The 2 gunners on the punt; Jackson near INT just precedes the replay reversal; etc etc; look to the little things

[uihawk82]

Again, Iowa had a 10% chance of winning that game only if they made almost all the big plays. The two gunners on the punt were not under control to breakdown their stride and hem in the returner. It is something Iowa usually doesnt do and I am sure they will work on. But that punt return was a such a huge play as Iowa got behind by greater than 8 pts. I am sure Levar will be working on that aspect of punt coverage.

The JazP fumble was huge. Just too bad. And if you look at it Jaz had to twist around a bit to catch the ball which lead him to be off balance and horizontal when he got hit. Just a little thing but if the pass leads him to be running upright he probably absorbs that hit better.

The play call before Jaz's fumble was just another little but really big thing. Iowa gained 8 yards on 1st down after the poor Mich punt. So on 2nd and 2 from about the Mich 30 we throw an incompletion. We go back to the worst thing we do which is pass the ball right over the crowded middle. Just run the friggin ball on 2nd and 2 and get a new set of downs or have it be 3rd and very short. Pound at Mich, get momentum.

INick Jackson made a very good move in coverage, JJMac threw a terrible ball behind his receiver to Jackson. But he couldnt catch it. IIRC Mich punts us deep and a few plays later the CRAZY replay reversal occurs and it is 17-0. Iowa was almost done at 10-0 deficit but a 3 score deficit and it was over.

 

[kceasthawk]

This is exactly what happened in the blowout loss to PSU. WE're hanging in there and then the punt muff, and All's fumble, and the ball starts rolling down hill. You simply can't play flawless ball all the time, and against good teams our margin for error is just too thin.

 

[General Tso]

The reason we have to play 100% flawless, walking on eggshells ball against teams with a pulse is because we have zero chance on offense.

 

[ICWestfan]

Again, Iowa had a 10% chance of winning that game only if they made almost all the big plays. The two gunners on the punt were not under control to breakdown their stride and hem in the returner. It is something Iowa usually doesnt do and I am sure they will work on. But that punt return was a such a huge play as Iowa got behind by greater than 8 pts. I am sure Levar will be working on that aspect of punt coverage.

The JazP fumble was huge. Just too bad. And if you look at it Jaz had to twist around a bit to catch the ball which lead him to be off balance and horizontal when he got hit. Just a little thing but if the pass leads him to be running upright he probably absorbs that hit better.

The play call before Jaz's fumble was just another little but really big thing. Iowa gained 8 yards on 1st down after the poor Mich punt. So on 2nd and 2 from about the Mich 30 we throw an incompletion. We go back to the worst thing we do which is pass the ball right over the crowded middle. Just run the friggin ball on 2nd and 2 and get a new set of downs or have it be 3rd and very short. Pound at Mich, get momentum.

INick Jackson made a very good move in coverage, JJMac threw a terrible ball behind his receiver to Jackson. But he couldnt catch it. IIRC Mich punts us deep and a few plays later the CRAZY replay reversal occurs and it is 17-0. Iowa was almost done at 10-0 deficit but a 3 score deficit and it was over.

We can keep going. DeJong with the 2 false starts that left Iowa in 2nd and long after nice first down plays, the 2 illegal blocks on really good PR's, Vines drop on a really nice pass.

It all adds up. As noted, having to play absolutely PERFECT football is not a recipe for success.

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

Might have been the Hawks best defensive performance of the year…considering opponent.

Too bad it got wasted.

 

[toddhawkwi]

DeJong with the 2 false starts that left Iowa in 2nd and long after nice first down plays, the 2 illegal blocks on really good PR's, Vines drop on a really nice pass.

Good observations ICWestfan. DeJong has been mortifying all year but found a new level of horrible last night & threw in 2 penalties on top (forget Hill.. you can’t tell me we do t have 10 guys better than him). Our WR drops continue to be unacceptably awful. Special teams (including Taylor’s 1st 2 punts) killed us last night. Little things all add up to big things.

