Key to next year

[MattFoleyHawk]

I think the defense will be pretty solid next year, especially if PP gets back to Norms basics that always made them damn competative. We have solid corners, I think the LB's will be much stronger (they missed quite a few tackles this year) Everyone thinks the LB's speed is an issue, but I disagree. I think we have 4 DT's that will step up and we have experienced DE's (although no experienced depth). Lomax can be a good safety if he'd cut down on the mental mistakes (RE: the blown coverage on Gordon on 3rd and 11(?), that really swung that game). So strong safety is the only big question mark. I said when Snyder walked on, he could be a good one, but I think he'll end up being the FS next year. So, I hope Taylor 'grows up' quick......

But the KEY to next year is obviously the OT's. As much as so many of you like to criticize KF, he has quite a history of developing OT's and we better hope he hasn't lost that touch and can get a couple of these guys ready. If he can, should be competitive in every game. If not, could be a long year and we may need both qb's before the years done, if you know what i mean........

What do you think, Aegon?

 

[Sandow]

The linebackers are going to be stronger? Why, because they are a year older? They missed a lot of tackles because they just aren't athletic enough to be in position to make plays. They aren't any good, period. You will see. I wouldn't doubt if Snyder does start because he is the walk-on white story that KF loves so much. Lomax is not good, period. I don't see that changing. The DE's just are not talented enough. No amount of experience is going to help Nate Meyer, sorry. The talent just isn't there.

 

[thejazzcat]

Personally, I think at least one of the keys will be the running game. It was obvious during the season our running just wasn't working, but it was damn near unbearable watching the bowl games. I kept asking myself if any of our RBs would start on any given team, and the answer was consistently no. Canzeri flashes. But I hung with his dad a bit at the hotel in Jacksonville and he said everyone's goal for Jordan is about 12 carries a game. He felt one of the keys for next year was Daniels coming on and Jordan filling his role. We obviously need someone to step up.

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

I agree, jazzcat which is why I alluded to the OT's. This offense is predicated on the run and play action. Can't run, no play action. I don't like to throw kids under the bus, and I don't really think you are , but I agree that although they gave the best they had, they probably wouldn't start for anyone else, especially in the big10. Conference was LOADED with stud rb's this year and we need to definately catch up......

 

[crHawkeye92]

Originally posted by Sandow:

The linebackers are going to be stronger? Why, because they are a year older? They missed a lot of tackles because they just aren't athletic enough to be in position to make plays. They aren't any good, period. You will see. I wouldn't doubt if Snyder does start because he is the walk-on white story that KF loves so much. Lomax is not good, period. I don't see that changing. The DE's just are not talented enough. No amount of experience is going to help Nate Meyer, sorry. The talent just isn't there.

I think I actually might dislike Sandow more than Kilroy now. He's like the exact opposite of Kilroy's insane optimism.

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

Re: Key to next year[/URL]Sandow posted on 2/5/2015...


The linebackers are going to be stronger? Why, because they are a year older? They missed a lot of tackles because they just aren't athletic enough to be in position to make plays. They aren't any good, period. You will see. I wouldn't doubt if Snyder does start because he is the walk-on white story that KF loves so much. Lomax is not good, period. I don't see that changing. The DE's just are not talented enough. No amount of experience is going to help Nate Meyer, sorry. The talent just isn't there.

Met a bunch of these kids pre-season, shook their hands. They are 'skinny' by LB standards and were not 'physically' ready. Another year in the weight room and another 10 lbs and they will be fine. You've never seen our LB's get bigger, stronger and better in the past? Than you haven't been paying much attention. They were in 'positions' to make plays, but they got trucked at times by some really good backs. Bowers and Neimann are already pretty damn good in pass coverage. Who do you think is good, Sandow? You never have a good word to say about anyone? I think you're wrong, but time will tell. The 3 LB's I'm talking about will only be sophmores and try to remember back to when Morris, Hitchens, and Kirksey where sophs and people like you ranted about how bad they were....
Ott is very talented (watch the recognition he gets next yr.) and athough meiers is undersized, he gives everything he's got. Recruiting lapse there.
You give no justification for your negative comments? To you everybody just 'sucks. Is that your opinion or an educated observation. How do you define good or bad? What is your criteria? What is your experience?

 

[iahawkeyes17]

All the LBs coming back next year got thrown to the wolves a year early. Not their fault but that's the way it was and oon top if it had to deal with Spearman suspension and back up Perry getting hurt late in the year. Key is to see how much improvement we see next year. Especially against a team like minny who killed us with the jet sweep and runs outside just like Tenn did in the bowl game.

