Two Deeps & Game Notes for Iowa vs. Illinois

[HawkInArk]

I'm sure Max Cooper is a nice kid and a decent backup WR, but is he really the best of Iowa's 85 scholarship athletes to be returning punts? Most teams put their most dynamic playmaker / quickest burst back there. We put our 7th string WR?

With all the struggles we were experiencing earlier this season, it seems our goal is to simply catch the ball.

I wonder where we rank in the conference as far as kick-off / punt return yards as a whole..? Wouldn't doubt it if I were told we are dead last.. I could be wrong.

 

[NevadaHawk]

I'm sure Max Cooper is a nice kid and a decent backup WR, but is he really the best of Iowa's 85 scholarship athletes to be returning punts? Most teams put their most dynamic playmaker / quickest burst back there. We put our 7th string WR?

Max is sure handed and makes the catch. Nothing bothers me more than having a guy back there who lets the bounce and roll for an additional 10-15 yards.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

With all the struggles we were experiencing earlier this season, it seems our goal is to simply catch the ball.

I wonder where we rank in the conference as far as kick-off / punt return yards as a whole..? Wouldn't doubt it if I were told we are dead last.. I could be wrong.

Rank about middle of pack. ISM 8th in yards for KO and Nico ranks 6th in punt return yards.

 

[TheCDiggity]

Pretty sure I saw Smith in for at least one play against Minn

That was the other number 12 iron man athlete DJ Johnson

 

[TheCDiggity]

I'm sure Max Cooper is a nice kid and a decent backup WR, but is he really the best of Iowa's 85 scholarship athletes to be returning punts? Most teams put their most dynamic playmaker / quickest burst back there. We put our 7th string WR?

Well he is fast

 

[HawkInArk]

Rank about middle of pack. ISM 8th in yards for KO and Nico ranks 6th in punt return yards.

Wow, that is very surprising.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

Wow, that is very surprising.

Not if you watch a lot of B1G football other than Iowa.

 

[BBHawk]

Danan Hughes, Jon Filloon, Sean Smith, Mike Saunders weren’t too shabby. Watch the “90” Mich game (Big House) Matt Rodgers was tossing the pigskin all around the yard!

Wasn't Saunders a running back?

 

[David1979]

Cooper is one of the fastest kids on the team. Don't judge a returner by his whiteness.

 

[Crazy Hawk]

For Senior Day, I wish Iowa would start as many seniors as possible even if it was for play or two.
Both Paulsons Drew Cook and Nate Weiting.

Don't take this the wrong way...but that line of thinking is out after high school.

 

[Simbahawk4]

Wasn't Saunders a running back?

Initially then switched I believe his Jr yr.

 

[BubsFinn]

Tyrone Tracy reminds me a lot of Indiana’s randel el

Antwaan Randle El put on the single greatest athletic performance I’ve ever seen at Kinnick.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Wasn't Saunders a running back?

91 he started at RB. 1990 with Stewart and Bell at RB, he played receiver to get on the field. Cecil on this page was on that staff, he would know

 

[BBHawk]

91 he started at RB. 1990 with Stewart and Bell at RB, he played receiver to get on the field. Cecil on this page was on that staff, he would know

He went on to play professionally as a running back. Versatile player!

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Cooper is one of the fastest kids on the team. Don't judge a returner by his whiteness.

With that kind of speed, you'd think he'd not settle for a fair catch every time. I am not exaggerating when I say that that there was at least one fair catch he made this year with no player within 10 yards of him.

 

[TJFant]

That was the other number 12 iron man athlete DJ Johnson

No, when ISM got dinged Brandon Smith was put in the game for one play.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

91 he started at RB. 1990 with Stewart and Bell at RB, he played receiver to get on the field. Cecil on this page was on that staff, he would know

Yes he was. Very good player. Hayden plucked him right out of Wisconsin

 

[hawkeyemark56]

With that kind of speed, you'd think he'd not settle for a fair catch every time. I am not exaggerating when I say that that there was at least one fair catch he made this year with no player within 10 yards of him.

No doubt that reflects what the coaching staff wants. Make the catch and don't lose field position fumbling it or letting it bounce. Cooper has very good hands and represents a big improvement over what we had back there before. I too would like to see him run it on occasion but will take what he gives us.

 

[jimbob22]

Antwaan Randle El put on the single greatest athletic performance I’ve ever seen at Kinnick.

True that. Has to be one of the best athletes ever out of Chi and at IU.

 

[rchawk]

Don't take this the wrong way...but that line of thinking is out after high school.

True. I'd like to see Iowa get a big lead on the Illini late (or at least a comfortable lead late) so seniors who have played little if at all get a few game snaps in Kinnick. They've put in the work, their last game on the hallowed ground, etc.

If it is a close game or there is a danger to make it close late, obviously you play the players who give you the best chance to win.