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Per ESPN, our OL will be our top area of concern

Franisdaman

Franisdaman

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Scary, scary stats: Each top 25 team's most daunting metric
4:39 PM CT
  • Bryan Ives, Sharon Katz and Jason Starrett

This week, we asked ESPN Stats & Info to take a deep dive into the numbers to find each top 25 team's scariest statistic.

23. Iowa Hawkeyes
i

Offensive line turnover: Iowa had an FBS-high three players rush for at least 195 yards in a game this past season (Jordan Canzeri,LeShun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley) thanks in part to an excellent offensive line. The bad news? The anchors of that group -- All-Big Ten performers Austin Blythe and Jordan Walsh -- are off to the NFL. Blythe played each of Iowa's past 50 games including 49 as a starter. Walsh started 37 games in his career and was the only Iowa offensive player named first-team All-Big Ten last season. -- J.S.

for more, see http://espn.go.com/college-football...ootball-team-most-daunting-statistical-hurdle
 
Last edited:
It's always hard to replace players of this quality. However, going into last year the O-Line was a major question mark. During the season, (with injuries, ect...) Iowa got to play a lot of people. I think the o-line will be fine.
 
Wingman137 said:
It's always hard to replace players of this quality. However, going into last year the O-Line was a major question mark. During the season, (with injuries, ect...) Iowa got to play a lot of people. I think the o-line will be fine.
Click to expand...

Yep, after last years spring game many people and the media were saying it was the worst O-line in Kirk's tenure.
 
I raised the question this Spring about what effect Austin Blythe's graduation will have next season, at least early. Its a critical position and he had more than 40 starts. That, my friends, is some big shoes to fill.

That said, Sean Welsh was singled out by Ferentz for his play this Spring so I think the OL will be fine so long as the OTs keep improving.
 
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nu2u said:
I raised the question this Spring about what effect Austin Blythe's graduation will have next season, at least early. Its a critical position and he had more than 40 starts. That, my friends, is some big shoes to fill.

That said, Sean Welsh was singled out by Ferentz for his play this Spring so I think the OL will be fine so long as the OTs keep improving.
Click to expand...

I think we have the people at guard and tackle, just need to keep up with the on-the-job training. Blythe leaves a big hole at center but Iowa has a tradition of fine centers. I like Welsh and Daniels is right up there. Frankly I don't see much of a drop-off if they stay mostly healthy and especially after a few non-Big Ten games.

I'm not worried about the DL in the interior, Jaleel and Nathan are better than solid. The ends, yeah we need more push there, I have high hopes for the Nelsons. The poster who said WRs makes a good point. We need a couple or three WRs to step up so the bad guys don't just watch Matt.

IMHO our biggest worry may be the kicking game. A lot of football games are won and lost on the legs of kickers and punters.
 
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I think welsh will Daniels will be future nflers and the o line will be good this year. DE and WR growth will determine a few wins or losses imo
 
Our o-line will take a few games to gel. By mid year last year we had a very dominate run blocking line. I still think we will have some protection issues. Fortunately we have a QB that has great pocket presence and great feet.
 
I would say that given our most important asset this year is CJ, then our biggest need for a West title is a very solid o line performance. If we can run it makes CJ more dangerous....if the tackles can hold up on pass protection CJ will have his way. I really believe he will have more targets to throw to this year.
 
I think the key will be the guards, Daniels and Myers. Daniels played all 3 line positions last year. Can he settle in at guard and be great? Can Boone make the adjustment to guard? After a banged up 2016 up front and then a banged up spring up front, we are due to be healthy between the tackles in 2016.
 
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DE and WR, as well as K and P scare me far more than O Line. I trust Kirk and Brian to develop an O Line every year and really feel lucky we haven't had to worry a ton about poor offensive line play during Kirk's tenure.
 
The OL will be solid but not great but slightly better then last year. The position changes will actually benenfit Iowa, Myers is a natural OG with the zone blocking scheme and I think he will go from a guy that makes you nervous at LT to 3rd team all BIG at OG. This OL doesn't have any star power really but it will be one of the more balanced OL's Kirk has had over the past 10 seasons. It will be a solid group.
 