Silver lining is 3 of them were freshman it was not like we got that type of play outside from a bunch of Jrs or Srs.

 

[DesMoinesHawki]

This will be pretty much a duplicate of the same team we saw this season. Just because guys are a year older does not make them better. This is still a 6-6 (maybe slide in a 7th win). We have the same schedule ... only we get to go on the road to ISU, Whisky, and Nebby. We have the same OC ... same DC ... same HC ... No way to sugar coat it ... next year will pretty much look exactly like this year ... Tennessee absolutely destroyed us ... We were smaller, slower ... and one year is not going to change that.

 

[ThatsFootball]

Originally posted by DesMoinesHawki:

This will be pretty much a duplicate of the same team we saw this season. Just because guys are a year older does not make them better. This is still a 6-6 (maybe slide in a 7th win). We have the same schedule ... only we get to go on the road to ISU, Whisky, and Nebby. We have the same OC ... same DC ... same HC ... No way to sugar coat it ... next year will pretty much look exactly like this year ... Tennessee absolutely destroyed us ... We were smaller, slower ... and one year is not going to change that.

This post is so ignorant.

Did you not watch our end of season depth chart release press conference? Kirk rededicated himself to spend more time in his office watching game film instead of fund raising events with Gary. That is enough for me.

 

[whatsup12579er]

Originally posted by iahawkeyes17:
All the LBs coming back next year got thrown to the wolves a year early. Not their fault but that's the way it was and oon top if it had to deal with Spearman suspension and back up Perry getting hurt late in the year. Key is to see how much improvement we see next year. Especially against a team like minny who killed us with the jet sweep and runs outside just like Tenn did in the bowl game.

Silver lining is 3 of them were freshman it was not like we got that type of play outside from a bunch of Jrs or Srs.

This. The LBs were bad last year because they weren't ready to play in the B1G yet. They will be a year older with another year in the program and they know what it is going to take to get better. Take a look back at the good linebackers under KF. I can't think of any that started as FR.

 

[HawCory]

Originally posted by whatsup12579er:

Originally posted by iahawkeyes17:
All the LBs coming back next year got thrown to the wolves a year early. Not their fault but that's the way it was and oon top if it had to deal with Spearman suspension and back up Perry getting hurt late in the year. Key is to see how much improvement we see next year. Especially against a team like minny who killed us with the jet sweep and runs outside just like Tenn did in the bowl game.

Silver lining is 3 of them were freshman it was not like we got that type of play outside from a bunch of Jrs or Srs.

This. The LBs were bad last year because they weren't ready to play in the B1G yet. They will be a year older with another year in the program and they know what it is going to take to get better. Take a look back at the good linebackers under KF. I can't think of any that started as FR.

iirc Morris was pressed into starting duty as a freshman. It wasn't pretty watching him chase guys on crossing patterns that year.

 

[Rocket98]

Key defensively will be how much our backers have developed. Hockaday will play and be a key cog to the 'D'. Look for Nelson to be a surprise next season as rs freshman at RE. Ott and Meier will be fine at LE.

Offensively it will be the health at running back and either Stone or Vande Berg taking a step forward opposite of T. Smith. TE's will be even better and QB play will be very good.

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

I agree Rocket, but this isn't all on the kids, as I keep saying, this staff has some work to do and improvements to make and they know it. KF, in his non-discript way, alluded to this also. People seem to forget that this team was about 4 plays away (and I can name them if you'd like) from being 11-2. And those 4 plays were 'breakdowns' that this staff cannot let happen. RE: The pass play that should have never been called against cover2 against Maryland that resulted in a pick six. He was 'coached' to throw the 'out'. Didn't even look at anyone else.........

 

[ThatsFootball]

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:
I agree Rocket, but this isn't all on the kids, as I keep saying, this staff has some work to do and improvements to make and they know it. KF, in his non-discript way, alluded to this also. People seem to forget that this team was about 4 plays away (and I can name them if you'd like) from being 11-2. And those 4 plays were 'breakdowns' that this staff cannot let happen. RE: The pass play that should have never been called against cover2 against Maryland that resulted in a pick six. He was 'coached' to throw the 'out'. Didn't even look at anyone else.........

Please name them for me. Also give me a brief synopsis of how the Ball State game plays into your redo of the 2014 season.

