EauClaireHawk
Member
This is one of those decisions that leaves many Iowa fans scratching their heads.
Since the beginning of the 2010 campaign, Iowa has punted at or inside the opponent's 40 yard line 8 times (including twice vs. Nebraska).
The average subsequent drive by the opponent has been 11 plays, covering 52 yards. That's the average. Four of those drives produced points and there were no three-and-outs.
The decision to punt in that situation is one that's made to play the field position game. While that approach may have worked in the past, it doesn't seem to fit a program with a defense that cannot get off the field. Field position hasn't been the problem the past two years. Coveting offensive possessions has been. The Hawkeyes need to get everything they can out of those possessions because their number of touches is reduced due to Iowa's defensive philosophy (and skill level on that side of the ball). Iowa simply cannot punt inside the other team's 40.
Since the beginning of the 2010 campaign, Iowa has punted at or inside the opponent's 40 yard line 8 times (including twice vs. Nebraska).
The average subsequent drive by the opponent has been 11 plays, covering 52 yards. That's the average. Four of those drives produced points and there were no three-and-outs.
The decision to punt in that situation is one that's made to play the field position game. While that approach may have worked in the past, it doesn't seem to fit a program with a defense that cannot get off the field. Field position hasn't been the problem the past two years. Coveting offensive possessions has been. The Hawkeyes need to get everything they can out of those possessions because their number of touches is reduced due to Iowa's defensive philosophy (and skill level on that side of the ball). Iowa simply cannot punt inside the other team's 40.
