Iowa Football: What are you looking forward to?

[CJSHawk]

Sadly, all of our skill position players are known quantities. We have seen what our Rbs can do...and we aren't exactly excited. We have seen what our WRs can do, and we aren't exactly excited. The QB, on the other hand, has show flashes of brilliance. He won't have Powell or Willies to throw the fly pattern to, and that is concerning...as the avg speed of our WRs must be near 4.7 or 4.8, but he should be able to put up more yards through the air this year than Jake last year. The RBs cant be any worse than last year's running game. So there is hope for some improvement.

Good point. Canzeri has flashed, but I don't think I've ever seen him break a tackle. Other than the TD run against ISU Leshun Daniels hasn't shown much to earn the comparisons to Shonn Greene we keep hearing. Tevaun Smith could be a big play threat, but Tennessee didn't have any trouble shutting him down. Hillyer's blocking seems to be better than his pass catching skills. That's not good if you're a WR. Does anyone think Matt VandeBurg and Andrew Stone will strike fear in the hearts of opposing defensive coordinators?? Me neither. And because of really poor recruiting help doesn't appear to be on the way.

 

[CJSHawk]

I am looking forward to: Driving to the Iowa City area on Friday and going out for a good dinner and a cocktail; talking to some Hawk fans who are also in town for the game; strolling from my parking space through the happy people tailgating and exchanging high fives and "go Hawks"; sunny days in beautiful Kinnick stadium sitting around and conversing with some pretty knowledgeable, loyal Hawk fans; hearing "Back in Black" and watching the Hawks swarm onto the field; hearing the roar of the crowd when the Hawks make a touchdown; watching the replays on the big screen to I can further enjoy a big play by the Hawks; hustling back to my parking spot so i can hear the post game show; heading for Ugly's Saloon for a couple of pints of cold beer and the opportunity to watch some of the later games; heading over to Pagliai's for a first class pizza.I am sorry to hear that so many of you seem to be focused on criticizing the coaches and assuming that our talent level won't be competitive in 2015. I understand that our program is certainly not where it can and should be, but I am going to hope that things get better, with or without the current coaching staff. No offense intended, but I am a 50 year Hawk fan and will not let the negatives overwhelm me, but will concentrate on the great times I have at Kinnick, now with my own kids and grandkids.

A well written post, and I know there are many Iowa fans who share your opinion which makes Iowa fans some of the best in the nation. However, I also know more and more Iowa fans are coming to the same conclusion I have, and that is Iowa football is circling the drain. And because of the worst contract in coaching history all we can do is........nothing!

 

[theboat]

This is the least I have cared about iowa football in 30 years and that is not an exaggeration. It sucks.

 

[uihawk82]

With what the Hawks are bringing back on D, and CJ + here's hoping an actual RB at the position, I don't know, this team might be one of those that surprise us. As long as it's not the same boring crap I've watched the last couple of years I'll be happy.

^^ The bolded portion is very key. If the hawks play the same short yardage stuff on offense they will not only be boring but easy to defend making scoring and winning difficult. Last years Wisky game is a perfect example, conservative first half that netted little then open it up in the second half because you have to and almost pull off the stunning upset.

By the big 10 season they could be able to win their home slate and if they do and scratch out 2 road wins that would be a great 6-2 (which they should have been last year).

 

[uihawk82]

Good point. Canzeri has flashed, but I don't think I've ever seen him break a tackle. Other than the TD run against ISU Leshun Daniels hasn't shown much to earn the comparisons to Shonn Greene we keep hearing. Tevaun Smith could be a big play threat, but Tennessee didn't have any trouble shutting him down. Hillyer's blocking seems to be better than his pass catching skills. That's not good if you're a WR. Does anyone think Matt VandeBurg and Andrew Stone will strike fear in the hearts of opposing defensive coordinators?? Me neither. And because of really poor recruiting help doesn't appear to be on the way.

Matt and Andrew wont strike fear but I liked VandeBurg's route running and he is faster than one might think. I see Matt as working toward a real good mid range possession receiver and if Stone can be that smaller , shiftier guy to run slants, outs and crossing patterns then great.

And T Smith has the speed to get open deep.

 

[CJSHawk]

[/B]^^ The bolded portion is very key. If the hawks play the same short yardage stuff on offense they will not only be boring but easy to defend making scoring and winning difficult. Last years Wisky game is a perfect example, conservative first half that netted little then open it up in the second half because you have to and almost pull off the stunning upset.By the big 10 season they could be able to win their home slate and if they do and scratch out 2 road wins that would be a great 6-2 (which they should have been last year).

Of course they'll play the same "short yardage stuff". The entire coaching staff from last year comes back! Why would anything be different? Because Brian Ferentz is the "Running Game Coordinator"? Because Levar Woods coaches the Tight Ends? Because Kirk Ferentz is spending more time in the football facility?