 

[kceasthawk]

The reason we have to play 100% flawless, walking on eggshells ball against teams with a pulse is because we have zero chance on offense.

It would be hard to dispute that comment ..

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

This is exactly what happened in the blowout loss to PSU. WE're hanging in there and then the punt muff, and All's fumble, and the ball starts rolling down hill. You simply can't play flawless ball all the time, and against good teams our margin for error is just too thin.

At half time I was concerned because this game felt exactly like Penn State game.

 

[Zooropa_NCR]

The reason we have to play 100% flawless, walking on eggshells ball against teams with a pulse is because we have zero chance on offense.

If only the defense would intercept every pass
No missed tackles
Commit no penalties
No turnovers

Then Iowa could win despite not being able to complete a pass or run >5 yards

Kirks style works!!! The players just have to be perfect in their execution!

 

[BubsFinn]

Might have been the Hawks best defensive performance of the year…considering opponent.

Too bad it got wasted.

We all knew it would. Let’s face it, we are back to the pre-Hayden days of cheering for first downs. Thankfully the defense hasn’t fallen to the level of the offense yet.

 

[sober_teacher]

Yep, Iowa needed to play a near-perfect game but made too many mistakes. Also got no favors from officiating.

Didn't understand the replay reversal for the incomplete pass/recovery - 1) that felt like a classic case where you stay with call on the field either way, but also 2) that Michigan player was 2 ft away from official waving incomplete and blowing his whistle. he picked the ball up with the full understanding that it was a dead ball and handed it to ref. Generous interpretation of immediate recovery imo. That non-roughing the passer where Hill got thrown to the ground...haven't understood what that penalty was for years really - but you're going to call Schulte for driving a player to the ground, and then NOT call that?

 

[BGHAWK]

Yep, Iowa needed to play a near-perfect game but made too many mistakes. Also got no favors from officiating.

Didn't understand the replay reversal for the incomplete pass/recovery - 1) that felt like a classic case where you stay with call on the field either way, but also 2) that Michigan player was 2 ft away from official waving incomplete and blowing his whistle. he picked the ball up with the full understanding that it was a dead ball and handed it to ref. Generous interpretation of immediate recovery imo. That non-roughing the passer where Hill got thrown to the ground...haven't understood what that penalty was for years really - but you're going to call Schulte for driving a player to the ground, and then NOT call that?

Agree. Another reason BF is not fit for OC was the series at the end of the first half. It turned out OK, but Iowa gets the ball down inside the 20 with 40 some seconds to go. Michigan has 3 timeouts and BF calls pass plays. Just run the ball 3 times and punt. Did he really think we could go 80 or 80 yards in that amount of time when we can't go 50 yards with a whole quarter left on the clock? All I could see was Hill throwing an interception there. Just my opinion.

 

[coorsoriginal02]

We all knew it would. Let’s face it, we are back to the pre-Hayden days of cheering for first downs. Thankfully the defense hasn’t fallen to the level of the offense yet.

You’re right about this, sadly.

Finding myself quite surprised and happy just seeing Iowa get a first down - Almost feeling like we’re out there accomplishing things by simply gaining 10 yards in a single drive.


Man, that’s where we’re at…….ugh. Hard to believe.

 

[MitchLL]

Good observations ICWestfan. DeJong has been mortifying all year but found a new level of horrible last night & threw in 2 penalties on top (forget Hill.. you can’t tell me we do t have 10 guys better than him). Our WR drops continue to be unacceptably awful. Special teams (including Taylor’s 1st 2 punts) killed us last night. Little things all add up to big things.

One correction...DeJong had three penalties, not 2.
Easily the second most dreadful player on the field after the Iowa QB.

Hoping and maybe praying we have at least two more offensive coaches relieved of duties on January 2nd.

 

[hawkisoaker]

If only the defense would intercept every pass
No missed tackles
Commit no penalties
No turnovers

Then Iowa could win despite not being able to complete a pass or run >5 yards

Kirks style works!!! The players just have to be perfect in their execution!

