2014 Predictions

[HawkeyeWalker]

We Iowa fans have traditionally over inflated views of Iowa's O-Line. We all know about Iowa's WR corps. I hope I'm wrong but I'm not seeing a whole lot more on O than last year.

I've always thought that if we could stretch the field just a little more, the online would look even better in the run game.

I agree there may be a "mystique" of always having dominant olines, but when you consider teams can almost always stack the box and blitz freely without fear of getting burnt, the lines have still faired well above average. I've always dreamed of an '04 type passing game with a '09 type running game.

That said, some of the mystique has been earned.

Defense may take a bit of a step back next year, I really hope we can get another 7-10 per game from the off.

 

[hawkeyz10]

View attachment 1985

Your mom is a troll and she still says hi

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

We Iowa fans have traditionally over inflated views of Iowa's O-Line. We all know about Iowa's WR corps. I hope I'm wrong but I'm not seeing a whole lot more on O than last year.

I think our O-line last year was pretty damn good, although they struggled with MSU, Wisky, and LSU...three top tier defenses. Part of the reason our running game sputtered in those games is the limited passing attack on the outside. Our real problem is more at RB that at the Oline positions and our coaching staff's insistence on playing Weisman out of position. I don't think that happens this year. Power football has its place and Weisman will get his opportunities, but we need a playmaker with speed that can take advantage of what the Oline is giving them. Other than Canzeri, we don't have that.

 

[Eda]

I think our O-line last year was pretty damn good, although they struggled with MSU, Wisky, and LSU...three top tier defenses. Part of the reason our running game sputtered in those games is the limited passing attack on the outside. Our real problem is more at RB that at the Oline positions and our coaching staff's insistence on playing Weisman out of position. I don't think that happens this year. Power football has its place and Weisman will get his opportunities, but we need a playmaker with speed that can take advantage of what the Oline is giving them. Other than Canzeri, we don't have that.

WinOne, you and I have disagreed on this before; so I won't write out a lengthy response...
The blanket approach doesn't work. It needs to be situational to the game/opponent. You can't argue with Weisman's results. The Hebrew Hammer worked in games like ISU, OSU, Minny, etc. Canzeri worked well vs Purdue, Wiskey (the 2nd half, at least), etc. and a Bullock had his moments too.
Keep the committee, and play them in the proper situations.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

WinOne, you and I have disagreed on this before; so I won't write out a lengthy response...
The blanket approach doesn't work. It needs to be situational to the game/opponent. You can't argue with Weisman's results. The Hebrew Hammer worked in games like ISU, OSU, Minny, etc. Canzeri worked well vs Purdue, Wiskey (the 2nd half, at least), etc. and a Bullock had his moments too.
Keep the committee, and play them in the proper situations.

I understand the committee RB situation and agree it will definitely be a group of guys. I just don't think we have a playmaker there other than Canzeri. Bullock should be a third down receiving back, Weisman a short yard hammer (but be in the game at FB), and the every down guys a mix between Canzeri and hopefully Daniels (if he shows burst and power). Too often I felt we got the least amount of yardage possible on a given play. I'm not saying we are going to find Shonn Greene, but we need someone with a skill he had. That dude always seemed to get the most possible yards out of every play...he was amazing...little cuts, power, using his blockers. He always found the seam. The other thing is that he could make something out of nothing...which is what good backs do on occasion. Where have we done that, other than Canzeri...and he doesn't get enough touches.

The o-line gave up a ridiculously low sack count last year...I believe best in the B10. They were pretty damn good when you consider we weren't exactly killing it on 1st and 2nd down against the top defenses. We had some issues at guard last year, especially against big tackles. I think that improves greatly as I think we will be much bigger at the guard position and these guys have another year of experience.

 

[STILLBUSTER]

UNI = W
Ball St = W
ISU = W
@ Pitt = L
@ P-doo = W
Hoozsher = L
@ Terps = W
NwU = W
@ Goofs = L
@ Illannoy = W
Vadgers = L
Husker = L

7-5. Dallas Bowl or B-dub Bowl. (I think Texas Bowl is out?)

Defense, specifically, LB play, won games last year. All gone this year. The DL is probably what it is -- decent but still not dominating (which it needs to be this season).

Offense = typical Gerg Davie as always ... square pegs trying to execute through round holes and ziggy when shulda zaggy.
We watch Ruddock looking for K-Mart-Man on 3rd / 2 (yea, KMM graduated) and wonder, "Why not Daniels, there?"
Will Canzeri's burst and Daniels power actually produce a competent rushing attack?
Are Markel Smith and CJ Hilliard for real? If they are, can they overcome the biggest obstacle to get on the field -- simply being freshmen?

 

[hawkdrummer1]

Your mom is a troll and she still says hi

Ah yes, I remember Jr High...