 

[CJSHawk]

Matt and Andrew wont strike fear but I liked VandeBurg's route running and he is faster than one might think. I see Matt as working toward a real good mid range possession receiver and if Stone can be that smaller , shiftier guy to run slants, outs and crossing patterns then great.And T Smith has the speed to get open deep.

Ahhh Yes!! Possession Receiver!! Code word for your team's slow white WR.

 

[uihawk82]

I always start out the season with a lot of optimism and thinking that players have improved. If workouts can add strength and agility they can also add explosiveness and maybe 2 tenths of a second in quickness.

I also look at the synergy and team aspect and how some teams play better than their individual parts.

With that said I am excited to see what KF and BF can do with the new OFF Tackles. If these two unknowns can play competently (and they need to be) the line could be above avg. I hope to see a pretty good above avg 1-2 punch at running back and maybe Wadley have some hilite runs.

CJB convinced me he has the stuff last year but being the starter could affect him negatively but I hope not. He made some great throws last year, laser beams, like the drive against Illinois, some great throws against Tenn where I thought he played well. He made great reads and throws in his first two big tests against Pitt and Purdue (ok PU is not that great).

We have about 50% above avg known quantities back on defense so I am excited to see what the new DEE Tackles can do. I liked Faith and Jaleel's motors and strength last year and if technique gets better the whole DEE line could be above avg again. Put simply the linebackers cant be less achieving than last year and hopefully much better with some improved speed and taking better angles.

I like that Phil Parker will mix up defenses and blitz and we have two experienced above avg cornerbacks and one safety. So if we can really improve at that other safety position and get improved play at the Lbkr positions I am optimistic about the defense.

I am not guessing on records yet but I think they can at least win 7 games.

 

[uihawk82]

Of course they'll play the same "short yardage stuff". The entire coaching staff from last year comes back! Why would anything be different? Because Brian Ferentz is the "Running Game Coordinator"? Because Levar Woods coaches the Tight Ends? Because Kirk Ferentz is spending more time in the football facility?

You know what CJSH you started this thread with a pretty positive angle and wanted peoples thoughts then you became some angry KF hater in your replies to other posters. I am not saying Andrew Stone is another Ed Hinkle but remember no one at Iowa even knew who Ed Hinkle was coming out of high school. So quit belittling the players who havent even played yet.

 

[CJSHawk]

I always start out the season with a lot of optimism and thinking that players have improved. If workouts can add strength and agility they can also add explosiveness and maybe 2 tenths of a second in quickness.I also look at the synergy and team aspect and how some teams play better than their individual parts.With that said I am excited to see what KF and BF can do with the new OFF Tackles. If these two unknowns can play competently (and they need to be) the line could be above avg. I hope to see a pretty good above avg 1-2 punch at running back and maybe Wadley have some hilite runs.CJB convinced me he has the stuff last year but being the starter could affect him negatively but I hope not. He made some great throws last year, laser beams, like the drive against Illinois, some great throws against Tenn where I thought he played well. He made great reads and throws in his first two big tests against Pitt and Purdue (ok PU is not that great).We have about 50% above avg known quantities back on defense so I am excited to see what the new DEE Tackles can do. I liked Faith and Jaleel's motors and strength last year and if technique gets better the whole DEE line could be above avg again. Put simply the linebackers cant be less achieving than last year and hopefully much better with some improved speed and taking better angles.I like that Phil Parker will mix up defenses and blitz and we have two experienced above avg cornerbacks and one safety. So if we can really improve at that other safety position and get improved play at the Lbkr positions I am optimistic about the defense.I am not guessing on records yet but I think they can at least win 7 games.

Good analysis, and for the sake of our defense let's hope Faith E. and Jaleel J. emerge on the D-line. With the uncertainty surrounding Darrian Cooper right now they'll need to. They're both intriguing prospects.Wadley seems to have potential, but he has ball security issues and Ferentz won't play young players who fumble. If you're a veteran player and fumble you can stand on the field, but not young players.

 

[CJSHawk]

You know what CJSH you started this thread with a pretty positive angle and wanted peoples thoughts then you became some angry KF hater in your replies to other posters. I am not saying Andrew Stone is another Ed Hinkle but remember no one at Iowa even knew who Ed Hinkle was coming out of high school. So quit belittling the players who havent even played yet.

I suppose you're right uihawk82. The frustration from last year is still lingering for me and while I believe everything I've written today I could be less negative.