Please child…

 

[littlez]

If only the defense would intercept every pass
No missed tackles
Commit no penalties
No turnovers

Then Iowa could win despite not being able to complete a pass or run >5 yards

Kirks style works!!! The players just have to be perfect in their execution!

It’s funny because we actually have people still playing the what if game as if we could somehow beat a top 10 team 3-0. The defense could not have played any better. Michigan basically abandoned the run game because it was ineffective. We made them 100% 1 dimensional and it didn’t matter because we have the worst offense since 1938.

 

[sober_teacher]

Agree. Another reason BF is not fit for OC was the series at the end of the first half. It turned out OK, but Iowa gets the ball down inside the 20 with 40 some seconds to go. Michigan has 3 timeouts and BF calls pass plays. Just run the ball 3 times and punt. Did he really think we could go 80 or 80 yards in that amount of time when we can't go 50 yards with a whole quarter left on the clock? All I could see was Hill throwing an interception there. Just my opinion.

I didn't mind trying something - it was the play calling I didn't like. Try a screen play, quick pass outside and see if you can bust a bigger play perhaps.

It’s funny because we actually have people still playing the what if game as if we could somehow beat a top 10 team 3-0. The defense could not have played any better. Michigan basically abandoned the run game because it was ineffective. We made them 100% 1 dimensional and it didn’t matter because we have the worst offense since 1938.

The what ifs come because most recognized Iowa had to play its best game to have a chance. We didn't, and you could argue we had a chance regardless. Incredible to think that we gifted Michigan it's two TDs, and if the offense had been able to do ANYTHING, there was an opportunity last night.

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

We all knew it would. Let’s face it, we are back to the pre-Hayden days of cheering for first downs. Thankfully the defense hasn’t fallen to the level of the offense yet.

The defense is damned near elite.

Offense the absolute worst in CFB.

Crazy town.

 

[uihawk82]

It’s funny because we actually have people still playing the what if game as if we could somehow beat a top 10 team 3-0. The defense could not have played any better. Michigan basically abandoned the run game because it was ineffective. We made them 100% 1 dimensional and it didn’t matter because we have the worst offense since 1938.

I remember that inferior iowa state team beating nebraska when nebby had like 8 turnovers. Some of us said the only way for the big upset is for Mich to miss kicks, drop some passes which their TEnd did, Mich makes turnovers, and Iowa wins in all those areas, as well as win special teams.

The defense did enough, did well. We all know how out of character giving up that big punt return was. And if it stays 3-0 Mich after Mich punts on their 1st 2nd half possession then Kirk is going to be in a more conservative offensive mode.

It would not have surprise me in that situation that Kirk runs the ball all 3 plays every series to squeak out first downs.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Granted, you can play the what if game until the cows come home, and the Cheaters can too. For example, their TE dropped a possible TD pass, etc.

That said, it is pretty remarkable how few plays could have completely changed this game. Anyone who knows football and paid attention realizes that Iowa was about 5 plays away from being very much in this thing:

1. The punt return. Down 3-0, we had a golden opportunity to pin them deep, force them to go conservative in their own end zone, and get the ball back with a short field. Then came our worst punt coverage of the season, and Michigan is up 10-0. +7 for the Cheaters.

2. Patterson’s fumble. We’re at their 29 with a very likely FG at minimum, and Patterson fails to put the ball away, earning a seat on the bench for the rest of the game. -3 for the Hawks.

3. The bullshit review “fumble”. Up 10-0, the refs hand it to the Cheaters at our 6. +7 for the Cheaters.

4. Hill’s strip sack fumble. Obviously a game-changer.

5. Nick Jackson’s dropped interception. He had lots of green in front of him. Good possibility that turns into at least 3 for the Hawks.

Again, this game can be played all day, and the Cheaters executed when they had to while the Hawks didn’t. That said, this game was clearly more competitive on the field than the lopsided score would indicate. Our D went toe to toe with the Cheaters’ O all night and didn’t flinch. Unfortunately our embarrassingly pathetic O struck again, as expected under Brian’s fearless leadership, and our punt coverage and punt return teams picked a terrible time to have their worst game of the season by a mile.