 

[ChosenChildren]

We lost 3 fabulous linebackers. I see 7-5 and a win in the bowl to go 8-5

 

[kicker22]

Just a thought that I hadn't seen posted yet regarding our running game, but why not ease in to it with Weisman. I understand the back by committee, but in my opinion if he is going to get the bulk of the carries I'd rather see him later in the season after opposing defenses have been grinding it out for 8 plus weeks. Not saying that I don't think Bullock, Daniels, or Canzeri don't deserve the touches, or would provide far less results, but I think the way Weisman was used in the past early in the season, would be far more effective late in the year when teams are beat up and no one is 100%. Then lets focus on running over defenders and unleashing the bruisers.

 

[LG210]

7-5, right?

 

[LG210]

UNI = W
Ball St = W
ISU = W
@ Pitt = L
@ P-doo = W
Hoozsher = L
@ Terps = W
NwU = W
@ Goofs = L
@ Illannoy = W
Vadgers = L
Husker = L

7-5. Dallas Bowl or B-dub Bowl. (I think Texas Bowl is out?)

Defense, specifically, LB play, won games last year. All gone this year. The DL is probably what it is -- decent but still not dominating (which it needs to be this season).

Offense = typical Gerg Davie as always ... square pegs trying to execute through round holes and ziggy when shulda zaggy.
We watch Ruddock looking for K-Mart-Man on 3rd / 2 (yea, KMM graduated) and wonder, "Why not Daniels, there?"
Will Canzeri's burst and Daniels power actually produce a competent rushing attack?
Are Markel Smith and CJ Hilliard for real? If they are, can they overcome the biggest obstacle to get on the field -- simply being freshmen?

My favorite part was how you changed the names of the teams. Comedic gold.

 

[Easton]

My favorite part was how you changed the names of the teams. Comedic gold.

In his mind he is a legend.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

With this schedule, I'll say 8-4. The Outback Bowl last year still left me thinking that, until Iowa finds a consistent offense, it's going to be hard to do much better than that. True, Iowa isn't playing in the SEC, so maybe it can exceed my prediction.

 

[ICHawk24]

15-0.

 

[SheagleHawk]

With this schedule, I'll say 8-4. The Outback Bowl last year still left me thinking that, until Iowa finds a consistent offense, it's going to be hard to do much better than that. True, Iowa isn't playing in the SEC, so maybe it can exceed my prediction.

8-4 with that schedule, and what we have coming back, would be an epic failure. But you're right, Iowa is not going to reach the heights of 2002-04 or some of our other better years without a much improved offense. And I just don't see that happening with GD, and KF's approach to offense.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

8-4 with that schedule, and what we have coming back, would be an epic failure. But you're right, Iowa is not going to reach the heights of 2002-04 or some of our other better years without a much improved offense. And I just don't see that happening with GD, and KF's approach to offense.

2004 was an exception, but that team also had a great defense. That team's offense could also throw the ball.. It just couldn't run it. Although I expect our defense this year to be OK, we did lose some people, so I don't expect the D to be 2004 caliber (or even 2009).

Regarding the offense, I'll believe it when I see it. When was the last legitimately good offense under KF? 2008? Other than that year, and 2002, I don't believe any of our offenses have even been Top 25 nationally. Middle of the pack or worse has been the norm.

 

[DBAHawkFan]

I agree with the previous posts stating 8-4. I think it's best to temper expectations when it comes to Iowa sports. KF has proven that he is a 7-5/8-4 coach. We have had a couple of outstanding seasons (2002-2004, 2009), but the rest is a bunch of 6-8 win teams. So I think that's what we are. Having MW as our starting tailback bothers me as he just isn't quick enough against the good teams. And our OL, while experienced, is still small in the middle. How many times did our OG get blown up in short yardage situations? 8-4 with this schedule would be a real poor showing, but until a KF team goes out and exceeds expectations, I'll stick with what he's done in the past

 

[DJL]

How could any of you mark ISU down as a win? They have Lazard. That's right Lazard! If Jesus played football, his name would have been Allen Lazard. He's worth 6 touchdowns by himself. Mangino is worth 4 more. I don't think our offense can score more than 70. Especially with Wally (I only give up 40 a game) the Wizard controlling the Clone D.

 

[TheIowaHawkGuy]

We will win more than 0 games. I know, I know going out on a limb but this way I keep tempered expectations.

 

[kicker22]

2004 was an exception, but that team also had a great defense. That team's offense could also throw the ball.. It just couldn't run it. Although I expect our defense this year to be OK, we did lose some people, so I don't expect the D to be 2004 caliber (or even 2009).

Regarding the offense, I'll believe it when I see it. When was the last legitimately good offense under KF? 2008? Other than that year, and 2002, I don't believe any of our offenses have even been Top 25 nationally. Middle of the pack or worse has been the norm.

Not trolling, but do we have to be a top 25 offense to be "legitimately good"?