In no particular order, here are arguably bigger areas of concern:

- tight end: Kittle is excellent, but we don't have any consistent performer to complement him. Given that we'll use as many as 3 TEs when we go jumbo and how much we like to use 2 TE sets ... we absolutely must have a decent #2 TE emerge.

- depth at DE: While I believe that our starting DEs will be excellent, rarely is there a year when guys on the DL go unscathed. If a starter goes down at DE, then that could be a big deal.

- fullback: Teams know that Iowa likes to use the I-formation, the power I, and the off-set I. If Iowa's fullbacks don't prove competent ... then opposing Ds don't have to prep for our personnel packages involving FBs as much. That makes the Hawks easier to prep against. Furthermore, the toughness of Iowa's FBs really seems to set the stage for the rest of the O.

- WR: The primary "proven" guy is VandeBerg. McCarron is like a shorter and quicker version of Hillyer - could be a solid performer, but won't light up field. The rest of the guys are pretty young and/or inexperienced - thus, all we can likely count on from them is that they'll be inconsistent.
 
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ghostOfHomer777 said:
In no particular order, here are arguably bigger areas of concern:

- tight end: Kittle is excellent, but we don't have any consistent performer to complement him. Given that we'll use as many as 3 TEs when we go jumbo and how much we like to use 2 TE sets ... we absolutely must have a decent #2 TE emerge.

- depth at DE: While I believe that our starting DEs will be excellent, rarely is there a year when guys on the DL go unscathed. If a starter goes down at DE, then that could be a big deal.

- fullback: Teams know that Iowa likes to use the I-formation, the power I, and the off-set I. If Iowa's fullbacks don't prove competent ... then opposing Ds don't have to prep for our personnel packages involving FBs as much. That makes the Hawks easier to prep against. Furthermore, the toughness of Iowa's FBs really seems to set the stage for the rest of the O.

- WR: The primary "proven" guy is VandeBerg. McCarron is like a shorter and quicker version of Hillyer - could be a solid performer, but won't light up field. The rest of the guys are pretty young and/or inexperienced - thus, all we can likely count on from them is that they'll be inconsistent.
Click to expand...

You missed the biggest concern. The kicking game! With so many Iowa games are decided by a TD or less we need to have a consistent kicking game. Our return game and coverage units I expect to be pretty good. We were spoiled with Koehn kicking it through the endzone and last year our punt coverage and punter were really solid.
 
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Sean Welsh is nominated for the Rimington award.
Boone Myers was called the best Athlete we have on the Offensive Line, by his position Coach.
James Daniels was a 4 star recruit we took from Ohio state.
Croston and Boettger both have Big10 experience.
Also, the Offensive Line probably has more depth than any time in recent memory.

Not worried One bit.
Go Hawks :)
 
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I'm worried about the OL's pass blocking. That needs to be shored up to keep CJ healthy all year. Iowa will be fine with Vandeberg, J Smith and Kittle returning to catch passes. The DE group will be young, probably undersized, but talented. Should be very good at QB, RB, DT, LB, DB.

I think the possible shortcomings at DE can be covered up by the DTs and LBs. Iowa's WRs are always an area of concern and they turn out to be good enough. The OLs pass blocking is something that can't be hidden and is my top area of concern.
 
I know we have two big losses, but I'm pretty excited about this group. By mid year, they'll be viewed as a strength on this team.
 
Rocket98 said:
You missed the biggest concern. The kicking game! With so many Iowa games are decided by a TD or less we need to have a consistent kicking game. Our return game and coverage units I expect to be pretty good. We were spoiled with Koehn kicking it through the endzone and last year our punt coverage and punter were really solid.
Click to expand...
True - Koehn's touchbacks and our punting was huge last year. We didn't rely too much of field goals last year ... and if we can grind out the running game, we might not again. However, I would have to agree that our punting game really could be a significant issue in '16. On the flip side, if we can cover well - that issue could potentially get nullified. Field position may remain an issue however.
 