 

[littlez]

Granted, you can play the what if game until the cows come home, and the Cheaters can too. For example, their TE dropped a possible TD pass, etc.

That said, it is pretty remarkable how few plays could have completely changed this game. Anyone who knows football and paid attention realizes that Iowa was about 5 plays away from being very much in this thing:

1. The punt return. Down 3-0, we had a golden opportunity to pin them deep, force them to go conservative in their own end zone, and get the ball back with a short field. Then came our worst punt coverage of the season, and Michigan is up 10-0. +7 for the Cheaters.

2. Patterson’s fumble. We’re at their 29 with a very likely FG at minimum, and Patterson fails to put the ball away, earning a seat on the bench for the rest of the game. -3 for the Hawks.

3. The bullshit review “fumble”. Up 10-0, the refs hand it to the Cheaters at our 6. +7 for the Cheaters.

4. Hill’s strip sack fumble. Obviously a game-changer.

5. Nick Jackson’s dropped interception. He had lots of green in front of him. Good possibility that turns into at least 3 for the Hawks.

Again, this game can be played all day, and the Cheaters executed when they had to while the Hawks didn’t. That said, this game was clearly more competitive on the field than the lopsided score would indicate. Our D went toe to toe with the Cheaters’ O all night and didn’t flinch. Unfortunately our embarrassingly pathetic O struck again, as expected under Brian’s fearless leadership, and our punt coverage and punt return teams picked a terrible time to have their worst game of the season by a mile.

Again, you can’t do this. You said the game was more competitive than the score would indicate. That’s just not true. Best case scenario you laid out was a possible field goal if Jaz doesn’t fumble. You can’t just be good (or great) on one side of the ball. You can’t beat Michigan or Bama or even Penn St (anymore) 7-6 or 9-7. Our defense played honestly a perfect game and we lost 26-0.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Again, you can’t do this. You said the game was more competitive than the score would indicate. That’s just not true. Best case scenario you laid out was a possible field goal if Jaz doesn’t fumble. You can’t just be good (or great) on one side of the ball. You can’t beat Michigan or Bama or even Penn St (anymore) 7-6 or 9-7. Our defense played honestly a perfect game and we lost 26-0.

Of course you can “do this”, if “doing this” means pointing out that a small number of pivotal plays had a huge impact on the result in the Cheaters’ favor. That’s just acknowledging reality.

That said, and as I acknowledged above, minus the bullshit review that handed them 7, the others were due to a lack of execution by the Hawks and the Cheaters taking advantage. I’m not trying to delegitimize the outcome at all — just pointing out that it was highly influenced by a small number of key plays. Of course, that’s often the case in this sport.

 

[littlez]

Of course you can “do this”, if “doing this” means pointing out that a small number of pivotal plays had a huge impact on the result in the Cheaters’ favor. That’s just acknowledging reality.

That said, and as I acknowledged above, minus the bullshit review that handed them 7, the others were due to a lack of execution by the Hawks and the Cheaters taking advantage. I’m not trying to delegitimize the outcome at all — just pointing out that it was highly influenced by a small number of key plays. Of course, that’s often the case in this sport.

It would have lead to a closer final margin certainly, possibly 13-0 or so. The problem though with playing that what if game like that and convincing yourself you’re only a few plays away is that then Kirk can sit back and still say his offense is ok and we just need clean a few things up. Again, our defense basically played a perfect game and we lost 26-0. Yes, could have been 13-0. But either way there has to be some contribution from the other side of the ball, which there hasn’t been in 3 years. This can’t continue on that side of the ball.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

Granted, you can play the what if game until the cows come home, and the Cheaters can too. For example, their TE dropped a possible TD pass, etc.

