I looked at all offensive possessions where the opponent was within 8pts or less. I think the only game where the lead got above 8 pts, and then came back to within 8pts, was Wisconsin (Petras responded with a 53 yd TD to ISM).
Nebraska was the only game during the win streak that they never got the lead over one score. For what it is worth, Nebraska was also the last team to score 25+ points against us (end of 2018 in a 31-28 Hawks win).
Wow. Brian with the "Stay down, or you will not be getting back up", shot.
This confirms a few things for me:
1) The perception that Iowa takes its foot of the opponent's throat unless they really really hate the other team is real, and done intentionally.
2) There are two Iowa qb modes - go get a score, and first do no harm. In mode one, you throw it and take risks to move the ball, the routes are drawn up to move the chains (7+ ypa), and score tds, and Petras is actually pretty lights out in that mode (143 qbr is getting it done at Iowa). The second is literally if your check down isn't there, throw it away or take a sack. If you aren't sure, throw it away. Taking a sack eats clock and punting is winning.
I imagine the running plays are the same - more production, more fumbles, and more tds before being up 2+ scores, 2 yards and a cloud of dust after.
I take everything back. Petras isn't bad at all. He's just doing what the coaches are asking him to do in game situations, despitethe factthat it makes his, and Iowa's overall, stats look putrid.
I don't agree with the style of that game plan. I think with 2+ scores you should open up the playbook and take more shots downfield because you have the opportunity to put a team down for good. Especially near the sidelines where a 30-yard INT is most likely to be like a punt. I assumed we weren't doing that because it would expose Petras more and lead to more 3 and outs. The stats here say that's not happening.
But I can't argue with the results, so what do I know?
