What do we need to improve on?

[herkymurk]

Now that we've seen this years team in a game, what stands out that must be improved upon before next weeks game with ISU?

The only thing that really stood out to me was that I felt like our O-Line is vulnerable to delayed blitzes up the middle. Noticed on a few occasions that they weren't being picked up. I think Stanzi took a couple hits as a result. I also feel that that is why we saw our tight ends with the bulk of the catches. If that can be solved, I think it will give Stanzi more chances for the deeper outside routes to McNutt and DJK.
Other than that, I felt like the O-Line held up well.
The rest of the offense actually looked really solid.

The Defense looked unreal. How about the game Christian Ballard had? I was very impressed. Nice to see we can move him to end and have him perform at that level.

Hard to judge the secondary as they were playing against an inexperienced FCS quarterback that pretty much limited himself to short passes in the flat. They did give up one big play, but doesn't come across as a big concern to me. I think Hyde was caught anticipating and will learn from it.

I know that there is much more that needs to be worked on and can be improved upon, but at first glance this is what caught my eye.

 

[SDK46]

Have to agree to disagree about the offense.

Our offense in the 3rd quarter was indeed offensive....fumble, fumble, punt.

We missed some wide open guys on passes.

No excuse for Ricky getting sacked.

We didn't try to stretch the field very often. Dinked it to the outside.

Barely a 4 minute difference in TOP.

Will be nice to get Hampton's HR ability on the field. We lack that now.


Good things: No INTs and only one penalty.

 

[EsoxHawk]

My fear coming into the season, and that was realized yesterday, is this coaching staff doesn't, or want, to step on the throat of an opponent and put the game away. Up 28-7 at half against NW and a coasting third quarter loses a game, as we've seen many times in the past.

It didn't hurt today, but if we don't put teams away after a solid first half, that will continue to be a major concern for me.

 

[Sirhouseman]

Iowa tried to stretch the field once, and it was there, but Rick missed a WIDE open McNutt. They didn't need to stretch the field in this gave though. The dink and dunk was more than adequate.

 

[SDK46]

Iowa tried to stretch the field once, and it was there, but Rick missed a WIDE open McNutt. They didn't need to stretch the field in this gave though. The dink and dunk was more than adequate.

Guess I was looking well past an out-gunned opponent for field-stretching when we play the big boys later on.

 

[ShadasRevenge]

My fear coming into the season, and that was realized yesterday, is this coaching staff doesn't, or want, to step on the throat of an opponent and put the game away. Up 28-7 at half against NW and a coasting third quarter loses a game, as we've seen many times in the past.

It didn't hurt today, but if we don't put teams away after a solid first half, that will continue to be a major concern for me.

Right, because EIU was a serious threat to mount a comeback. You do realize that Stanzi played into the fourth quarter, right?

 

[CAARHawk]

Not put the foot on the throat of the other team? That is silly. Do you realize that Iowa turned the ball over on the opponent's 2 yard line? Also, the fumble that happened on their side of the field. Iowa freaking punted once. You realize the coaches called a game where Iowa should have scored 52 points, right? They can't help it if our players turn the ball over. Believe me, Ferentz didn't call the old fumbled snap play.

 

[roetbombaaa]

Didn't really see Stanzi look down-field once, other than the wide open McNutt. I almost wonder if this wasn't on purpose. One would think, with this receiver group, they would look to throw the ball down the field a little more. But they didn't, and that has me thinking. I guess I didn't really see if the receivers were getting any separation downfield, but they must not have been.

 

[bud2380]

The ground game was just ok yesterday. I think Hampton will add a new dimension and that will help. Robinson ran hard and I liked what I saw of him. But it will be good to have a homerun type of back like Hampton along side of him. Passing game was solid and just what was expected. The only other concern I have is that the pass D was not tested at all yesterday. EIU only went deep once and it was kind of a fluky throw it up and hope my guy catches it kind of play. I think it was good practice for ISU's dink and dunk style, but that could change later in the year when we see more vertical passing games. With the young corners we had in the game yesterday I would have liked to see EIU throw more medium and deep balls to see how your secondary would respond.

 

[EsoxHawk]

Not put the foot on the throat of the other team? That is silly. Do you realize that Iowa turned the ball over on the opponent's 2 yard line? Also, the fumble that happened on their side of the field. Iowa freaking punted once. You realize the coaches called a game where Iowa should have scored 52 points, right? They can't help it if our players turn the ball over. Believe me, Ferentz didn't call the old fumbled snap play.

