Missing Link to Next Level

[proudhawkfan21]

I am an Iowa fan and "expect" to win the conference each year, if one doesn't hope and plan for such things, it seldom happens. Winning coaches think in such ways, those that are happy with average, are, well average.

The coaches expect to win. Think of Michael Jordan in the movie where he plays the aliens using Looney Tunes characters and Bill Murray as teammates. This is the challenge created by the institution that is college football recruiting. You can expect all that you want. So does KF. Its those Looney Tunes with the huge hearts that fight to be Hawks, that occasionally win 10 (twice), 11 (twice) or 12 games (once). The coaches expect THOSE guys to win championships. They just fall short at times. Wonder why?

 

[proudhawkfan21]

I agree. We were short a Wadley, or DJK/McNutt type of playmaker of some sort. Defensively they kinda lacked that clutch gene. There were only a few plays where if they'd have gotten us off the field we'd have still won too. It's never usually just any one thing but a combination of several. Which is the case with us. You can also factor in play calling/coaching as well...

I dont question Phil as he does a pretty nice job, however, the one area I'd like to see addressed is blitz work. With the DB's we have returning, bring the heat next year. Imagine the inside lanes with Eppy and Nelson drawing doubles and rb chips. Put #52 (nameless until he earns mention) in there and tell him to pretend you are on a kickoff and kill ball every 3rd play. Hooker will make up for the coverage/vacated LB responsibility. Creativeness in the pressure game is what I'd like to see added. Next level stuff, team that can handle it. Even the Helter Skelter defense was missing this year.

 

[revkev73]

The coaches expect to win. Think of Michael Jordan in the movie where he plays the aliens using Looney Tunes characters and Bill Murray as teammates. This is the challenge created by the institution that is college football recruiting. You can expect all that you want. So does KF. Its those Looney Tunes with the huge hearts that fight to be Hawks, that occasionally win 10 (twice), 11 (twice) or 12 games (once). The coaches expect THOSE guys to win championships. They just fall short at times. Wonder why?

Wonder Why?...yes, the missing link.

 

[revkev73]

I dont question Phil as he does a pretty nice job, however, the one area I'd like to see addressed is blitz work. With the DB's we have returning, bring the heat next year. Imagine the inside lanes with Eppy and Nelson drawing doubles and rb chips. Put #52 (nameless until he earns mention) in there and tell him to pretend you are on a kickoff and kill ball every 3rd play. Hooker will make up for the coverage/vacated LB responsibility. Creativeness in the pressure game is what I'd like to see added. Next level stuff, team that can handle it. Even the Helter Skelter defense was missing this year.

The "big plays" that lead to high achievement were missing on both sides of the ball this year. Neither side was able to "help out" the other in many critical moments, leading to 8-4, against an easy schedule and some talent and experience in place. Water under the bridge now, evaluate, adjust, try it again.

 

[revkev73]

You have a lot of blame to throw around and for what? The Big doesnt have Michigan and Ohio State only these days. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska (last one for historical and recruiting purposes) are in the conference these days. Last i checked we do ok competitively with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State. KF doesnt schedule. Hey, i believe ISU is a ranked non-conference opponent. Have been good the last 2 years or so. The mid-majors we play are just as good or better than the Central Michigans, Tulsas, UNI's, Drakes, New Mexicos and Northern Illinois teams Fry had on his schedule. Get over the patsy argument. How did Fry do against the big competition? How many big Miami, Fla or Ohio State wins did he have? How about Jan 1 bowl wins? You can whine about AD's all you want. Have at it hoss.

Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin...those are the "problems" to solve to become more than average. PSU, Wisconsin, OSU for example have owned Kirk, especially since he was "gutted" by Bielema in Iowa City. Kirk seldom "out coaches" a better opponent, thus earning an "average" rating, but with high marks for longevity and contract negotiations.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I dont question Phil as he does a pretty nice job, however, the one area I'd like to see addressed is blitz work. With the DB's we have returning, bring the heat next year. Imagine the inside lanes with Eppy and Nelson drawing doubles and rb chips. Put #52 (nameless until he earns mention) in there and tell him to pretend you are on a kickoff and kill ball every 3rd play. Hooker will make up for the coverage/vacated LB responsibility. Creativeness in the pressure game is what I'd like to see added. Next level stuff, team that can handle it. Even the Helter Skelter defense was missing this year.

Yeah we still seem to rely on front 4 for everything. I think it'd even help with the LBs development to let them pin their ears back and rush the passer some. (Especially a young QB like Martinez for NE) I'm not asking to all of a sudden bring pressure 40 % of the snaps or anything but do the unexpected more often and we'll see the rewards of it

 

[hawkeyebob62]

Fair and thought out comments, concur with some of them.

