quote from KF about rugby style punting.

 

[Dauminator]

Milehigh - I agree with most everything in your post. I have never been a KF hater, but thought it was time for some new blood. I am pleased that perhaps we get the new blood without having to change coaching staffs.

Off topic, but shouldn't the plural of coaching staff be coaching staves?

 

[Bigfann1966]

What surprised me the most in the aftermath of last season was how large the group of naysayers were that doubted Kirk when he said he got it and changes would be made. When he announced in January that CJ would be the #1 QB many acted like it was Vladimir Putin saying it instead of Kirk Ferentz.

Nothing has really changed outside of CJ. The fact that you have to have 5 miserable years too realize the QB selection process is challenged to say the least. Same dink and dunk, east and west passing game. No creativity on offense, unless a fake punt is offensive creativity. Will see though....lots of football left. The running game is better...I am more optimistic about this season.

 

[J_Heater]

Nothing has really changed outside of CJ. The fact that you have to have 5 miserable years too realize the QB selection process is challenged to say the least. Same dink and dunk, east and west passing game. No creativity on offense, unless a fake punt is offensive creativity. Will see though....lots of football left. The running game is better...I am more optimistic about this season.

We didn't fake a punt. Same ole KF. Probably was giving you the finger last week and you just didn't notice.

 

[Bigfann1966]

We didn't fake a punt. Same ole KF. Probably was giving you the finger last week and you just didn't notice.

Don't think I said he faked a punt last week and nothing has changed. Same offense with a QB who should of been playing long before Ruddick. The .500 ball coach can stick his finger anywhere he wants, I would prefer up your ass.

 

[nu2u]

Nothing has really changed outside of CJ. The fact that you have to have 5 miserable years too realize the QB selection process is challenged to say the least. Same dink and dunk, east and west passing game. No creativity on offense, unless a fake punt is offensive creativity. Will see though....lots of football left. The running game is better...I am more optimistic about this season.

If you don't know the difference between a fake punt and a fake FG you probably wouldn't recognize creativity if it bit you in the ass.

 

[Bigfann1966]

Just trying to make you look smart....it obviously isn't working. Next....

 

[nu2u]

Just trying to make you look smart....it obviously isn't working. Next....

Try a little harder next time

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Kirk is still making plenty of Kirk boneheaded decisions this season, like the fake field goal from 35 yards out, but the players, like CJB, are overcoming those bad coaching decisions.

 

[Bigfann1966]

Try a little harder next time

No, it's all on you now. You've got this one!

 

[RocknRollface]

About college athletes.

Edit: You're implying less-than-flattering things about people you don't know. That's a middle-management kind of move. The boss is supposed to delegate that task to middle management.

Who cares. It's a message board.