is this offense better than '85 and '86?

[Clifking]

would love to see the stats. they are very impressive right now.

 

[JonDMiller]

They have better skill personnel IMO. Better WR's. Stanzi better than Vlasic and having a Long-like season. Harmon better than A-Rob. OL, can't recall. TE about even. Defense, this year is better. Kicker, give me Houghtlin.

 

[oldhawk12]

It would not be by a long shot IMO. Not only personnel, but we had a much better defense back then & also a much more wide open passing attack/killer instinct.

 

[JonDMiller]

The 2010 Iowa defense is just as good as the 1985 Iowa defense. Even statistically. And the WR talent on this year's team is light years better than the 1985 and 1986 teams. Not even close.

 

[oldhawk12]

I disagree...bigtime.

 

[woodyk1]

Love this line from Hayden about Vlasic from his wikipedia entry:

The following season Vlasic, now a fifth-year senior, became the starter, as Long graduated. Although he was taking over for the Heisman Trophy runner-up, his strong arm was complimented, albeit backhandedly, by coach Hayden Fry, who said, "He's got a stronger arm than Long, and he proves it every day by overthrowing his receivers."

 

[mrolympia]

. IMO, this offense isn't as potent as the 2002 (which I assume the TC regards as inferior to the 85 one) because that team had 2 trustworthy HBs, better OL (like that was any question), and a better TE (again, no question). To run the "pro style" offense, I'll take Ricky over Banks though. No disrespect to Brad, he's one of my favorite hawks and a huge reason why Iowa had the special run in 2002 that it did but Ricky's a passer, Banks was a dual threat. In the Iowa scheme, passer > dual threat. if Iowa was allowed to truly open this offense up and unleash it's potential, it could be very scary. You know me, I'll never be satisfied with the O, I always want bigger numbers.