Time To Pass To Open Up The Running Game.

[MelroseHawkins]

I realize that KF and Iowa usually likes a very balanced offense and around 250-270 yrds passing would be ideal with about 150 yrd rushing, but teams continually load up to stop the run and with success this year.

I heard a pretty interesting stat that now Stanley is 3-0 as a starter when he has thrown over 300 yrds a game. This sometimes is not the norm for a KF team as it often shows a team trying to catch up from being down so much. Again, KF prefers a more balanced attack with emphasis on establishing the run first. But Stanley is 3-0 and has two All-American caliber TE's. I also think the last two games shows the WR's can do just enough to help. I think you trust Stanley and establish the pass which should open up more holes in the running game. It may not be the Ferentz's preferred game plan but I think they may have to do that to help find that balance more.

Yes, Stanley had that horrible pass and pick last week but I think you have him learn from that. He showed last year he typically makes good decisions and usually takes care of the ball better. I think you trust him. He's a big QB with a big arm, and again, a slew of very good TE's who are turning into mis-match problems for the opponents.

Look, he's 3-0 when passing over 300 yrds. Turn him loose.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

 

[ATLHawkeye]

EVERY time they stack the box, throw the damn ball. Every. Freakin'. Time.

 

[koralakers]

Agree 100%. Game has evolved. Feel like I’m always waiting for this staff to “catch up” to the times. However, I feel they are getting closer and closer to 21st Century.

 

[Mrke1]

Time? Most of college football adopted this strategy 5 years ago.

 

[hwk23]

We need to do whatever we can to run the ball more effectively and increase YPC. This is nothing new. Teams have figured out how to defend the Iowa running game, imo. Again, our average rank is 74th in yards per attempt rushing over the past 11 years. Last year we ranked 100th in YPC with Wadley. Wisconsin has a run/pass ratio closer to 65-70% run and they still have years in the top 10 in YPC. If we could do that we'd be better than Wisconsin since I think our style on defense plays better against the really good teams.

 

[Denverhawk1]

The game has changed. Drastically. It used to be you ran to set up the pass. But now you need to pass to set up the run. The players are bigger, stronger, faster. Guys can get to a running back one step faster than 15-20 years ago. Wisconsin works because of all the beef on the line. They had qty 7 300 pounders on the field against Iowa to help them run. The game isn’t in a phone booth anymore, it’s all over the field with crossing patterns and run/pass options. It’s meant to confuse and disguise now.

If Iowa continues to throw the ball, open up the field and create space, and find a way to disguise the running plays just a little bit more it will work this season. They are closer to diversifying their playbook than I can remember in quite some time.

 

[eveningnewsteam]

The mic caught BF after the first possession talking to the offense on the sideline. He goes “we’re gonna pound the ball a little on the next possession”. I was thinking, why??? The defense is not remotely giving you that look to pound the football. Keep throwing all over them.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

The mic caught BF after the first possession talking to the offense on the sideline. He goes “we’re gonna pound the ball a little on the next possession”. I was thinking, why??? The defense is not remotely giving you that look to pound the football. Keep throwing all over them.

Interesting. I bet ya KF told Brian that he wanted to pound the ball the next possession.

 

[Iowa Tex]

Agree 100%. Game has evolved. Feel like I’m always waiting for this staff to “catch up” to the times. However, I feel they are getting closer and closer to 21st Century.

Look at your QB room and then look at the last 5-7 National Championship teams QBs. Kids who could (were allowed) to use their legs to extend plays or actually run. Not happening here.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

I'm pretty sure running into 8-9 man fronts is like 'crack' to the Ferentz boys. They know they shouldn't and know it's not going to end well...but they just can't help themselves.

 

[Ben Rumson]

This is so confusing. We got run to open up pass game....and pass to open up run game.

 

[Lumberman]

I am just hoping that 100% of the time Stanley calls an audible, it is the stretch zone run to the short side of the field. That will catch defenses off guard! (Sarcasm)

Seriously, I really want to see an audible to a PASS sometime this year. It would be nice to see it at least once per game.

 

[Caddy]

In order to do that you need a qb that can actually throw with accuracy, and receivers that can actually get open. We don’t have that, and with both 1st round draft picks at TE gone, it’s not going to be better than last year. Couple that with not having a rb that’s a threat to break one for more than 20 yards, and you have our offense playing in a tiny box.

 

[okeefe4prez]

I am just hoping that 100% of the time Stanley calls an audible, it is the stretch zone run to the short side of the field. That will catch defenses off guard! (Sarcasm)

Seriously, I really want to see an audible to a PASS sometime this year. It would be nice to see it at least once per game.

Here's a Brian Ferentz pass audible.