 

[NCHawker]

With the basketball season complete I guess the eyes of Hawkeyenation turn to Iowa Football. What are we looking forward to? I suppose I'm looking forward to seeing CJB's development at QB now that he's the only option we have. The pictures of our new football practice facility are nice and I'm looking forward to seeing more. We'll probably get to see Scherff walk across the stage at the NFL Draft. That's a good thing. But that's all I can think of which makes me wonder. How difficult is it right now for our coaches to recruit?? Based on the results of the 2015 recruiting class it must be very difficult!! I've been a diehard Iowa fan for more than 30 years and I can only think of one thing I'm looking forward to that directly affects next year's team. What say you??

I have nothing to add.

 

[DBAHawkFan]

Matt and Andrew wont strike fear but I liked VandeBurg's route running and he is faster than one might think. I see Matt as working toward a real good mid range possession receiver and if Stone can be that smaller , shiftier guy to run slants, outs and crossing patterns then great.

And T Smith has the speed to get open deep.

Im trying to remember the last time I saw Iowa WR run a slant pattern....

 

[NCHawker]

Im trying to remember the last time I saw Iowa WR run a slant pattern....

wisconsin game.....Vandeberg..nice gain

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

Looking forward to football. Always do.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

The number one thing I am looking forward to is CJB.

I want to see him play with his hair on fire. Throwing some picks but making a number of big plays. I accept there will be some bad with the good.

What I am worried about most is if KF gets to him. If he comes out talking about making good decisions, the smart play, checking it down, yada, yada, yada then we are in for more of the same drivel this program has become. Give me the type of excitement a gun slinger can bring to this program.

Whoa, there. CJB is the answer. Of course, let's temper that with, if he's NOT the answer...blame KF!

That outlook does two things:

1) Puts undeserved pressure on CJB. Sure, he and daddy boy did a ton of it themselves with "the interview", but still, he is but one of 11 players on the field any given play.

2) Gives an undeserved "out" by blaming KF when things go "south" on the offensive side of the ball (trust me, with GD, that WILL happen, the more I hear, the more I'm convinced he is the biggest problem), as if CJB already gets a free pass (which, for most fans, JR never got)

 

[CJSHawk]

Whoa, there. CJB is the answer. Of course, let's temper that with, if he's NOT the answer...blame KF!That outlook does two things:1) Puts undeserved pressure on CJB. Sure, he and daddy boy did a ton of it themselves with "the interview", but still, he is but one of 11 players on the field any given play.2) Gives an undeserved "out" by blaming KF when things go "south" on the offensive side of the ball (trust me, with GD, that WILL happen, the more I hear, the more I'm convinced he is the biggest problem), as if CJB already gets a free pass (which, for most fans, JR never got)

Given the fact that we're approaching year 17 of the Ferentz era any criticism of Iowa's offensive issues directed at Ferentz is hardly "undeserved". I agree that JR never got the benefit of the doubt from fans and I think it's because he never passed the eye test for most fans. JR made playing QB look like really hard work, especially his throwing motion. CJB makes throwing the football look effortless.

 

[clim]

I'm looking forward to change. Either the coaching staff can have a good year, which they've done before when not expected, or the fan base will finally get the change they've wanted. Also interested to see if the new college president will allow game day to be fun again.
Player wise I hope to see at least one good Rb emerge and I also look forward to our next set of tackles on both sides of the ball.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

I'm looking forward to change. Either the coaching staff can have a good year, which they've done before when not expected, or the fan base will finally get the change they've wanted. Also interested to see if the new college president will allow game day to be fun again.
Player wise I hope to see at least one good Rb emerge and I also look forward to our next set of tackles on both sides of the ball.

I agree, but the thing is, I could see Iowa going 6-6 or something this year, getting a low-tier bowl game, and no changes being made yet again. Our Athletic Department isn't exactly being run by the sharpest tools in the shed.

Otherwise, when it comes to "on the field" stuff, I'm looking forward to seeing what CJB can do, provided Ferentz really does hand him the reigns and lets him use whatever ability he has. That's another big 'IF'.

I'd like to think that this is the year where things finally come together, but I've seen too many stale 7-5 type seasons to think we're going to see any more 9-3/10-2 (or better) seasons under this coaching staff. I just don't think the talent is there any more, and I think the game has passed our coaching staff by, if you'll forgive the cliche.

 

[tweeterhawk]

I like roller coasters a lot. So I'm looking forward to your typical Kirk Ferentz season -- some ups, some downs, conservative offense with just a few hints of innovation thrown in; beating some opponents we shouldn't; losing to some we shouldn't; message board arguments over who's the better quarterback; debates over whether Ferentz has lost his edge; all the while going 8-4 or 7-5 and hopscotching some other B1G teams with similar records to go to a slightly better bowl than otherwise, mostly likely in some place warmer.

Meanwhile, ISU fans again go bowl-less but remain so pwoud of their coach Paul Rhaods.