 

[Rocket98]

Agree 100%

1. Coaching of special teams - Need a return game! Too much field position lost last couple years.

2. I like the stretch, but must not be predictable with it. The check a side with audible was so predictable. Play action involving TE's must happen 50% of the time for stretch to be effective.

3. Scheme must be better to handle jet sweep teams and outside zone read teams(Minnesota/Tenn).

4. Most critical area is coaching with energy! The staff must have a little swagger which will feed to the players. It's not Ferentz's style, so it must come from others.

 

[Rocket98]

ISU
Maryland (had the ball down 3 in the 4th and decided to throw 20 times in the 4th.)
Wiscy
Nebby

Ball State - 27 first down to 13 in favor of Iowa, 455 yds for Iowa and 219 for Ball State. 2 fumbles that led directly to 10 of Ball State's score.

 

[ThatsFootball]

Originally posted by Rocket98:
ISU
Maryland (had the ball down 3 in the 4th and decided to throw 20 times in the 4th.)
Wiscy
Nebby

Ball State - 27 first down to 13 in favor of Iowa, 455 yds for Iowa and 219 for Ball State. 2 fumbles that led directly to 10 of Ball State's score.

You do not read well do you? I asked him to name the plays (as he said he would).

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

I already named a Maryland play.
The blown coverage by Lomax on, I believe, 3rd and 11 alloweing Gordon to catch the pass for a long play leading to a touchdown. Get them off the field there and we win..........
Breakdown in punt coverage against Nebraska. No big return, no winny....
Sorry, I'd have to go back and watch the Iowa st. game. I seriously have tried to forget that game. Can you blame me...Do I really have to go back. Please don't make me, lol....

You don't think those 4 games were very winnable? Let them get away from us?

No question the coaches DID NOT have the team ready to play against Mn and Tn..............

 

[ThatsFootball]

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:

I already named a Maryland play.
The blown coverage by Lomax on, I believe, 3rd and 11 alloweing Gordon to catch the pass for a long play leading to a touchdown. Get them off the field there and we win..........
Breakdown in punt coverage against Nebraska. No big return, no winny....
Sorry, I'd have to go back and watch the Iowa st. game. I seriously have tried to forget that game. Can you blame me...Do I really have to go back. Please don't make me, lol....

You don't think those 4 games were very winnable? Let them get away from us?

No question the coaches DID NOT have the team ready to play against Mn and Tn..............

So in your opinion, in those games (or Ball State which you never addressed) Iowa never benefited from a blown coverage or costly turnover (Lowdermilk's INT for a touchdown against Nebraska)?

I will help you out with the Iowa State game. ISU dropped two pretty easy interceptions (one inside our own 30). Think those plays might have changed the game more in ISU's favor?

 

[Aegon_Targaryen]

D-line can be okay next year, as long as everyone remains healthy. Ott needs to step up and be the leader. Johnson, Ekatite, and hopefully Cooper will show their potential, though it may take a half season or so to really see it.

The LB's are a serious question mark. The starting MIKE is gone and he started the majority of the games and was being trained to be the MIKE for 4 years. His loss will be bigger than some will think.

The secondary may be the best of the bunch. King is da man, Lomax, Fleming and Draper I believe all got valuable time last year. That's still a question mark though.

Yes, losing all of those RB's in the B1G will help, but we really can't be sure at this point. Having an offense that can keep the D off the field would help.

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

Rocket, you make some good points.

1. Coaching of special teams - Need a return game! Too much field position lost last couple years.
Iowa's whole philosophy is based on field position. Didn't execute that well this year, did they.

2. I like the stretch, but must not be predictable with it. The check a side with audible was so predictable. Play action involving TE's must happen 50% of the time for stretch to be effective.
I don't know if it's so much about being predictable, but they need backs that can run it. When they've had good backs could've told the defense what way they were running it and they still couldn't stop it........ If they are able to run the ball, then play action (especially to the TE's is there all day)

3. Scheme must be better to handle jet sweep teams and outside zone read teams(Minnesota/Tenn).
Absolutely agree. KF even mentioned this and although he doesn't normally get involved in the defense much, I think this may be one of the reasons why he refered to needing to watch more film...A lot of MN and TN success was mainly due to scheme...there was some missed tackles in there also, but definately some 'allignment' issues...

