beaverdaleguy
Well-Known Member
You know, I used to be one of those people who got completely PO'd about outcomes and let my emotions dictate my views on how and why things turned out how they did. Maybe I've matured a little, maybe I just see how stupid I was for letting my emotional rollercoaster spew out nonsense and radicalistic ideas on how I could run a Division I program better than those currently running it with decades more of experience than I have.
My thoughts on the game in Ames:
Yes, the good Captain Kirk was overly cautious. But if you've ever seen an Iowa game since 1999, you'd know that is how the Skipper has always coached. He comes from a long line of distinguished coaches as teachers and mentors and I think all of us would agree (at least those of us who have returned to our right minds) that it has worked out pretty well for us. Yes, Ferentz played for Overtime with over a minute left and two timeouts. He did the same thing with Vandenburg in '09 at the 'Shoe. Should he have done it back then? Probably (hindsight is 20/20, eh?). Should he have done it today? In my opinion, no. But then again, I don't show up to every practice and spend the hours he does with those young men and know what injuries are lingering behind the scenes and what nerves are being shattered on that field and in those huddles at the end of the game.
I noticed a lot of people also out to headhunt for Ken O'Keefe. A few years ago, I probably would have been in that crowd. In all honesty, I think out of every group on the field today, O'Keefe's offense was the most consistant and I happened to agree with 90-95% of his play calls. Even last year I don't think I could have said that. I think our troubles lie in a mixture of young, inexperienced players, key injuries, massive losses (especially on defense) to the NFL and better lives outside of our little fishbowl, and too high of expectations for kids who are probably still working through pimples and some of the hardest decisions of their lives figuring out how to pay tuition, what they want to do with their lives, and all on the eve of a hallmark anniversary of one of the greatest gut-wrenching disasters our country has ever seen.
I see, even on this forum alone, all the negativity and misguided passion which tears down not only any player or coach who might read these opinions of the emotionally exhausted faithful, but also fellow posters. We expect perfect seasons every year and frankly, Iowa Football hasn't been and still isn't at that point. We aren't located in major cities or in the deep south with heavy recruiting of kids with ungodly talent in our backyard. We don't have the history of a dozen national championships or hallmark historic rivalries like Alabama-Auburn, Michigan-Ohio St, Texas-Oklahoma..etc. We recruit good kids with a love of the game, a strong midwestern work ethic and a selfless attitude and go out to have fun and win games.
It is easy to see, especially reading some of the posts on here tonight, why national writers seem to not like Hawk fans. A lot of them who write in that I read are rude, selfish, and often narrow-minded and only see life inside Kinnick instead of thinking where Iowa football stands across the country as a whole. We haven't earned the respect and only continue to be perceived as self-rightous and arrogant. We are getting better. Coach Fry had ups and downs but none would argue that he wasn't an amazing (and well loved) coach who did great things with this program. Coach Ferentz might not coach the same way you play NCAA 2012 on your PS3, but then again life isn't a video game and you can't always throw a fake spike, all streak on 1st and 10 from your own goaline in real life.
Instead, I offer an alternative. Represent your actions and words that you write both here and on national boards in a manner reflective of what Coach Ferentz and his staff are teaching those young men we so idolize. Congratulate ISU on a tough game and Mr. Jantz on a spectacular display of athleticism and wish them all the luck in the future. From now on, we all represent the State of Iowa. Home of the nationally recognized Pewter Family. The First Family of our beloved Corn Associates. Our ambassadors to collegiate gridirons everywhere. I guarantee the stress levels in your life will decrease a hundred-fold and maybe, just maybe, your opinions will be taken more seriously by everyone around the country.
Besides, there is a lot of hate from a fanbase who claims the Iowa-Iowa St game is a "no win situation" for the Hawks. What poor memories we have.
My thoughts on the game in Ames:
Yes, the good Captain Kirk was overly cautious. But if you've ever seen an Iowa game since 1999, you'd know that is how the Skipper has always coached. He comes from a long line of distinguished coaches as teachers and mentors and I think all of us would agree (at least those of us who have returned to our right minds) that it has worked out pretty well for us. Yes, Ferentz played for Overtime with over a minute left and two timeouts. He did the same thing with Vandenburg in '09 at the 'Shoe. Should he have done it back then? Probably (hindsight is 20/20, eh?). Should he have done it today? In my opinion, no. But then again, I don't show up to every practice and spend the hours he does with those young men and know what injuries are lingering behind the scenes and what nerves are being shattered on that field and in those huddles at the end of the game.
I noticed a lot of people also out to headhunt for Ken O'Keefe. A few years ago, I probably would have been in that crowd. In all honesty, I think out of every group on the field today, O'Keefe's offense was the most consistant and I happened to agree with 90-95% of his play calls. Even last year I don't think I could have said that. I think our troubles lie in a mixture of young, inexperienced players, key injuries, massive losses (especially on defense) to the NFL and better lives outside of our little fishbowl, and too high of expectations for kids who are probably still working through pimples and some of the hardest decisions of their lives figuring out how to pay tuition, what they want to do with their lives, and all on the eve of a hallmark anniversary of one of the greatest gut-wrenching disasters our country has ever seen.
I see, even on this forum alone, all the negativity and misguided passion which tears down not only any player or coach who might read these opinions of the emotionally exhausted faithful, but also fellow posters. We expect perfect seasons every year and frankly, Iowa Football hasn't been and still isn't at that point. We aren't located in major cities or in the deep south with heavy recruiting of kids with ungodly talent in our backyard. We don't have the history of a dozen national championships or hallmark historic rivalries like Alabama-Auburn, Michigan-Ohio St, Texas-Oklahoma..etc. We recruit good kids with a love of the game, a strong midwestern work ethic and a selfless attitude and go out to have fun and win games.
It is easy to see, especially reading some of the posts on here tonight, why national writers seem to not like Hawk fans. A lot of them who write in that I read are rude, selfish, and often narrow-minded and only see life inside Kinnick instead of thinking where Iowa football stands across the country as a whole. We haven't earned the respect and only continue to be perceived as self-rightous and arrogant. We are getting better. Coach Fry had ups and downs but none would argue that he wasn't an amazing (and well loved) coach who did great things with this program. Coach Ferentz might not coach the same way you play NCAA 2012 on your PS3, but then again life isn't a video game and you can't always throw a fake spike, all streak on 1st and 10 from your own goaline in real life.
Instead, I offer an alternative. Represent your actions and words that you write both here and on national boards in a manner reflective of what Coach Ferentz and his staff are teaching those young men we so idolize. Congratulate ISU on a tough game and Mr. Jantz on a spectacular display of athleticism and wish them all the luck in the future. From now on, we all represent the State of Iowa. Home of the nationally recognized Pewter Family. The First Family of our beloved Corn Associates. Our ambassadors to collegiate gridirons everywhere. I guarantee the stress levels in your life will decrease a hundred-fold and maybe, just maybe, your opinions will be taken more seriously by everyone around the country.
Besides, there is a lot of hate from a fanbase who claims the Iowa-Iowa St game is a "no win situation" for the Hawks. What poor memories we have.
