Two Deeps/Game Notes for Iowa vs. Michigan State

[Blair Sanderson]

Linked below. The only change on the depth chart that I see is flip flopping the fullbacks as far as which one starts, which they have done throughout the season pretty much.

Kickoff is at 3:12 PM CT on FOX. Announcers are Aaron Goldsmith on play-by-play, Brady Quinn, analyst, & Bruce Feldman, sideline reporter.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/hawkeyesports.com/documents/2017/9/25/Notes05_at_Mich_State.pdf

OFFENSE
SE - Matt VandeBerg, Brandon Smith
TE - Noah Fant, Nate Wieting
LT - Alaric Jackson, Boone Myers
LG - Boone Myers, Ross Reynolds
C - James Daniels, Spencer Williams
RG - Keegan Render, Levi Paulsen
RT - Sean Welsh, Tristan Wirfs
TE - T.J. Hockenson, Peter Pekar
WR - Nick Easley, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
QB - Nate Stanley, Tyler Wiegers
FB - Drake Kulick, Brady Ross
RB - Akrum Wadley, Toren Young/Ivory Kelly-Martin

DEFENSE
LE - Anthony Nelson, Sam Brincks
LT - Cedrick Lattimore, Brady Reiff
RT - Nathan Bazata, Matt Nelson
RE - Parker Hesse, A.J. Epenesa
OLB - Ben Niemann, Kevin Ward
MLB - Josey Jewell, Kristian Welch
WLB - Bo Bower, Aaron Mends
LC - Josh Jackson, Matt Hankins
RC - Manny Rugamba, Michael Ojemudia
SS - Miles Taylor, Jake Gervase
FS - Amani Hooker, Geno Stone

SPECIAL TEAMS
K - Miguel Recinos, Keith Duncan
P - Colten Rastetter, Ryan Gersonde
LS - Tyler Kluver, Jackson Subbert
H - Colten Rastetter, Ryan Gersonde
PR - Josh Jackson, Matt VandeBerg
KR - Ivory Kelly-Martin, Akrum Wadley

 

[ANYCHawk]

Free AJ!

 

[Forgery5]

Time to give Mends his shot, just not impressed with Bower.

 

[SpartanJD]

Can your DL get pressure or do you need to blitz?

 

[David1979]

Time to give Mends his shot, just not impressed with Bower.

Bower is better than Mends.

 

[LGEND24]

Can your DL get pressure or do you need to blitz?

We haven't been getting a consistent pass rush without blitzing, aside from when Epenesa has been in the game.

 

[David1979]

We haven't been getting a consistent pass rush without blitzing, aside from when Epenesa has been in the game.

A. Nelson has been doing a good job as well.

 

[LGEND24]

Time to give Mends his shot, just not impressed with Bower.

Someone deserves a shot at SS too, Geno is probably too green. Too bad Hooker couldn't have replaced both spots.

 

[SpartanJD]

We haven't been getting a consistent pass rush without blitzing, aside from when Epenesa has been in the game.

Ditto with us.

Big X factor will be Lewerke running the ball for us. He's faster than you think if you haven't seen him run.

8 turnovers through 3 games for us though. Need to clean it up.

 

[Franisdaman]

Linked below. The only change on the depth chart that I see is flip flopping the fullbacks as far as which one starts, which they have done throughout the season pretty much.

Kickoff is at 3:12 PM CT on FOX. Announcers are Aaron Goldsmith on play-by-play, Brady Quinn, analyst, & Bruce Feldman, sideline reporter.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/hawkeyesports.com/documents/2017/9/25/Notes05_at_Mich_State.pdf

OFFENSE
SE - Matt VandeBerg, Brandon Smith
TE - Noah Fant, Nate Wieting
LT - Alaric Jackson, Boone Myers
LG - Boone Myers, Ross Reynolds
C - James Daniels, Spencer Williams
RG - Keegan Render, Levi Paulsen
RT - Sean Welsh, Tristan Wirfs
TE - T.J. Hockenson, Peter Pekar
WR - Nick Easley, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
QB - Nate Stanley, Tyler Wiegers
FB - Drake Kulick, Brady Ross
RB - Akrum Wadley, Toren Young/Ivory Kelly-Martin

DEFENSE
LE - Anthony Nelson, Sam Brincks
LT - Cedrick Lattimore, Brady Reiff
RT - Nathan Bazata, Matt Nelson
RE - Parker Hesse, A.J. Epenesa
OLB - Ben Niemann, Kevin Ward
MLB - Josey Jewell, Kristian Welch
WLB - Bo Bower, Aaron Mends
LC - Josh Jackson, Matt Hankins
RC - Manny Rugamba, Michael Ojemudia
SS - Miles Taylor, Jake Gervase
FS - Amani Hooker, Geno Stone

SPECIAL TEAMS
K - Miguel Recinos, Keith Duncan
P - Colten Rastetter, Ryan Gersonde
LS - Tyler Kluver, Jackson Subbert
H - Colten Rastetter, Ryan Gersonde
PR - Josh Jackson, Matt VandeBerg
KR - Ivory Kelly-Martin, Akrum Wadley

thank you Blair!!!