4. Most critical area is coaching with energy! The staff must have a little swagger which will feed to the players. It's not Ferentz's style, so it must come from others.
As I've said many times, definately some coaching chemistry issues on the defensive side and once again KF mentioned this. On the offensive side they don't need anymore 'energy'. I have seen Kennedy and Hernandez in action in practice and the bring plenty of energy, lol. Almost too much. But the defense has lost that 'attitude' and swagger some, haven't they....

 

[DougERot]

Linebackers will be the key. Unfortunately MOST of the players on the current depth chart were at one time walk-ons or had zero DIV I offers and they are not athletic or fast enough. Maybe another year might allow them to add weight or improve their technique, but IMHO they are not Big Ten quality linebackers.

 

[Bearhawk0505]

I agree with OP. I think we will be fine at OT. Boettger and Myers are very good athletes. They will be sufficient pass blockers and effective run blockers in a zone scheme as we run. I think we are better at every position but OT and DT, but will still be good at those positions. Many people forget that many of the great LBs at Iowa did not start their 1st few years on campus(Angerer year 4, Greenway year 3). The ones that did play early improved greatly by their Jr and Sr year.

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

Re: Key to next year[/URL]ThatsFootball posted on 2/5/2015...

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:

I already named a Maryland play.
The blown coverage by Lomax on, I believe, 3rd and 11 alloweing Gordon to catch the pass for a long play leading to a touchdown. Get them off the field there and we win..........
Breakdown in punt coverage against Nebraska. No big return, no winny....
Sorry, I'd have to go back and watch the Iowa st. game. I seriously have tried to forget that game. Can you blame me...Do I really have to go back. Please don't make me, lol....

You don't think those 4 games were very winnable? Let them get away from us?

No question the coaches DID NOT have the team ready to play against Mn and Tn..............

So in your opinion, in those games (or Ball State which you never addressed) Iowa never benefited from a blown coverage or costly turnover (Lowdermilk's INT for a touchdown against Nebraska)?

I will help you out with the Iowa State game. ISU dropped two pretty easy interceptions (one inside our own 30). Think those plays might have changed the game more in ISU's favor?

Didn't say that 'door' doesn't swing both ways. As KF says, 'it's a fine line sometimes'. Especially in Iowa's ball control philosophy....
But that's a lot of teams and a lot of games. That's what can make football games fun............

 

[ThatsFootball]

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:



Re: Key to next year[/URL]ThatsFootball posted on 2/5/2015...

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:

I already named a Maryland play.
The blown coverage by Lomax on, I believe, 3rd and 11 alloweing Gordon to catch the pass for a long play leading to a touchdown. Get them off the field there and we win..........
Breakdown in punt coverage against Nebraska. No big return, no winny....
Sorry, I'd have to go back and watch the Iowa st. game. I seriously have tried to forget that game. Can you blame me...Do I really have to go back. Please don't make me, lol....

You don't think those 4 games were very winnable? Let them get away from us?

No question the coaches DID NOT have the team ready to play against Mn and Tn..............

So in your opinion, in those games (or Ball State which you never addressed) Iowa never benefited from a blown coverage or costly turnover (Lowdermilk's INT for a touchdown against Nebraska)?

I will help you out with the Iowa State game. ISU dropped two pretty easy interceptions (one inside our own 30). Think those plays might have changed the game more in ISU's favor?

Didn't say that 'door' doesn't swing both ways. As KF says, 'it's a fine line sometimes'. Especially in Iowa's ball control philosophy....
But that's a lot of teams and a lot of games. That's what can make football games fun............

So.... Why the recap of the 4 plays you thought could redefine the 2014 season (actually 3 as you admit you don't know what went on in the ISU game) if you realize the "door swings both ways"?



This post was edited on 2/5 8:39 PM by ThatsFootball

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

aegon and mr-galmaster, i can't argue that the developement of the young LB's will be huge. Bowers was, i believe, a walk'on, Jewell didn't have any other major offers that I remember and Neimann was, i think, going to play WR at N.Ili.
But I disagree that they are not athletic or fast enough, especially the fast enough part. These 3 run really well which is why they did get scholarships and they believe in them. It's not because they were big and strong or experienced HS LB's. I couldn't even tell you if any of them played LB in HS. I know Neimann didn't. I think Jewell will actually be better than Alston as soon as he gains some size and strength. His instincts are waayyy better than Alstons. I think (and I hope) he will surprise you. But,If these 3 don't 'grow up' fast it could be ugly at times....

