Did the team really miss Norm that much?

[homes]

A lot is being said about the lack of emotion coming from this team. I think Norm provided that, it a subtle way. Maybe him not being there was a bigger emotional let down than has been let on. Perhaps his absence left the defense uncertain, or lacking in confidence. I don't know, but his extended stay away couldn't have been a good thing. Plus, not a real good audition for the job from Phil Parker or Darrel Wilson.

 

[FrozenMadman]

This entire season has been reminiscent of the last half dozen years of Hayden Fry's days. He lost his coordinators to other jobs and Iowa football pretty much tanked as a result . Norm was the heart and soul of this staff. His loss was huge. The writing on the wall is pretty clear regarding this. The pretenders that took his place could in no way fill his shoes. Its unfortunate, but it is what it is.

Here's to hoping for better days.

 

[mmills88]

I think it's pretty clear that Norm's replacement, once he decides to retire, is not on this current staff.

 

[H8IAST8]

I agree the current D play callers are not getting the job done. But everyone needs to realize we lost a lot at LB to graduation and to injury.

 

[hwks1]

I think injuries to the defense have hurt the most. We lost two linebackers (one a starter in the NFL this year) from last years team. I am disappointed that the Defense has given up the game winning points 5 times....but, I'm more disgusted with the Offense.

We scored 17,18 and 20 pts against 3 last place teams (right behind us) that give up on avg 34pts game!.... Every one of these teams looked like they had a Big 10 leading defense. Why is that? Is our offense so horrible that teams that give up 34 a game look like the best defense in the league against us?

 

[H8IAST8]

Bruce Davis, Tarp, Johnson all lost to injuries as well. Thats 5 LBs and Hunter playing on 1 leg.

 

[Billso]

I'd like to think Norm's presence would have helped in the motivation department, and D adjustments against the likes of Northwestern. Then again, Norm was our D-coordinator when the team's effort tanked in 2006 and 2007.