Ferentz's clock management was good

[homes]

We've all witnessed some questionable clock management from Ferentz in the past, but Saturday night he played it well. He was aided by Michigan's decision to throw on third down so he didn't have to burn his last timeout (which wasn't a bad call as they weren't going to run for first down), but still, Iowa didn't panic. I think back to Wisconsin in 2010 and how horrible that went, Saturday was done well.

Also, he should not be out of the woods for what has happened during the entire season, but credit should also be given to Davis on that last series. He recognized that Wadley was the guy, and got him the ball. The first play was well designed and executed, to get yards and get out of bounds, saving a timeout; then the third down QB draw was a very good play - Michigan did not see that coming, as Iowa rarely runs out of the shotgun.

I expect a heavier dose of Wadley for these last two games, probably should have figured that out sooner, but can't change that now.

 

[1hawkeye1]

Well done Iowa staff. Read many complaints from um fans about their own clock management.

 

[tksirius]

It's interesting how much of an effect clock mgmt can have on a game, good or bad...

 

[PCHawk]

This year he has been great at going "just fast enough". In the past he would be in too big of a rush which indicated he had no concept of a 2 minute drill. He actually caught some flack on here this year (Minnesota I think) for going too slow when he was going perfect speed until a 15 yard penalty derailed the drive. It takes some good awareness to know when to speed up and when to slow down to make sure you not only have enough time, but you don't leave too much time after you score. His lessons he's getting are really paying off.

Also as an added bonus, he let enough time run off the clock before the field goal to actually end the game on the attempt. Unlike in '08 when we had to kick off with one second left. I'm not sure what that was. Maybe he thought the field goal had to clear the uprights before time expires.