HawkGold
Well-Known Member
Been thinking about Fry lately. The man was a giant to me. During that time period when he was hired, Iowa's program was bad (prior). Generally speaking things were rather negative in general. Vietnam was lost. Not long after Fry's arrival the farm economy was in a depression that lasted along time.
Fry brought an optimism with him that was infectious. He was terrific for the state of Iowa. So I begin with that.
Fry made us feel proud about being from Iowa. KF makes excuses about Iowa and I think that is his biggest mistake.
Fry understood not just beating ISU, but crushing them if possible.
Fans entered most every game thinking the Hawks could and would win regardless of the opponent (OK, things dwindled at times)
I do remember the feeling of being betrayed when he applied for USC.
Ironically KF has been rumored but never really has seriously applied.
That said, I do believe there are some myths about Fry.
He didn't like passing down the middle. KF actually does it. Fry said that 3 things can happen if a pass is down the middle and 2 were bad. Fry also didn't use quick passes behind the line like KF. Ricki Stanzi as Pic Rick would have never happened. Then again maybe the Orange Bowl wouldn't have either.
I also wonder what might have happened if Fry didn't oft go to Prevent Defense with leads. Wonder how many games that prevented the Hawks from winning. That just drove me mad. KF doesn't blitz but doesn't really go to a prevent.
Fry also had his own qb controversy. Long was likely the safe bet. Vlasic probably had more upside. Both were NFL material.
I've never seen a coach give up a game over shoes like HF did. Can't imagine KF doing that. Fry was making a point about knee injuries.
KF's conservative approach may actually be more Fry like only different.
Truth is, Iowa football has been pretty successful. Looking back if we knew what KF's record would be, most would be happy. Minor details such as how KF portrays himself makes a big difference. Fry led us to believe we could beat OSU and when the game was over, most believed the team did it's best (outside of Prevent and not passing down the middle). KF in a position to win at OSU played not to win.
The two may be closer than we think, only packaged differently..
Fry brought an optimism with him that was infectious. He was terrific for the state of Iowa. So I begin with that.
Fry made us feel proud about being from Iowa. KF makes excuses about Iowa and I think that is his biggest mistake.
Fry understood not just beating ISU, but crushing them if possible.
Fans entered most every game thinking the Hawks could and would win regardless of the opponent (OK, things dwindled at times)
I do remember the feeling of being betrayed when he applied for USC.
Ironically KF has been rumored but never really has seriously applied.
That said, I do believe there are some myths about Fry.
He didn't like passing down the middle. KF actually does it. Fry said that 3 things can happen if a pass is down the middle and 2 were bad. Fry also didn't use quick passes behind the line like KF. Ricki Stanzi as Pic Rick would have never happened. Then again maybe the Orange Bowl wouldn't have either.
I also wonder what might have happened if Fry didn't oft go to Prevent Defense with leads. Wonder how many games that prevented the Hawks from winning. That just drove me mad. KF doesn't blitz but doesn't really go to a prevent.
Fry also had his own qb controversy. Long was likely the safe bet. Vlasic probably had more upside. Both were NFL material.
I've never seen a coach give up a game over shoes like HF did. Can't imagine KF doing that. Fry was making a point about knee injuries.
KF's conservative approach may actually be more Fry like only different.
Truth is, Iowa football has been pretty successful. Looking back if we knew what KF's record would be, most would be happy. Minor details such as how KF portrays himself makes a big difference. Fry led us to believe we could beat OSU and when the game was over, most believed the team did it's best (outside of Prevent and not passing down the middle). KF in a position to win at OSU played not to win.
The two may be closer than we think, only packaged differently..