Anyone who argues that the Hawks, under this coaching staff have had trouble putting teams away has been living under a rock. Was it important yesterday because EIU posed a threat to come back? No, is it important to make a practice of putting teams away so this doesn't happen, I argue yes:

Cy-onara, Hawks: Down 17 at halftime, ISU kicks it in quickly | GazetteOnline.com

Victory gone in a flash: Northwestern explodes for 14 points in 3-1/2-minute blitz to stun Hawkeyes | GazetteOnline.com

 

[HaydenHawk56]

Playing not to lose also extends to the OSU game last year. It is a noticeable problem with this staff.

 

[ShadasRevenge]

Anyone who argues that the Hawks, under this coaching staff have had trouble putting teams away has been living under a rock. Was it important yesterday because EIU posed a threat to come back? No, is it important to make a practice of putting teams away so this doesn't happen, I argue yes:

Cy-onara, Hawks: Down 17 at halftime, ISU kicks it in quickly | GazetteOnline.com

Victory gone in a flash: Northwestern explodes for 14 points in 3-1/2-minute blitz to stun Hawkeyes | GazetteOnline.com

You cite two examples from 8 and five years ago to prove your point? Over 11 years with Kirk running the show? Try again.

 

[Hooper]

I thought our #1 issue was with the Center position. Mr. Ferentz may have just had 1st game jitters but he made too many mistakes.

 

[CAARHawk]

Good to know we still have stupid Hawk fans. Listen, Iowa runs a ball controlled offense. They are of the Parcells, Cowler, Knoll mode. If you want the run and shoot go be fans of some SEC team. Otherwise, you will just continue to be frustrated.

Now, this being said, the one thing the Hawks lacked last year and we haven't seen this year is a complete back. That is something you need with this type of offense, because you need someone who can consistently get four tough yards and also break a few 30+ yarders each game. Without this, the play action really doesn't work.

Last year we had a back that could do each, but not one that could do both.

 

[HAWKEYESTATE4ever]

Nothing. I thought everything went well yesterday. It was the first game, and their are some kinks to work out, but I was very pleased with every aspect of the game yesterday. Going into the game I wanted to see a comfortable win, and was hoping for no injuries. I think we got both. I am not worried. They always say the biggest improvement in college football takes place between weeks one and two. Here is to an ISU beatdown!

 

[HAWKEYESTATE4ever]

Good to know we still have stupid Hawk fans. Listen, Iowa runs a ball controlled offense. They are of the Parcells, Cowler, Knoll mode. If you want the run and shoot go be fans of some SEC team. Otherwise, you will just continue to be frustrated.

Now, this being said, the one thing the Hawks lacked last year and we haven't seen this year is a complete back. That is something you need with this type of offense, because you need someone who can consistently get four tough yards and also break a few 30+ yarders each game. Without this, the play action really doesn't work.

Last year we had a back that could do each, but not one that could do both.

Great post. And that changes with Jewel coming back next week!

 

[ShadasRevenge]

I thought our #1 issue was with the Center position. Mr. Ferentz may have just had 1st game jitters but he made too many mistakes.

What would those have been?

 

[HawkeyeDenis]

A-Rob looks like a complete back this year. Pass catching, effort, breaking runs. Rick solid opening game, little deliberate on his throws. O'line inconsistant. Good pass blocking overall, missed a few assignments.Recievers did good. Seemed like Iowa wanted to work the short game yesterday. Inconsistant line play and turnovers kept the score under 50. Ricky went out and Vandenberg came in and the offense didn't lose a step. That was great to see.

D line is what we expected. AC is going to be a monster this year. He was in EIU's face all day. Causing hurries, setting up sacks, forcing them to play away from him. Tyler Sash..monster year..he was all over the field. Micah Hyde got burned on EIU's TD twice.

I think Iowa wanted to work on certain things yesterday so we haven't seen the complete package on either side of the ball. Overall good game. Defense is ahead of offense as usual. But lot of positives. Two solid QB's. Two solid RB's. Killer D potential. Offense is going to be better this year.

 

[racerhawk]

Iowa tried to stretch the field once, and it was there, but Rick missed a WIDE open McNutt. They didn't need to stretch the field in this gave though. The dink and dunk was more than adequate.

Exactly. Easy TD if there was air under the ball.

Another score or two with a little better execution, and maybe that fake punt not working would've resulted in a big score.

As it was, EIU had like 150 yards or so...including their one long drive. Otherwise they went three and out on half of their possessions.

Iowa did have around 450 yards, I think. A couple of well-executed plays and Iowa is in a big scoring situation and well over 500 yards.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Not put the foot on the throat of the other team? That is silly. Do you realize that Iowa turned the ball over on the opponent's 2 yard line? Also, the fumble that happened on their side of the field. [U]Iowa freaking punted once.[/U] You realize the coaches called a game where Iowa should have scored 52 points, right? They can't help it if our players turn the ball over. Believe me, Ferentz didn't call the old fumbled snap play.

And it was a damn nice punt to boot!!