IowaNiceHawk said:
Probably more Depth at the Offensive Line position than anytime in memory, at
Iowa. GO HAWKS :)
Click to expand...
Ryan Ward is the most experienced backup being a Senior and playing as a blocking TE in the Jumbo Goal Line package. The other backups Ferguson/Render/Ferentz/Waechter have very little to no experience.
 
Isn't it ironic when analyst at the the same news source also claims this to be the top OL in the nation?

Ed Cunningham's top offensive lines
1. Iowa Hawkeyes: LG Boone Myers, RT Ike Boettger, C/RG Sean Welsh

Cole Croston have combined for 51 career starts and weigh in at an average of 302 pounds, helping keep QB C.J. Beathard upright.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide: LT Cam Robinson (editor's note: these rankings were compiled before Robinson's arrest), C Ross Pierschbacher, RG Alphonse Taylor

3. Florida State Seminoles: LT Rod Johnson, C Alec Eberle, RG Wilson Bell

4. Clemson: LT Mitch Hyatt, C Jay Guillermo, RG Tyrone Crowder

5. Boise State Broncos: RG Steven Baggett, LG Travis Averill, RT Mario Yakoo


http://espn.go.com/college-football...es-rank-college-football-best-position-groups
 
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td77 said:
Isn't it ironic when analyst at the the same news source also claims this to be the top OL in the nation?

Ed Cunningham's top offensive lines
1. Iowa Hawkeyes: LG Boone Myers, RT Ike Boettger, C/RG Sean Welsh

Cole Croston have combined for 51 career starts and weigh in at an average of 302 pounds, helping keep QB C.J. Beathard upright.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide: LT Cam Robinson (editor's note: these rankings were compiled before Robinson's arrest), C Ross Pierschbacher, RG Alphonse Taylor

3. Florida State Seminoles: LT Rod Johnson, C Alec Eberle, RG Wilson Bell

4. Clemson: LT Mitch Hyatt, C Jay Guillermo, RG Tyrone Crowder

5. Boise State Broncos: RG Steven Baggett, LG Travis Averill, RT Mario Yakoo


http://espn.go.com/college-football...es-rank-college-football-best-position-groups
Click to expand...
Wow. I feel like Iowa's OL can be very good this year, but the best? Yikes. I'm not ready to say that.
 
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If you have faith in the O Line being an area of strength, and we have a top QB, and good running backs, it should reduce the fear of our WR's and kicking game. If the O line controls the line of scrimmage, and we have a great defense, then punting and kicking will not be as big of a concern as some fear.

A one dimensional team better have a good punter. But with a balance offense, veteran QB, great running backs, and a above average O line, we should be able to move the chains. So I am not worried about punting and kicking. Kick offs would be my only concern in the kicking, but I know very little about what we have.
 
After what Clemson did last year and three starters back? I'd go with them even though I like our's a lot.
 
If the OL is going to be the best OL in the country, I think I need to update my posts in the ‘Can Iowa go 12-0 again thread.’ The offense will be good enough everywhere else that if the OL is going to be elite, the offense could be scary good.
 
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td77 said:
Isn't it ironic when analyst at the the same news source also claims this to be the top OL in the nation?

Ed Cunningham's top offensive lines
1. Iowa Hawkeyes: LG Boone Myers, RT Ike Boettger, C/RG Sean Welsh

Cole Croston have combined for 51 career starts and weigh in at an average of 302 pounds, helping keep QB C.J. Beathard upright.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide: LT Cam Robinson (editor's note: these rankings were compiled before Robinson's arrest), C Ross Pierschbacher, RG Alphonse Taylor

3. Florida State Seminoles: LT Rod Johnson, C Alec Eberle, RG Wilson Bell

4. Clemson: LT Mitch Hyatt, C Jay Guillermo, RG Tyrone Crowder

5. Boise State Broncos: RG Steven Baggett, LG Travis Averill, RT Mario Yakoo


http://espn.go.com/college-football...es-rank-college-football-best-position-groups
Click to expand...

