CFN on our attitude and conservative style

[bws258]

Scout.com: Spring Analysis Blog - Iowa & Attitude

MOST NEEDED ADDITION? KILLER ATTITUDE
By Bryce Ricklefs

Rather than further analyze spring camp position development needs, let’s take a look at what really needs to come out of Iowa City this spring – a killer attitude.

For whatever reason, if Iowa gets ahead by 10 or more points, you can bank on a conservative, play-it-safe approach that almost always allows the opponent back in the game. It sometimes seems that the team actually wants to keep the game close, for whatever psychological gain it may bring. That is exactly what keeps you in the bottom tier of equal-loss teams in the rankings, as Iowa experienced last season.

The reason Iowa does this is because it gives them game control, and it is in keeping with their style of play. It usually works, and for anyone to complain about an 11-win season is ridiculous. However, if Iowa wants to break into the next ring of vaunted, respected champions and attract top talent to Iowa City, it needs to be more impressive. Like 45-3 impressive.

Coach Ferentz has shown a knack for making necessary adjustments, even for a guy that doesn’t like to shake things up much. This is one change he needs to recognize and adapt to. Just because you get ahead by two touchdowns doesn’t mean you take the ball out of your playmakers’ hands and sit on it, relying on your defense to win by 3 at the end of every game. Keep the pressure on, be a little less conservative, and put it away before the fourth quarter once in awhile.

Another thing to keep an eye on this fall – Iowa is on the trail for some top high school talent this year, something they haven’t really done since 2005, with the exception of a star or two per class. They are hot on the heels of some of America’s top players, and getting good response thanks to a stellar last 18 months of Iowa football (15-2 if you’ve lost count). When you’re in the middle of the conversation for recruits with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Ohio State, things are looking up.

Of course, watch the O-line and linebacker competition this spring; expect Tyler Nielsen to be the next great one at OLB, and if Bruce Davis can play ILB with the same fire he plays special teams with, he will be making snot bubbles come September. Finally, watch Jordan Bernstine and see if he can become the player he was recruited to be, as his task of replacing Amari Spievey is a tall order.

 

[Pooker]

This is one change he needs to recognize and adapt to. Just because you get ahead by two touchdowns doesn’t mean you take the ball out of your playmakers’ hands and sit on it, relying on your defense to win by 3 at the end of every game. Keep the pressure on, be a little less conservative, and put it away before the fourth quarter once in awhile.


That is some wishful thinking -- winning by 3 counts as much as 40 in KF's mind. This will not change and I am not sure it ever should -- style points just do not fit or are meaningful to this Iowa HC.

 

[Warhawks77]

This is one change he needs to recognize and adapt to. Just because you get ahead by two touchdowns doesn’t mean you take the ball out of your playmakers’ hands and sit on it, relying on your defense to win by 3 at the end of every game. Keep the pressure on, be a little less conservative, and put it away before the fourth quarter once in awhile.


That is some wishful thinking -- winning by 3 counts as much as 40 in KF's mind. This will not change and I am not sure it ever should -- style points just do not fit or are meaningful to this Iowa HC.

I agree with all the above....but have to mention that at times it seems like we may be conservative when what fans are really seeing is adjustement by defenses not to allow some of the big plays we see earlier in the game. I know from experience that plays that work in the first half don't always work in the second half. Just saying this might contribute to it as well. But from a statistical standpoint, our production overall after taking a 4th quarter lead is not the same as when we are tied or behind so what really gives there?

 

[brach700]

"if Bruce Davis can play ILB with the same fire he plays special teams with, he will be making snot bubbles come September. "

LMAO !!!!!

 

[theiowahawkeye]

"if Iowa wants to break into the next ring of vaunted, respected champions and attract top talent to Iowa City, it needs to be more impressive. Like 45-3 impressive."

In other words - in order to attract A-holes you have to be an A-hole. No thanks.