 

[sober_teacher]

A. Nelson has been doing a good job as well.

The dline showed up against penn state (4 sacks, forced 2 turnovers) but had been inconsistent until then. I think it’s extremely talented if they can play like last week consistently watch out.

I expect Saturday to be a slugfest.

 

[David1979]

The dline showed up against penn state (4 sacks, forced 2 turnovers) but had been inconsistent until then. I think it’s extremely talented if they can play like last week consistently watch out.

I expect Saturday to be a slugfest.

A. Nelson has been getting QB pressures in other games as well that just haven't resulted in sacks. I think he had 1 sack before the PSU game. But they are missing the interior pass rush of Johnson.

 

[WDMHawk72]

Free AJ!

AJ played 76 snaps Sat. You will see a lot of him for next 2.5 years. He will be NFL after junior season

 

[Johnsoda123]

AJ played 76 snaps Sat. You will see a lot of him for next 2.5 years. He will be NFL after junior season

You sure on 76 snaps? That's a lot.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

AJ played 76 snaps Sat. You will see a lot of him for next 2.5 years. He will be NFL after junior season

He (AJ) played 39 snaps against PSU.

 

[Johnsoda123]

He (AJ) played 39 snaps against PSU.

Thanks. That's alot also.

 

[Cougar63]

AJ won't go to the NFL after three seasons.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Can your DL get pressure or do you need to blitz?

Parker has shown the willingness to blitz. However, the ability of the DL to get pressure has largely depended on what the coaches have asked them to do. If they're asked to focus on containment and a controlled collapse of the pocket ... then that will limit Lewerke's legs ... but then he'll only be moderately pressured.

On the flip side, if Phil "unleashes" the Iowa DL ... they're capable of getting a lot of pressure ... but then that pressure also can be exploited. Lewerke's legs then can do damage due to D-linemen over-pursuit. Also, an interior crash can then open up the outside rushing lanes.

Iowa has already implemented a number of different DL strategies so far ... for the most part, through the first 3 games, the game-plan has been to control gaps, keep the LBs clean, and collapse the pocket in a controlled fashion.

I honestly am not sure what Parker will chose to do. If I were to guess, I would think that he'd emphasize shutting down the run and mostly bringing a disciplined 4-man rush. He'll then mostly have the D playing coverage ... and seeing if Lewerke can beat us with the pass.

Of course, I remember that Parker pretty much did the same thing against Connor Cook in '13 ... and it backfired and marked Cook's coming out party.

 

[His Hawkness]

AJ won't go to the NFL after three seasons.

Way too early to tell at this point, but if I had to guess I would say he will go after his Junior year barring injuries.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Thanks. That's alot also.

Yeah, it was a lot - over a third of the defensive snaps - and in a huge game too. It also marked his first occasions playing on early downs. Previously, he had only played on 3rd downs.

In fact, Iowa's DEs were pretty darn productive against PSU. They accounted for 6.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, a bunch of QB hurries, a bunch of batted passes, 2 forced QB fumbles, and a hit on the QB that forced an INT.

 

[Johnsoda123]

Yeah, it was a lot - over a third of the defensive snaps - and in a huge game too. It also marked his first occasions playing on early downs. Previously, he had only played on 3rd downs.

In fact, Iowa's DEs were pretty darn productive against PSU. They accounted for 6.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, a bunch of QB hurries, a bunch of batted passes, 2 forced QB fumbles, and a hit on the QB that forced an INT.

As crazy as this may sound, a true freshman may get double teamed before the year is over. Haven't seen a first step like that since Tippett.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

As crazy as this may sound, a true freshman may get double teamed before the year is over. Haven't seen a first step like that since Tippett.

Bazata is really good at taking on double teams. If AJ can force extra attention too ... that either forces the opposition to spend a TE in max protection OR it puts Lattimore and our other DE in more man-man match-ups. Given how Hesse and A. Nelson have been playing ... that will be an advantage for Iowa.

 

[Muskie5]

We haven't been getting a consistent pass rush without blitzing, aside from when Epenesa has been in the game.

AJ 'consistently' provided a pash rush? He had his moments, but it wasn't consistent by any means. He was so tired toward the end of the game he was easily pushed down and didn't even try to get back up. I don't think he is ready to play that many snaps. There's a BIG difference in conditioning from going against little high schoolers to 310 lb. men 30-40+ snaps. He is going to be special, but people need to chill and let him develop.

 

[kceasthawk]

A. Nelson has been doing a good job as well.

Its amazing isn't it. I love AJ as well, but a bunch of guys made plays in that game. A Nelson, Bazata, hell BrInks hit the QB to cause the Jewell interception. Props to the guys for hanging tough!

 

[Cougar63]

AJ has wanted to be at Iowa since he was an infant. He will stay at Iowa as long as he can.

 

[JoelBittner]

Someone deserves a shot at SS too, Geno is probably too green. Too bad Hooker couldn't have replaced both spots.