Ed Cunningham is a very experienced and sensible Football analyst, who also played
Offensive Line at USC, I believe.

Looks like he and I think alike. But, of course, Hawkeye fans who didn't renew their Season tickets last year are experts, also..yeah. GO HAWKS :D
 
IowaNiceHawk said:
Ed Cunningham is a very experienced and sensible Football analyst, who also played
Offensive Line at USC, I believe.

Looks like he and I think alike. But, of course, Hawkeye fans who didn't renew their Season tickets last year are experts, also..yeah. GO HAWKS :D
Click to expand...

IF we have as good an OL as these experts think, we might be looking at a very special season.

IF that line keeps CJ healthy and where he can have time to throw....

IF that line opens holes for our stable of RB's....

I don't want to wish summer away but things could get really fun this fall....
 
Franisdaman said:
Scary, scary stats: Each top 25 team's most daunting metric
4:39 PM CT
  • Bryan Ives, Sharon Katz and Jason Starrett

This week, we asked ESPN Stats & Info to take a deep dive into the numbers to find each top 25 team's scariest statistic.

23. Iowa Hawkeyes
i

Offensive line turnover: Iowa had an FBS-high three players rush for at least 195 yards in a game this past season (Jordan Canzeri,LeShun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley) thanks in part to an excellent offensive line. The bad news? The anchors of that group -- All-Big Ten performers Austin Blythe and Jordan Walsh -- are off to the NFL. Blythe played each of Iowa's past 50 games including 49 as a starter. Walsh started 37 games in his career and was the only Iowa offensive player named first-team All-Big Ten last season. -- J.S.

for more, see http://espn.go.com/college-football...ootball-team-most-daunting-statistical-hurdle
Click to expand...
We lost our Center and our guard. I think it's widely understood that Center and guard actually should be a position of strength for us. So I'm not sure I can agree 100% with their analysis. In my opinion and I think most people believe this tackle is our biggest concern. We have to keep Beathard from getting beat to hell like he was last year. Too many guys got a free run at the qb because our tackle play was so poor. But I do think the experience all those guys gained last year is going to really pay off. I'm not worried about our o-line that much
 
rchawk said:
I think we have the people at guard and tackle, just need to keep up with the on-the-job training. Blythe leaves a big hole at center but Iowa has a tradition of fine centers. I like Welsh and Daniels is right up there. Frankly I don't see much of a drop-off if they stay mostly healthy and especially after a few non-Big Ten games.

I'm not worried about the DL in the interior, Jaleel and Nathan are better than solid. The ends, yeah we need more push there, I have high hopes for the Nelsons. The poster who said WRs makes a good point. We need a couple or three WRs to step up so the bad guys don't just watch Matt.

IMHO our biggest worry may be the kicking game. A lot of football games are won and lost on the legs of kickers and punters.
Click to expand...
I agree about are kicking game
 
td77 said:
Isn't it ironic when analyst at the the same news source also claims this to be the top OL in the nation?

Ed Cunningham's top offensive lines
1. Iowa Hawkeyes: LG Boone Myers, RT Ike Boettger, C/RG Sean Welsh

Cole Croston have combined for 51 career starts and weigh in at an average of 302 pounds, helping keep QB C.J. Beathard upright.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide: LT Cam Robinson (editor's note: these rankings were compiled before Robinson's arrest), C Ross Pierschbacher, RG Alphonse Taylor

3. Florida State Seminoles: LT Rod Johnson, C Alec Eberle, RG Wilson Bell

4. Clemson: LT Mitch Hyatt, C Jay Guillermo, RG Tyrone Crowder

5. Boise State Broncos: RG Steven Baggett, LG Travis Averill, RT Mario Yakoo


http://espn.go.com/college-football...es-rank-college-football-best-position-groups
Click to expand...
Tommy likey!
 
Didnt a guy from ESPN recently rank our OL the best in the nation?
 
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