Can 13 end like 08 and build for 14?

[g11]

I think this team has its own identity. Lots of unique things going into next year that I haven't seen in the KF era. I do think that a lot of the things that have made stronger Hawkeye teams under KF are in place for next year so that's good.

I'd say the two things that would really help going into next year would be a new safety and WR that can make some plays. The big question mark will be LB which is pretty rare I'd say, lets hope it turns out like the QB situation this year.

 

[Montanahawk]

This team is nowhere near as good as the 2008 team...but it's good enough to win its final two games. That said, these final two opponents are better than Purdue and Minnesota, Iowa's final two in 2008.

This year is certainly a springboard for next year, where the team looks poised to have a good year at a minimum.

Folks want to point to 2008 as a building block for 2009 and while there was a lot of experience gained, that 2009 team wasn't as good as the 2008 team came to be be, at least in my opinion. It enjoyed a great deal of luck and good fortune. Then again, most teams who put together great records do.

Re: 2014 I'm concerned about the linebacker situation and the lack of an emerging quality pass rusher. We've been able to put some pressure on teams with the blitz but that's largely had some success because we've had experienced and talented LB's to pull off both rushing and when asked, coverage. Ott has steadily improved but doesn't seem to have the burst to put consistent pressure on the QB. You look at the better pass rushers in the league. Like Gregory, Clark, and Spence you have quick twitch guys who can get beat a OT in a hurry. We don't really have THAT guy one the roster. Maybe we snag someone like Torey Hendrik(sp?) and he comes in and does that from the get go but right now not seeing it. I expect we'll send Spearman a lot next year but that's one less player in coverage. Maybe they rotate another LB in on obvious passing situations and he becomes a pass rush specialist at DE.

A bigger concern might be the lack of a stud OT to run behind if Schreff leaves early. His presence has been both figuratively and literally huge in the run game. He might be the team MVP)OK, probably Rudock, but because of the importance of the position. I suspect a bigger drop off in play at their respective positions from Schreff than Rudock if they both were injured.)

So, one-more-year chants are appropriate for the crowd Saturday to send to Brandon. We really MUST have him to have a top 15 quality team next year.

 

[Saginawbay]

What ever the result the next two weeks will be fun! Plus at worst we will have a game during the holiday season, so that is improvement, and will have lots of quality players returning for the 2014 season.

 

[Saginawbay]

Well, we are half way home too a solid finish for 2013, and no matter what happens 2013 has been a solid season for Hawks. Only 4 wins in 12, and most were seeing another similar season, 7 wins is solid improvement, and can finish with a very good season 8 wins, and still a shot at 9.

Program is heading in good direction.

 

[PCHawk]

Now all we have to do is beat Nebraska 55-0 and destroy an SEC team in the Outback Bowl.

 

[tm3308]

That same DL was more mature in 2010 and a group of green LB's made them look pedestrian. The "front seven" are ALL important.

1. You mean the same team that admitted it lost the will to win? There was more going on there besides green LB's.

2. That group didn't have King and Kroul. As a whole, the 2009 line was better. But King and Kroul were better in the middle (which is saying something).

 

[Saginawbay]

Great season and great finish, and an opportunity for 9 wins great job by entire coaching staff, and let's give credit to players who really made this turnaround possible! Go Hawks and see you in Tampa!

 

[Saginawbay]

If Hawks can win Outback bowl, what a finish to the season with wins over Michigan, Nebraska, and LSU. Three blue bloods of college football, would give us great momentum heading into 2014!