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

I'm sorry you don't understand my point, That's Football. But from how negative you always are, I'm not sure you even want to. I'm sure there's nothing else I can say that would help you...

 

[Baseballa33]

Out running game
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

Re: Key to next year[/URL]Rocket98 posted on 2/5/2015...

Key defensively will be how much our backers have developed. Hockaday will play and be a key cog to the 'D'. Look for Nelson to be a surprise next season as rs freshman at RE. Ott and Meier will be fine at LE.

Offensively it will be the health at running back and either Stone or Vande Berg taking a step forward opposite of T. Smith. TE's will be even better and QB play will be very good.

I actually see Hockaday as a SS. I love his ball hawking and stripping skills from his film. Don't know if he has the speed or not. SS play has been marginal since Sash graduated in my humble opinion. My crystal ball has Hockaday at SS and Snyder at FS in a few yrs. and them being pretty dang good, reminiscent of the Sash/Greenwood days and they were a pretty decent tandom back there although I think Snyder could be better. I just see something in Snyder that I like. We'll see. Taylor will have a lot to say about all this and I hope he does. I don't mind being wrong as long as the team gets better....

 

[MadDogC]

I don't see any changes the staff makes coming in time to help us. The college game has evolved a lot the last six years, and the new trend POP-plays, will be the next big change. I just don't see KF getting ahead of his peers. He may make improvements but will still be a few years behind...and that's just schemes...

As far as OT's...we won't need a miracle but something close to avoid a serious drop off...

LB's...I expect improvement but one of our better ones left town...

DE...another position that is a liability could use more speed and quickness there...

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

there is always someone trying to come up with new gimmicks, etc, but it still comes down to blocking and tackling....
Alabama still runs basic pro style offense and defense and nobody has 'caught' up with them yet, so to speak....
Yes, they get way more talent than Iowa, so don't go there. I was just making a point that there really is nothing new under the sun...These trends go up and down...If any of these 'trendy' schemes where that good, don't you think the NFL would have adopted some of them by now?
I don't think Spearman would've started if he stayed. Good athlete, poor technique and instincts....
He's better off in a defense that just 'sends' their LB's all the time in my opinion. I hope he finds a good 'home'...

 

[Rocket98]

We are not that prehistoric in our schemes. Very complex defense and offense compared to KO and Parker era. Execution is what isn't very good sometimes.

OT's - Inexperience at tackle will be biggest weakness

LB's - Did you watch a game all year? Hockaday and Niemann much better than the departed one. Not to mention more invested!

DE - Matt Nelson and Hesse will give us nice quickness and depth at DE

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

We keep forgetting about Perry. He was the starter until he got dinged up and pretty much stay dinged all year. Gives them some options and a little depth since he played multiple spots. He may end up a starter again. We'll see.
I like Hockaday also, but I don't think he'll help at LB right away. Pretty light..........who knows. I still want to see him at SS

I think the defense got 'too complicated'. Lot's of breakdowns, and more 'big plays' than we're used to. I will say it again, I think they need to get back to the basics more.............

 

[Sandow]

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:

We keep forgetting about Perry. He was the starter until he got dinged up and pretty much stay dinged all year. Gives them some options and a little depth since he played multiple spots. He may end up a starter again. We'll see.
I like Hockaday also, but I don't think he'll help at LB right away. Pretty light..........who knows. I still want to see him at SS

I think the defense got 'too complicated'. Lot's of breakdowns, and more 'big plays' than we're used to. I will say it again, I think they need to get back to the basics more.............

The lb gave up so many big plays because they are not big ten caliber players, period. The athetic ability is simply not there. By all means keep insisting it is though. They are a glaring example of horrible recruiting, and simply do not belong on the field. Hitchens and Kirksey were always athletic, these guys are not. You really have no clue what you're talking about.

 

[Sandow]

Originally posted by DesMoinesHawki:

This will be pretty much a duplicate of the same team we saw this season. Just because guys are a year older does not make them better. This is still a 6-6 (maybe slide in a 7th win). We have the same schedule ... only we get to go on the road to ISU, Whisky, and Nebby. We have the same OC ... same DC ... same HC ... No way to sugar coat it ... next year will pretty much look exactly like this year ... Tennessee absolutely destroyed us ... We were smaller, slower ... and one year is not going to change that.

Exactly, and TN was playing a lot of freshman. Huge difference in talent and athletic ability. We looked absolutely foolish and overmatched against them.