Choking is contagious, unfortunately. In lots of games (Illinois, et.al.) it doesn't matter but in the 3-4 swing games it does, and did.

As much as we all condemned Stanley and the WRs, let's not forget they also had some great plays. But...when you are up by one score or less in the fourth quarter, you run the ball. If you need to pass, you move your QB (play-action) to give less of a stationary target for a sack, you give him more time to throw the ball away or find an open receiver, and you burn more clock than you do simply throwing a panicked 3-yard out the receiver's feet. And of course, the two holding calls against Purdue--seemingly out of nowhere--also don't help late in games.

Really, it was our defense that suffered most. We had young guys in single coverage against seasoned receivers in a couple of those games. The late PI call against Purdue and the NW winning TD seemed to be cases of a CB in single coverage with no safety help. Teams throwing to the end zone late would seem to warrant safety help deep.

But...safeties were really closer to LOS because LBs needed help more than the CBs did in run support, as evidenced by the D giving up 3rd-and-longs up the middle at critical points. In essence, the D had more "holes" when/where it "counted".

 

[revkev73]

As much as we all condemned Stanley and the WRs, let's not forget they also had some great plays. But...when you are up by one score or less in the fourth quarter, you run the ball. If you need to pass, you move your QB (play-action) to give less of a stationary target for a sack, you give him more time to throw the ball away or find an open receiver, and you burn more clock than you do simply throwing a panicked 3-yard out the receiver's feet. And of course, the two holding calls against Purdue--seemingly out of nowhere--also don't help late in games.

Really, it was our defense that suffered most. We had young guys in single coverage against seasoned receivers in a couple of those games. The late PI call against Purdue and the NW winning TD seemed to be cases of a CB in single coverage with no safety help. Teams throwing to the end zone late would seem to warrant safety help deep.

But...safeties were really closer to LOS because LBs needed help more than the CBs did in run support, as evidenced by the D giving up 3rd-and-longs up the middle at critical points. In essence, the D had more "holes" when/where it "counted".

Concur, a recipe for a season of "not winning the big ones."

 

[David79]

OK, Iowa is going low to mid level bowling this year, no surprises there, although this season was the one where things were to "align", with the schedule, tight ends, defensive linemen, experienced QB, talent in DB, deep RBs, to make this one of those "one in a decade" Kirk seasons. Didn't happen of course.

If one could name the "missing link," as to why this is more of a standard Kirk Year, than a contract upgrade year, what would it be?

Little threat or production out of the wide receivers?

Lack of a dynamic and reliable running back?

A non-clutch, deer in the head lights, QB during the 3-4 big games of the year?

Poor coaching and preparation?

Inexperienced LBs?

Inexperienced OC?

Underused talent, Fant? Epenesa?

Bone headed calls and plays/mistakes during those big plays in big games that mattered most?

An offensive line that couldn't consistently keep the running game going?

There are probably multiple reasons of course, but my pick would be the lack of a dynamic and reliable RB that could be spelled with a somewhat reliable, yet average set of backups. This type of RB is the key to Kirk Ball, IMHO. Opinions?

The biggest thing is that they lack a star on the offense either at QB or RB.

 

[proudhawkfan21]

The "big plays" that lead to high achievement were missing on both sides of the ball this year. Neither side was able to "help out" the other in many critical moments, leading to 8-4, against an easy schedule and some talent and experience in place. Water under the bridge now, evaluate, adjust, try it again.

Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin...those are the "problems" to solve to become more than average. PSU, Wisconsin, OSU for example have owned Kirk, especially since he was "gutted" by Bielema in Iowa City. Kirk seldom "out coaches" a better opponent, thus earning an "average" rating, but with high marks for longevity and contract negotiations.

Also has less to work with in each of those games. You can cry foul for lack of recruiting, every one does that isnt a blue-blood program, but at least we coach them up to compete. Until the great emancipator walks through that door, we will never get 5* to compete on an even playing field. Newsflash, there is NOTHING in Iowa or Iowa City that compels a kid from a warm climate to go to Iowa. We are from here so we understand Iowa. To them it's the setting from Deliverance plus snow.

 

[revkev73]

Also has less to work with in each of those games. You can cry foul for lack of recruiting, every one does that isnt a blue-blood program, but at least we coach them up to compete. Until the great emancipator walks through that door, we will never get 5* to compete on an even playing field. Newsflash, there is NOTHING in Iowa or Iowa City that compels a kid from a warm climate to go to Iowa. We are from here so we understand Iowa. To them it's the setting from Deliverance plus snow.

