We have lost one of our four captains, with Drew Ott. Iowa has played two games (ISU and Pitt) basically without DE Drew Ott. Tough, tough loss, but Parker Hesse has contributed in small, but big ways already. He showed some good instincts in the season opener.
There are eleven players on each unit. A lot is being made of losing 5 of the top 10, but other than Ott, not sure many of the injuries aren't actually manageable to an extent.
James Daniels was a key signee in January. He enrolled early, and has been the most successful freshman, in his first 6 games, than I can remember for an Iowa lineman. Most versatile player in the O-Line. Croston is our most versatile tackle.
But, the key thus far, is the interior O-Line has stayed in tact. We have zero depth at OT, but to lose the newcomers was likely a break, than the impact losing our senior leadership in the O-Line. (knock on wood).
Jerminic Smith has been another key true freshman and his success in the first half vs. Illinois was huge.
LeShun Daniels, Tevaun Smith and Jake Duzey are missed, but the next-man in works there, better than certain positions.
The injuries thus far, reminds us that it is about units, rather than individual players. Iowa has been lucky, good, thus far in managing the Next Man In.
QB C.J. Beathard
DT Jaleel Johnson
C Austin Blythe
FS Jordan Lomax
RB Jordan Cazeri
Iowa has outstanding leadership and playmakers here. Keeping them on the field will be critical, but Croston and Daniels may be equal to the two OTs we have sidelined in the long-run. They don't have the first man in label, but the difference between them and the first unit wasn't as wide, had Iowa lost Blythe, for example. Croston was slated as the top backup on either side. Myers can only play one position, so Croston was groomed as a #6 guy. Daniels work this week in practice will be interesting to see on Saturday, how it plays out.
Like with the NFL, you don't have 10-12 rotation in the OL. Kirk Ferentz' success with O-Lines is something Michigan and Penn State have not benefited with over the past several years. Kudos to Kirk and Brian.
Well, sorry for my Lunch rant, but just something that I think we can be very fortunate that the injuries were to positions that "next man in" may actually work out well.
At the end of the day, it is about eleven players executing there assignments on the field.
Here is to a Happy Homecoming for Iowa in Chicago.
peace
There are eleven players on each unit. A lot is being made of losing 5 of the top 10, but other than Ott, not sure many of the injuries aren't actually manageable to an extent.
James Daniels was a key signee in January. He enrolled early, and has been the most successful freshman, in his first 6 games, than I can remember for an Iowa lineman. Most versatile player in the O-Line. Croston is our most versatile tackle.
But, the key thus far, is the interior O-Line has stayed in tact. We have zero depth at OT, but to lose the newcomers was likely a break, than the impact losing our senior leadership in the O-Line. (knock on wood).
Jerminic Smith has been another key true freshman and his success in the first half vs. Illinois was huge.
LeShun Daniels, Tevaun Smith and Jake Duzey are missed, but the next-man in works there, better than certain positions.
The injuries thus far, reminds us that it is about units, rather than individual players. Iowa has been lucky, good, thus far in managing the Next Man In.
QB C.J. Beathard
DT Jaleel Johnson
C Austin Blythe
FS Jordan Lomax
RB Jordan Cazeri
Iowa has outstanding leadership and playmakers here. Keeping them on the field will be critical, but Croston and Daniels may be equal to the two OTs we have sidelined in the long-run. They don't have the first man in label, but the difference between them and the first unit wasn't as wide, had Iowa lost Blythe, for example. Croston was slated as the top backup on either side. Myers can only play one position, so Croston was groomed as a #6 guy. Daniels work this week in practice will be interesting to see on Saturday, how it plays out.
Like with the NFL, you don't have 10-12 rotation in the OL. Kirk Ferentz' success with O-Lines is something Michigan and Penn State have not benefited with over the past several years. Kudos to Kirk and Brian.
Well, sorry for my Lunch rant, but just something that I think we can be very fortunate that the injuries were to positions that "next man in" may actually work out well.
At the end of the day, it is about eleven players executing there assignments on the field.
- Special teams has passion and attitude
- The Offense is closing out games, kudos to Beathard, Canzeri and the 9 others.
- The Defense is playing well, providing opportunities and hasn't shown they are gassed.
Here is to a Happy Homecoming for Iowa in Chicago.
peace