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

Just give it a break, sandow, or GO ROOT FOR ANOTHER TEAM. What exactly are your credentials for evaluating talent? Hitchens and Kirksey and Morris struggled and were inconsistant until there last 2 yrs. In fact, Hitchens lost his job for a while his JUNIOR year...Please describe to us in great detail how their athletic abilities are superior to these young kids at the same age. Oh, I forgot, it's just 'glaring' that they do not belong on the field. LOL Well that clears it up for us...;;
We can go through every 'big play' if you'd like, we will all see that you are incorrect. We'll start with UNI. UNI saw on film that if they went 'empty', Iowa goes to 'man-free', With them having trips to one side, the free safety shifted over to the trips side. They then sent Johnson right up the middle of the field and alston niether jammed him or ran with him. Without jamming him the free safety was late in recognizing it and late 'getting over the top' resulting in two long plays. What does a blown coverage have to do with athletic ability? Or our young LB's? I could go on but you're probably not capable of understanding most of what I would explain to you and not willing to listen and learn. They just suck, right.
Yes, Iowa sucks. All there coaches and all their players suck and White is the worst position coach in the country. (I'd love to see you tell him that to his face. Have you ever met this guy? He'd bitch slap you so bad, lol) So go away or find something constuctive to say...........

 

[MattFoleyHawk]

Re: Key to next year[/URL]DesMoinesHawki posted on 2/5/2015...



This will be pretty much a duplicate of the same team we saw this season. Just because guys are a year older does not make them better. This is still a 6-6 (maybe slide in a 7th win). We have the same schedule ... only we get to go on the road to ISU, Whisky, and Nebby. We have the same OC ... same DC ... same HC ... No way to sugar coat it ... next year will pretty much look exactly like this year ... Tennessee absolutely destroyed us ... We were smaller, slower ... and one year is not going to change that.

I went back and looked at TN's depth chart. Where were the bigger at? Or are you just making things up. Hawks offensive line was bigger. TE was bigger. Iowa's defensive line was bigger... No credibility here...
And they didn't lose to TN because of speed. Did you watch the game? Yes, everyone looks really fast running down the field after 3 MISSED TACKLES! TN's DE's were not fast enough to catch CJB who broke contain anytime he wanted to...They were ready to play and executed well...Iowa just played like shit...Looked like they were on skates at times, even they announcers mentioned that. Didn't block well. QB rotation was a disaster. etc..
If Iowa executes better next year in all facets, they will win more games whether it is on the road or at home. If they don't we will get to listen to you 'experts' for another year. Iowa has some issues but I gaurantee you don't understand what they are................
This post was edited on 2/6 1:26 AM by MattFoleyHawk

 

[IowaCity17]

Agree about rachel sandow
He should seriously be banned for life
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[MadDogC]

Originally posted by MattFoleyHawk:

I already named a Maryland play.
The blown coverage by Lomax on, I believe, 3rd and 11 alloweing Gordon to catch the pass for a long play leading to a touchdown. Get them off the field there and we win..........
Breakdown in punt coverage against Nebraska. No big return, no winny....
Sorry, I'd have to go back and watch the Iowa st. game. I seriously have tried to forget that game. Can you blame me...Do I really have to go back. Please don't make me, lol....

You don't think those 4 games were very winnable? Let them get away from us?

No question the coaches DID NOT have the team ready to play against Mn and Tn..............

Reminded of Bobby Williams and MSU getting blown out 44-16 in IC in 2002 and declaring afterwards MSU was the better team--except for six plays...in BW's case I guess he meant five touchdowns and one turnover?

 

[kmurp]

Iowa needs to run much better next year but will have two new OT. In addition, we don't have anything approaching the good running backs of the past currently on the roster. I don't know how Daniels will do post injury, but even at full speed he hasn't shown much to make me optimistic. Canzeri is serviceable. Wadley is skinny and has had fumble issues. At WR, we have Smith and other than that, no one who has shown much. Tight end is pretty good.
The defense is weak at one DE position. Linebacker recruiting in the past has left us with lightly recruited guys who are undersized. They will improve but this position will still be sub par next year. Secondary is decent at the corner positions but safety (both) may be subpar.
Punting looks to be subpar but FG team should be decent.
We play in the Bigten west and play a relatively weak noncon schedule so the team has a shot at a winning record and therefore, a bowl game of some sort. They will likely be picked 4th or 5th in the west preseason.
If Ferentz loses to Iowa State again, I think it will be his last season, unless he manages eight wins.