The reason talented receivers and other skill players decide against Iowa isn't the weather, it is the boredom of the system, the misuse of talent, among other issues. IMHO

 

[revkev73]

The biggest thing is that they lack a star on the offense either at QB or RB.

Concur...you can press up on Iowa's offense, cheating a bit, to stop the run and dump passes because the offense seldom is a deep threat. Roll the dice, take some risk, snuff out Iowa's default plays.

And a QB that is experienced but absolutely wild beyond 10 yards isn't much of a threat.

 

[lightning1]

Never even a whiff of pot here. Drink 7-8 days a year. High on life. Learned how to flush the bad and enjoy each day. You only get so many. Why not enjoy your team as it is...because YOU can not change it. KF runs a clean program, gets us to bowls, represents the state like a champ and far exceeds what Iowa as a state and football program should expect. We pick on Nebby for being entitled, but they should no longer expect success either. I'm not saying Mr Wonderful isnt out there, but it's not his time yet. Hope he's out there when it is time for a change.

I refuse to believe that we can't do better. I do believe that the University doesn't give a shit. I believe this administration/AD/HC thinks they are entitled to our support. They do nothing to earn it.

 

[HuckFinn]

The reason talented receivers and other skill players decide against Iowa isn't the weather, it is the boredom of the system, the misuse of talent, among other issues. IMHO

Actually, the reason we don't land as many multi star recruits is pretty simple. Most of them are from geographical areas that are a long way from Iowa City. The single criteria that matters more than about any other is how far their families would have to travel to watch them play. And, many of these kids come from families where travel expenses are a stopper.

 

[revkev73]

Actually, the reason we don't land as many multi star recruits is pretty simple. Most of them are from geographical areas that are a long way from Iowa City. The single criteria that matters more than about any other is how far their families would have to travel to watch them play. And, many of these kids come from families where travel expenses are a stopper.

But haven't a lot of Iowa's skill players decided to go out of state? Michigan? TCU? Then they would be further away from home?

I am not sure I agree with what is most important. I would guess most important for a talented HS player is to find a place that will launch them to their dream (not a college degree) of playing in the NFL. If you are a talented WR, is Iowa the place to go and show your talents to NFL scouts? That is absurd to even write out...

 

[lightning1]

Actually, the reason we don't land as many multi star recruits is pretty simple. Most of them are from geographical areas that are a long way from Iowa City. The single criteria that matters more than about any other is how far their families would have to travel to watch them play. And, many of these kids come from families where travel expenses are a stopper.

Disagree. Iowa State and Nebraska don't seem to have a hard time finding skill position talent. You're making excuses. Plain and simple.
Nebraska's 2 starting WRs are from New Orleans and Arizona.
Iowa State? Maryland, Ohio and Virginia.

 

[HuckFinn]

I don't know about "a lot" since there have been very few in that category over the years that are Iowa kids. Of course, there will be exceptions to the geography criteria. I think what motivates kids varies considerably, but all I am saying is that the travel distance for family has a significant correlation to a kid's choice.

 

[HuckFinn]

Disagree. Iowa State and Nebraska don't seem to have a hard time finding skill position talent. You're making excuses. Plain and simple.
Nebraska's 2 starting WRs are from New Orleans and Arizona.
Iowa State? Maryland, Ohio and Virginia.

Not making excuses. Simply stating a fact. Your examples are certainly relevant to Iowa's recruiting successes in other parts of the country. Think of it this way: There are a whole bunch of reasons behind the selection of a college football experience. The probability that geography is a leading criteria is very high. I certainly agree that the style of play and its relationship to the athlete's position are also a criteria...just not has high.

 

[lightning1]

Not making excuses. Simply stating a fact. Your examples are certainly relevant to Iowa's recruiting successes in other parts of the country. Think of it this way: There are a whole bunch of reasons behind the selection of a college football experience. The probability that geography is a leading criteria is very high. I certainly agree that the style of play and its relationship to the athlete's position are also a criteria...just not has high.

It's not a fact if other programs in the same region can get skill players and we can't! That's bullshit! It's a piss poor excuse. Sorry.

 

[HuckFinn]

It's not a fact if other programs in the same region can get skill players and we can't! That's bullshit! It's a piss poor excuse. Sorry.

I cannot remember the source, unfortunately, but what I said is not bs, its not an excuse, not my opinion. You sound like a guy who bought a Chevy truck in 2014, had trouble with it, and decided never to buy another Chevy based on one experience. Take a stats course.