After 4 games, there's not many areas of concern..........

[Seth53]

I think Pitt's defense is the most aggressive we'll see and if anyone else has an idea to blitz Iowa, CJ proved that he can handle everything, including the kitchen sink. In my opinion, that was a huge test passed by CJ. Now, the OL struggled at times, but they had a lot of success, also. The OL has plenty of film and game experience to draw on when it comes to handling blitz pick up. Pitt was a huge game, in that respect.

Very much agree with this.

Especially considering he's really only had #5 starts and this year being his first year with consecutive starts.

He showed moxie @ ISU, a place where we've peed our pants a number of times. We would not have won with Ruddock.

He showed resiliency after getting knocked around a bunch vs Pitt. Again, we would not have won with Ruddock.

He comes back yesterday and flirts with Long's consecutive pass completion record and throws for a career best.

Nothing but upside with CJ. He wears #16 with honor.

 

[Seth53]

I don't see people complaining or belittling. I do see some folks analyzing the areas for improvement...much like a coach would and should. Nothing wrong with that.

Guess I was taking umbrage with Vork and Wildturkey's ridiculous posts on the first page.

 

[ibahawkeye]

Eddie actually talked about this on Soundoff last night but I think he's on to something....

I think this year has the true feeling of an actual team. The defense trusts that the offense can put up points. The D can step up just as they did on the 2nd half against the Clones. Special teams can come through.

What a feeling that has to be to be solid in all aspects and the confidence it has to create!!!

 

[hawkdrummer1]

Guess I was taking umbrage with Vork and Wildturkey's ridiculous posts on the first page.

ah, missed that. Sounds like that's a good thing.

on a side note, I agree that Pitt's defense will be one of the toughest we'll see all year. They were aggressive and hard-hitting.

 

[HawgEyeState]

Some people tend to project their own faults onto others.

Nice beard, uh-huh

 

[MoseSchrute]

Passing defense is game by game. We played very basic defense yesterday. Against Pitt, we purposely didn't blitz to mitigate big plays by Boyd. A trade off involved in this. We did chuck Lazard at the line, and every once in awhile did chuck Boyd, but two entirely different threats in the passing game.

In retrospect, the defensive strategy against Pitt was probably very smart, although at first blush I did question it.

The secondary has some issues, but has proven very solid.

There are some receiver separation issues, and some offensive line issues.

I normally watch line play, but yesterday someone told me to watch receivers for a couple of series of downs, which I did.

I'm very encouraged. Intellectually I think we are a couple of years away right now. Having said this, there is an intangible this season, and the schedule sets up very favorably. I'd be the most concerned about Northwestern right now, although their offense reminds me of Iowa. We have better than a fighter's chance against Nebraska and Minnesota. We have a legitimate chance against Wisconsin. I think if I went out on a limb, I'd be concerned about NwN getting away from us. I think Nebby will quit by the end of the season. I don't think Minnesota can score, and NwN struggles to score as well.

Uh....they won't quit if a Hawk team with a good record rolls into town and they think they can knock us down a notch. Say what you will about their QB....he doesn't quit.

 

[MoseSchrute]

Nice beard, uh-huh

I thought it looked pretty comical on that TV character, as well.

 

[Mademyaccount4u]

I think Pitt's defense is the most aggressive we'll see and if anyone else has an idea to blitz Iowa, CJ proved that he can handle everything, including the kitchen sink. In my opinion, that was a huge test passed by CJ. Now, the OL struggled at times, but they had a lot of success, also. The OL has plenty of film and game experience to draw on when it comes to handling blitz pick up. Pitt was a huge game, in that respect.

Couldn't agree more, I think both the ISU game and the Pitt game will prove to help Iowa out a lot this year. The different looks coupled with the styles of play should help immensely. There is also the way the games were won. Giving up a lead and fighting back and having to come back from a deficit in the second half.