olivecourt
Well-Known Member
Which team gained more yards in the Insight Bowl? Which team had more first downs? Which team was better on third down? Which team had fewer penalty yards?
The answer to all of those questions is Iowa, although you wouldn't know it from the way the game is being discussed on this forum. The obvious question is: how can you outgain a team but still get thoroughly dominated by them? (Similar question: how do you lose to a terrible team on the road when rushing for 250+ yards?) The answer is special teams and field position.
Iowa's average starting field position was their own 21. Iowa never started a possession past their own 30. Oklahoma's starting field position was their own 41. They had two drives that started in Iowa's territory (actually four drives if you count garbage time). It is easier to look like a competent and confident offensive team (and QB) when you're on midfield. It is tough to have that same confidence when you're on your own 15.
What cause this terrible field position? How about these key moments:
1. Oklahoma intercepts the ball on Iowa's 10-- leads to a touchdown.
2. Way uncorks a 67-yard punt from his own 3, with no return.
3. Gurthrie punts a weak 36-yarder that set OU up at their own 34-- leads to a touchdown.
4. OU runs the second half kickoff back 52 yards.
5. OU runs a 4th quarter kickoff back 35 yards-- this sets up the FG to seal the game.
You can talk about playcalling, JVB, and KOK all you want, but a lot of teams are going to struggle with this sort of field position deficit. Iowa, of all teams, can least afford this stuff.
The answer to all of those questions is Iowa, although you wouldn't know it from the way the game is being discussed on this forum. The obvious question is: how can you outgain a team but still get thoroughly dominated by them? (Similar question: how do you lose to a terrible team on the road when rushing for 250+ yards?) The answer is special teams and field position.
Iowa's average starting field position was their own 21. Iowa never started a possession past their own 30. Oklahoma's starting field position was their own 41. They had two drives that started in Iowa's territory (actually four drives if you count garbage time). It is easier to look like a competent and confident offensive team (and QB) when you're on midfield. It is tough to have that same confidence when you're on your own 15.
What cause this terrible field position? How about these key moments:
1. Oklahoma intercepts the ball on Iowa's 10-- leads to a touchdown.
2. Way uncorks a 67-yard punt from his own 3, with no return.
3. Gurthrie punts a weak 36-yarder that set OU up at their own 34-- leads to a touchdown.
4. OU runs the second half kickoff back 52 yards.
5. OU runs a 4th quarter kickoff back 35 yards-- this sets up the FG to seal the game.
You can talk about playcalling, JVB, and KOK all you want, but a lot of teams are going to struggle with this sort of field position deficit. Iowa, of all teams, can least afford this stuff.