Football Notebook: Hawkeye Offense Working to Find Consistency
- Thread starter RobHowe
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HawkeyeDenis
Well-Known Member
A big part of the problem is the offensive line. They aren't where they need to be. And time is running out.
If Iowa loses to Wisconsin it's another so-so year. Iowa gets their 7-8 wins goes to a bowl game but ends up second or third in the West.
If Iowa loses to Wisconsin it's another so-so year. Iowa gets their 7-8 wins goes to a bowl game but ends up second or third in the West.
Yeah IKM does need to get better.
That said I wouldn't want to be UNI this weekend. I Have a feeling we have three backs who all are fighting for the number one spot, knowing that if they can't unseat IKM, they will get the most carries at #2, rather than #3.
It's pretty simple. We have no passing game. Teams don't fear Stanley or any of our receivers, so play action really doesn't matter much at all. Also, while our backs are decent, they are nothing like Wadley was. He could take nothing and turn it into a huge gain on any given play, but we simply don't have anyone that can do that, nor do we have anyone that is a receiving threat like he was. It's only going to get tougher after this weekend. Stanley's troubles are really nothing new either, as he has been under 50% completion in his last 5 games. This is what happens when there is a lack of talent at skill positions, the best player and only true home run threat graduates, and we have an OC that is clueless.
HawkeyeDenis
Well-Known Member
As per Jon's comments on this game. I hope Iowa comes out and works the pass game to death this week. They need to get that on film to get these teams to get out of the 8 man box. Tough to run against a goal line defense every play.
That's what I said they needed to do last week. Wtf we have seen 3&out opening drives enough that I think we can all agree for the sake of improvement, who cares come out throwing and don't stop. I don't care if it's 3rd and inches, throw that mf'er.
Northside Hawk
Well-Known Member
Caddy, we get it. We have below average receivers and an overall lack of offensive playmakers. You've typed the same post for years. What about our defensive live and improved special teams? Why don't you post about them once in a while? Or are you waiting until we lose 38-35 you can rail on the defense for a change?
RobHowe
Administrator
ISM hauled in a 45-yard reception and B Smith caught a 30-yarder. Fant and Hockenson are weapons. IKM isn’t a Wadley-like game breaker but he’s a solid all-around back when healthy.
This offense has potential but potential means it hasn’t done it yet. Fortunately, there are 10 more guaranteed games this season.
This offense has potential but potential means it hasn’t done it yet. Fortunately, there are 10 more guaranteed games this season.
Northside Hawk
Well-Known Member
There's some potential there and those were big plays. And I've argued for a year and a half that Fant, and now Hockensen are weapons. That said, route running needs to be more consistent. Smith brought the DB in play on that NIU interception by running the route to close to the sideline, not giving Stanley the back shoulder, and bringing the DB in play. Chuck Long made the same observation on the air. Easley almost did the same thing on the same route against ISU, that pass should have been picked. When Smith made his huge play against ISU he gave Stanley the back shoulder and that's exactly where Nate put it.
RobHowe
Administrator
Hockenson talked about route spacing in the story I linked in the OP. The WRs still are young and inexperienced. The offense knows what it needs to do better. Now it has to do it.
#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
I posted this on another thread, but it's probably more pertinent here (the thoughts on the offense during the ISU game):
"...The offense still has a long ways to go, IMO. I do honestly believe it will get better, but, there are a lot of kinks and a lack of rhythm. Stanley was so-so, but, he needs his receivers to help him out - the routes have to be crisper and the hands more reliable. Rhythm, rhythm, rhythm.
The backs were serviceable, but decent enough. It will be nice to get IKM back. The TEs remain our strength, but Fant's supposed focus during the off-season on improving his run-blocking isn't paying dividends.
The offensive line remains a bit of a mess. Others may disagree and that's fine, but, Render just isn't good. Along with the guards, he gets pushed back too easily in zone plays and relies on assistance in pass-pro. Really, the whole unit needs to understand that the zone scheme isn't just getting in the way of the defender - YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO GET PUSH. Render and the guards routinely get pushed back 1-2 yards as soon as they come out of their stances. This is what teams learned last season: As soon as Iowa zone blocks, attack the LOS and push them back and/or shoot the gaps, disrupting the scheme. It works, and you can bet that Wisconsin will continue to do it. Jackson and Wirfs both had poor moments as well, but, I'll give them a pass since it was their first games. Wirfs completely whiffed (and I mean completely) on one play. That can't happen. Overall, I remain quite skeptical that Polasek is much of a coach..."
"...The offense still has a long ways to go, IMO. I do honestly believe it will get better, but, there are a lot of kinks and a lack of rhythm. Stanley was so-so, but, he needs his receivers to help him out - the routes have to be crisper and the hands more reliable. Rhythm, rhythm, rhythm.
The backs were serviceable, but decent enough. It will be nice to get IKM back. The TEs remain our strength, but Fant's supposed focus during the off-season on improving his run-blocking isn't paying dividends.
The offensive line remains a bit of a mess. Others may disagree and that's fine, but, Render just isn't good. Along with the guards, he gets pushed back too easily in zone plays and relies on assistance in pass-pro. Really, the whole unit needs to understand that the zone scheme isn't just getting in the way of the defender - YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO GET PUSH. Render and the guards routinely get pushed back 1-2 yards as soon as they come out of their stances. This is what teams learned last season: As soon as Iowa zone blocks, attack the LOS and push them back and/or shoot the gaps, disrupting the scheme. It works, and you can bet that Wisconsin will continue to do it. Jackson and Wirfs both had poor moments as well, but, I'll give them a pass since it was their first games. Wirfs completely whiffed (and I mean completely) on one play. That can't happen. Overall, I remain quite skeptical that Polasek is much of a coach..."
womp womp
SheagleHawk
Well-Known Member
Iowa has been consistent on offense for many years. Consistently bad. To the point of being nearly unwatchable many times. I know KF prefers ball control/field position offense, but it really is mind-boggling the offensive incompetence that has persisted, and allowed, for the vast majority of KF's tenure here. What an incredible waste of so many good defenses over the years.
DBAHawkFan
Well-Known Member
You could have written this story every year since 2007. It's amazing how bad Iowa has been on offense, especially to start a season. I think 2010 we were pretty efficient but injuries to the OL and RB hurt production (and it was on KF for allowing his starters to stay in a blow out against MSU)
There's just no space on the field. Every pass that's thrown, minus the 2-3 passes that travel past 15 yards, has about eight players around it (including the defense). Go back and watch the KOK offense, yes it wasn't the best in the world, but the WR and TE caught the ball in space. We see no curls, deep crosses into the middle, and it's rare for our TE seam pass.
No screen passes, pretty rare to see a counter play (and when we do it seems to work fairly well).
You watch the rest of college football and you don't see the same issues. Yes teams have bad games, WR can drop passes....but it's nothing like watching Iowa on offense.
There's just no space on the field. Every pass that's thrown, minus the 2-3 passes that travel past 15 yards, has about eight players around it (including the defense). Go back and watch the KOK offense, yes it wasn't the best in the world, but the WR and TE caught the ball in space. We see no curls, deep crosses into the middle, and it's rare for our TE seam pass.
No screen passes, pretty rare to see a counter play (and when we do it seems to work fairly well).
You watch the rest of college football and you don't see the same issues. Yes teams have bad games, WR can drop passes....but it's nothing like watching Iowa on offense.