I'll speak for David1979
Taylor is better than all the other guys
Gervase wasn't a coaching error
And whatever goes wrong for the rest of the season is Greg Davis' fault

 

[ZumaHawk]

I really like AJ Eppy too!!! Watch the end of the game and he was totally exhausted and couldn't even rush the QB anymore. Evidently, he played a lot.

 

[td77]

You sure on 76 snaps? That's a lot.

Close, but according to Leistikow is was actually only 30.

 

[StormHawk42]

Time to give Mends his shot, just not impressed with Bower.

I would actually like to see A Jones. But don't get your hopes up for either.

 

[nitewing]

Time to give Mends his shot, just not impressed with Bower.

you've never have been impressed with Bower

 

[LGEND24]

AJ 'consistently' provided a pash rush? He had his moments, but it wasn't consistent by any means. He was so tired toward the end of the game he was easily pushed down and didn't even try to get back up. I don't think he is ready to play that many snaps. There's a BIG difference in conditioning from going against little high schoolers to 310 lb. men 30-40+ snaps. He is going to be special, but people need to chill and let him develop.

I didn't say that AJ consistently provided a pass rush, I said there was a consistent pass rush when he was in the game.

 

[Forgery5]

Bower is better than Mends.

That's too bad because he lacks athleticism and is always at least a step or two behind the play. He works hard, but should be a backup.

 

[ctghawk]

Someone deserves a shot at SS too, Geno is probably too green. Too bad Hooker couldn't have replaced both spots.

I've seen enough- time to try something different. I choose Geno.

 

[hexumhawk]

you've never have been impressed with Bower

Bower is great against teams that play phone booth style like Wisconsin.

Not so good against spread teams or in coverage in space.

 

[Muskie5]

I didn't say that AJ consistently provided a pass rush, I said there was a consistent pass rush when he was in the game.

So you're saying the rest of the D-line didn't rush hard unless AJ was in the game? I don't understand what you are trying to say? I'm not sure you are either, but I'm going to let it go. It's not real important.

 

[beans 33]

Bower is better than Mends.

Bower is too damn slow period!

 

[Muskie5]

Bower is great against teams that play phone booth style like Wisconsin.

Not so good against spread teams or in coverage in space.

You must not understand Iowa's defense and the LB's responsibilities. He plays weak side lb., who is lined up inside the tackles most of the time. He doesn't have much coverage in 'space' (if any), and he never got beat in 'space'. And they pretty much ran 'strong' all day, so the big runs were away from him. He did miss a tackle at the LOS on a play. I don't understand this Bower obsession especially because it is never based in fact. Just same strange 'pack mentality' blame game. Bower rarely screws up (is out of position), that's why he has played so much over the last 4 years. The film doesn't lie, and the coaches obviously see what I see. PS. He had the highest rating for any LB in the B1G for his work against a spread team from Wyoming etc...Iowa's defense played well against PSU, but they gave up a lot of yards so obviously it must be Bower's fault, lol....NOT.

 

[Muskie5]

Bower is too damn slow period!

Bower is faster than Mends (and Jewell). I've seen them race doing special team drills at practice. The only 'slow' people are some of you fans with your uninformed, ignorant comments, lol.

 

[hexumhawk]

You must not understand Iowa's defense and the LB's responsibilities. He plays weak side lb., who is lined up inside the tackles most of the time. He doesn't have much coverage in 'space' (if any), and he never got beat in 'space'. And they pretty much ran 'strong' all day, so the big runs were away from him. He did miss a tackle at the LOS on a play. I don't understand this Bower obsession especially because it is never based in fact. Just same strange 'pack mentality' blame game. Bower rarely screws up (is out of position), that's why he has played so much over the last 4 years. The film doesn't lie, and the coaches obviously see what I see. PS. He had the highest rating for any LB in the B1G for his work against a spread team from Wyoming etc...Iowa's defense played well against PSU, but they gave up a lot of yards so obviously it must be Bower's fault, lol....NOT.

This must be Bo's dad.

Just because he plays weak side doesnt mean he has no coverage responsibilities. And yes, in space he is a liability. I will give you he has had a decent year and is by far and away not the reason we lost to PSU.

 

[Muskie5]

This must be Bo's dad.

Just because he plays weak side doesnt mean he has no coverage responsibilities. And yes, in space he is a liability. I will give you he has had a decent year and is by far and away not the reason we lost to PSU.

I'd be proud to be Bo's father, he is a fine young man, a great student, a good hawkeye and a pretty damn good football player and certainly doesn't deserve the constant, unwarranted criticism that he receives from a group of fans who have little to know idea what they are talking about. But no, I am not his father. Was that supposed to be some sort of a childish, feeble attempt at an insult? If you think he is having a good year and in no way responsible for this loss, what could possibly be your motivation to slam a hard working, great hawkeye in post game comments? Were you bored and thought, "I've go nothing intelligent to add to this thread, so I'll just make some random insult?" I'll just never understand the mindset of some of you 'so called' fans.