That said, it is pretty remarkable how few plays could have completely changed this game. Anyone who knows football and paid attention realizes that Iowa was about 5 plays away from being very much in this thing:

1. The punt return. Down 3-0, we had a golden opportunity to pin them deep, force them to go conservative in their own end zone, and get the ball back with a short field. Then came our worst punt coverage of the season, and Michigan is up 10-0. +7 for the Cheaters.

2. Patterson’s fumble. We’re at their 29 with a very likely FG at minimum, and Patterson fails to put the ball away, earning a seat on the bench for the rest of the game. -3 for the Hawks.

3. The bullshit review “fumble”. Up 10-0, the refs hand it to the Cheaters at our 6. +7 for the Cheaters.

4. Hill’s strip sack fumble. Obviously a game-changer.

5. Nick Jackson’s dropped interception. He had lots of green in front of him. Good possibility that turns into at least 3 for the Hawks.

Again, this game can be played all day, and the Cheaters executed when they had to while the Hawks didn’t. That said, this game was clearly more competitive on the field than the lopsided score would indicate. Our D went toe to toe with the Cheaters’ O all night and didn’t flinch. Unfortunately our embarrassingly pathetic O struck again, as expected under Brian’s fearless leadership, and our punt coverage and punt return teams picked a terrible time to have their worst game of the season by a mile.

I think you could add the Corum fumble that was “ blown dead”

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

It would have lead to a closer final margin certainly, possibly 13-0 or so. The problem though with playing that what if game like that and convincing yourself you’re only a few plays away is that then Kirk can sit back and still say his offense is ok and we just need clean a few things up. Again, our defense basically played a perfect game and we lost 26-0. Yes, could have been 13-0. But either way there has to be some contribution from the other side of the ball, which there hasn’t been in 3 years. This can’t continue on that side of the ball.

Couldn’t agree more. You’re preaching to the choir, bro. The O must be trashed and built from the ground up. Sadly, that probably never happens under KF.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

I think you could add the Corum fumble that was “ blown dead”

… and curiously not reviewed.

 

[Allaroundfan]

Agree there were moments. What bothers me most is the 26-0 score is being portrayed as total domination in national discussion. Saw a Michigan player acknowledge both defenses but essentially repeat Michigan’s was the best. Lot easier to defend well against a non-existent offense. I get it, just felt for defense whose play was stellar. (Interesting, with FSU out of CFP, they did not credit for “finding a way” and evidently having a defense that helped them hang in there wasn’t enough).

 

[Heathen Raider]

Tory was blocked in the back in plain site as He was trying to make a play on the returner, of course it was a no call till Iowa returns one. Fact is Iowa could have played perfectly and that Crew was not going to allow Iowa to win it even if We had a Peyton Manning led Colts offense.

 

[sober_teacher]

… and curiously not reviewed.

They ruled his forward momentum was stopped and blew the whistle at that point. not sure i've ever seen replay determine a fumble occurred when that ruling is made.

 

[shobart]

Might have been the Hawks best defensive performance of the year…considering opponent.

Too bad it got wasted.

Incredible performance, and I honestly don’t see it happening.

On a separate note I thought the play of the game was #4 missing the initial tackle on the Michigan punt return, then picking himself up and making the play on the 3-4 yard line. Dam, I love guys like that. What a flipping stud. 110% effort, and I just love it when guys play like that. Regardless of talent, I’ll take 100 kids like that on a team. Just flipping love it!

 

[sober_teacher]

Incredible performance, and I honestly don’t see it happening.

On a separate note I thought the play of the game was #4 missing the initial tackle on the Michigan punt return, then picking himself up and making the play on the 3-4 yard line. Dam, I love guys like that. What a flipping stud. 110% effort, and I just love it when guys play like that. Regardless of talent, I’ll take 100 kids like that on a team. Just flipping love it!

Assuming he doesn't transfer out - I expect Etringer (sp?) to have a much larger role next year.

 

[shobart]

Assuming he doesn't transfer out - I expect Etringer (sp?) to have a much larger role next year.

Hope he doesn’t bc my God I loved it. Ridiculous effort, and I was blown away. Loved it.

Play of the game for me.