Ferentz on the Side: Even He is Impressed

JonDMiller

Publisher/Founder
Ferentz On the Side | Hawkeye Nation

This quote stood out to me: Q: You looked pretty sharp the first two games, perhaps more so than past teams early on. What do you attribute that to?

Ferentz: I have thought about that a little and if I had to pinpoint it, I would say our veteran players. They have done a good job of leading this team. They have another challenge this week. Our veterans are really invested and I think they know what is in front of us right now, too. Hopefully they will keep helping the tempo go the right way.

xxxxxxx

IMO, it has been rare for Kirk to basically acknowledge that he has been like the rest of of us; really surprised at how well the team is playing early on
 


It's out of character for Kirk to say basically ANYTHING positive about his teams. During the press conference today, he said that clearly, after the season they had last year, Arizona is an excellent team. He contrasted that with Iowa by saying that we don't know how good Iowa is, but we're hoping to be a good team.

The fact that he's praising his team like this, so publicly, is a GREAT sign.
 






Let's all assume that positivity will go to the field and not to their heads. I do feel much more confident about this game after seeing the flow early on last week.
 


This game has had me nervous, as does nearly every game. That being said I get less and less nervous by the day. This team could be something well beyond special!!
 




I think that to this point in time Iowa has been pretty much going to practice with players that aren't on their team. IMO they have played hard but they have not yet let it all hang out per se.
I think they will use the first quarter to measure what Arizona's got and from there if needed they will unleash the manimal inside that defense that has not yet been seen.
 


Reading about Norm made me nervous due to the fact that he was also not there in 2004.

I have been saying this for a couple of weeks. It was a big deal at the time. It was the first time Norm was gone for sizable time during the season and it showed.

Iowa desperately needed some direction on D, but looked completely lost. It wasn't just that game either. They got creamed the following week at UM as well. While the O was anemic in both games, the D also got shredded.

It is also important to remember that the 2004 defense was widely considered as one of the best Hawk units.

It really isn't a casual matter unless the team really has prepared to move on and someone has taken up the coordinator mantle.

Wish someone would press the issue and get KF to divulge who will be calling the defense.
 


One thing that stands out is the part where the guys understand we can have a special season and they are focused on achieving that goal (albiet one game at a time) without looking ahead.
 


This season the Captain has made more positive comments about players than I can ever recall. I'm not certain if I'm just reading more and paying closer attention, or if he usually does this and I've just never noticed.

I also agree w/ the poster that commented that maybe Ferentz knows something the media doesn't, and that's that this team is loaded and he knows it but doesn't want it out there.
 


The media has voted Iowa #9 so I do not think they are mis-informed on Iowa...we are getting plenty of respect from them.

I am worried about Norm's absence.
I am worried about our young players and the whole team being in a hostile environment for the first time.
I am worried about an AZ team that has not given up a TD yet...only one of three teams to do that.
I just think Iowa is ripe for the plucking due to the whole scenario...travel,heat, late hour, and tough team. Iowa 24 Az 23....I hope.
 


I have been saying this for a couple of weeks. It was a big deal at the time. It was the first time Norm was gone for sizable time during the season and it showed.

Iowa desperately needed some direction on D, but looked completely lost. It wasn't just that game either. They got creamed the following week at UM as well. While the O was anemic in both games, the D also got shredded.

It is also important to remember that the 2004 defense was widely considered as one of the best Hawk units.

It really isn't a casual matter unless the team really has prepared to move on and someone has taken up the coordinator mantle.

Wish someone would press the issue and get KF to divulge who will be calling the defense.
Coach Wilson. Does and outstanding job. We won't miss a beat on D.
 


The media has voted Iowa #9 so I do not think they are mis-informed on Iowa...we are getting plenty of respect from them.

I am worried about Norm's absence.
I am worried about our young players and the whole team being in a hostile environment for the first time.
I am worried about an AZ team that has not given up a TD yet...only one of three teams to do that.
I just think Iowa is ripe for the plucking due to the whole scenario...travel,heat, late hour, and tough team. Iowa 24 Az 23....I hope.
Do you worry about everything? Don't worry about Norms absence, Don't worry about the young players, we have great leadership, Don't worry about Arizona not giving up a score to two inferior teams, Don't worry about Iowa being ripe for plucking, they are a much more prepared team now, Don't worry about travel, heat, both are irrelevent. They get there and relax for two days, the gametime heat will be 82 and a beautiful night. See, nothing to worry about. I have a girl friend that worries about driving over bridges, she has never fall off or had an accident, but she still worries.
 




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