Re-watching the game on DVR and I have to say

[Skeets77]

The Maryland coaching staff did an excellent job preparing their players better going up against much bigger, stronger guys. They simply had better strategy in playing the gaps and anticipating both O/D using their quickness. We obviously felt with the size difference we could control the line.

 

[koralakers]

that is some of the worst tackling I have ever seen from an Iowa defense in a long, long time. Lowdermilk and Bowers(41) missed so many tackles that I quit counting at 6 apiece. That was mid way thru the 3rd qtr. If those 2 are the best we have to offer at those positions, we do not have the talent to compete for a BIG title.
The offensive line blocking was bad across the board. Getting beat by plain old fashioned hustle and tenacity.
Kirk was right. He should be embarrassed.

Lowdermilk is easily the WORST tackling safety I have EVER seen (from a starting Big 5 conference team). Too small and weak to bring strong men down, too slow to catch anyone. The worst thing about him is the angles he takes. He THINKS he is faster than he is, so he takes the angle he THINKS he needs, only to realize he is 2 steps short of meeting the ball carrier at the spot he intends. Then has to re-adjust and basically chase the ball carrier. If he is the BEST we have at that position, our football program is in horrendous shape. wow.

 

[SpecialKHawk]

I love who Lowdermilk is a person. Works hard, is tough and speaks candidly about his struggles. The reality is it takes a major stud to play any position on either side of the ball. If you have any limitations they will be exploited by an opponent.

This again is what separates the great coach from a good coach. The good coach rewards attributes he likes in a player and is loyal to the end regardless of on the field results. The great coach makes the tough call and makes changes based on difference making abilities and on the field performance to get the best 22 on the field most plays. Then continuing that competition week-to-week to make sure guys are not taking playing for granted.

Coming into this year you knew there might be an issue at this position based on some of the things that happened last year. Instead of moving Lomax to strong safety and creating that position battle instead he was moved to free safety where we had Gair who looks to have some promise. We could have had King, Mabin/Fleming, Lomax and Gair as our starting secondary. To me that is starting the best 4 not 3 of 4.

 

[racerhawk]

The Maryland coaching staff did an excellent job preparing their players better going up against much bigger, stronger guys. They simply had better strategy in playing the gaps and anticipating both O/D using their quickness. We obviously felt with the size difference we could control the line.

Great points. And...we were wrong about controlling the line!

 

[GrandpaHawk]

Not re-watching it. Already deleted it.

I also pushed the Delete button