Doctor's Diagnosis of the Hawkeye Offense---Failure to Thrive?

[HomerChampless]

At some point, GD and KF need to decide that the game is fully in Rudock's hands and we are going throw the ball to win. The second half problems are directly related to that we have the lead playing a conservative style and no need to change. The problem is, good defenses adjust, and we haven't had an answer. If we don't rely on the passing game against wisconsin, we will get thrashed. It's a loss if we try to out physical them. They have better skill positions. We have to throw the ball to run the ball.

Can GD make the leap?

You're asking the wrong guy to change. Ask the guy that matters. And, well, you know your answer, don't you.

 

[NCHawker]

anyone notice the 1st play from scrimmage against NW? Deep drop back pass - looking deep - nobody open - dump it to Weisman.

They were looking to put up points NOW. at that point.

 

[hwk23]

Regarding Wisconsin

two common opponents.

Both teams played jNW at
home. Much different games versus Northwestern.

Both played at OSU. Both
teams scored 24 points in columbus.

Iowa gave up 34, Wisconsin gave up
31

In columbus Wisconsin rushed for 104 yards, Iowa rushed for
130.

The more telling stat may be on the defensive side
Iowa gave up
495
Wisc gave up 390

Passing 198 given up by Wisc
Iowa gave up
222

In the 4th quarter Wisconsin scored 10 points in columbus while
shutting out OSU

Iowa has let MSU, OSU and NW controll the 2nd halfs.
Wisconsin

You can see where this is going. If the past is prolouge Iowa
is in trouble on Saturday. However, that's why you play the game - to
compete.

Here's a good stat. Wisconsin averaged 3.9 ypc rushing against tOSU and Iowa had 4.8 ypc. I think we may be more evenly matched than some think. On the other side of the ball, Wisconsin was able to hold tOSU to 4.5 ypc while we gave-up 5.4 ypc. I bet that's a result of them playing a 3-4 against Braxton Miller. I think with our style we will do well against the 3-4. Especially if we come out 2 and 3 TE sets and if Rudock audibles often, like against tOSU.

 

[Bigtenchamp]

it's not really the sets.. its the lack of variety within the sets and the timing and playcalling.

It's also the refusal to go after points at the end of the first half.

 

[seepig]

GReat discussion and some very good points thanks everyone for chiming in. I just didn't have time to do a deep dive statistically but while our play totals are up one thing you can't deny that we've had VERY poor point production in the second half since conference play started. Which means being behind at halftime is a recipe for losing.

 

[NCHawker]

Kirk says its just a matter of concentration. When you don't get much on 1st down, 2nd get's tricky and 3rd becomes a long shot. And so you don't see a whole lot of variety because there ain't a whole lot of plays.

 

[tednugentfan]

As others have stated, it does not matter who the OC is or we have catching passes or taking handoffs. I believe we have better (not great) but better offensive talent than we think. Unfortunately we will never see the true potential of the offense, despite having (IMO), our best QB since Tate. Ruddock is extremely capable of making a variety of throws on the move and in the pocket, yet we consistently do not throw the ball down the field to loosen up the D or take advantage of Powell's speed. Second half against NW it was circle the wagons time (again) when we got up 10 and without the D bailing us out, we lose a game we dominated.

 

[HawkinGoferLand]

You're question is: under Kirk we will see more 4-8 seasons, agree or disagree?

Disagree since we've only had one season below 6 wins in the past 13. We will see more 8+ win seasons than 4.

 

[seepig]

You're question is: under Kirk we will see more 4-8 seasons, agree or disagree?

Disagree since we've only had one season below 6 wins in the past 13. We will see more 8+ win seasons than 4.

Ok question for HawkInGopherLand will we see more winning seasons than 6-6 or worse over the next 4 years?

 

[seepig]

4-8 may be an abberation since we can schedule 4 cupcakes prior to conference play if we want too but 6-6 is not worthy of a $3.9M paycheck either.

 

[HawkeyeMHA]

It's not for lack of trying. We've tried lots of looks, plays, packages. Etc. I have been a huge critic of derp Davis (and believe I may have been the one who gave him this official name) but give him credit this year. I think we have done what we can with what we have.

 

[pmchawk]

We look sooooo much better when Rudock is back in the gun with a single back running the read option or passing to 4 receiver sets where the D gets gassed because the O is running plays every 17 secs or so. Please don't tell me that it's all "player talent" related if it is then that's the coaching staff's fault.

Don't know which game you've been watching, perhaps I'm not being as observent as I thought but our offense has been pretty good in the 3 TE sets and once we switch to primarily 3 WR sets in the 2nd half of every game our O stalls. Then we switch back to 3TE sets in the final 5 minutes and can't recapture what we had going through the first 1.5 quarters or we do and Ruddok throws a pick. That is what I think I am seeing watching us.