Regarding DJK and his time here

[homerHAWKeye777]

It might seem like we have gone to more of an aerial attack, but the numbers actually prove otherwise.

Thru 7 games in 2009, we had 251 rushes to 217 passes. Of those 251 rushes, 15 of them were sacks, which would adjust the numbers to 236 rushes and 232 passes...very balanced!

Thru the first 7 games of 2010, we have 261 rushes and 191 passes. Of the 261 rushes, 12 are sacks which means that the adjusted figures are 249 rushes and 203 passes.

However, I also agree with your last paragraph 100%. Then again, it goes without saying that most passing games suffer when they don't have a somewhat complementary running game. It's just a little moreso in our case because of the amount of play action that we rely on.

Last year Iowa had to feature 2 TR FR RBs. Furthermore, the lack of experience and production at RB was a HUGE reason why Stanzi was forced to throw so many picks.

This year, Iowa has purposely run the ball A LOT in many games ... and that's because the running game was a much bigger question mark than the passing game. Sometimes you need to place a bit more emphasis on the area that needs more work.

However, when push comes to shove ... when Iowa really needs to make a play ... they tend to opt for a passing play with much greater frequency. As a result, the Iowa WRs have even more being asked of them this year ... even though there have been fewer pass plays called.

Also, another issue is EFFICIECY ... an issue that spud has brought up and nicely addressed. Iowa's increased proficiency in the running game has helped Iowa win 1st annd 2nd down more often against the opposing D. That then allows the O to be much more unpredictable on 2nd and 3rd down. And, as we both probably know ... that's a big reason why DJK has been on the receiving end of so many more TD passes.

Heck, through 7 games, Iowa already has about as many TD passes as we had through the ENTIRE '09 season!