The good news: The Hawks can play A LOT better!

[homerHAWKeye777]

Some observations:

- There still was some overpursuit by the DL after the QB. Thus, the pass rush can actually be a good bit better. They're going to see some stuff on tape and be able to learn from it.

- Kick and punt coverage was pretty bad

- Punt return game wasn't good ... a lot of that had to do more with blocking, although part of it also had to do with erratic kicking

- Hampton was CLEARLY rusty. I think that it will take a little while for him to get back into a groove. However, he clearly has plenty of potential. Hopefully he isn't too hard on himself. He just needs to watch the tape and learn from his mistakes and then flush it.

 

[ShadasRevenge]

I think you have to keep in mind that Tillison and White were both out fairly early in the game, and that obviously affected those units. Losing a couple of first teams on the kickoff team can be fairly detrimental.

 

[cibula11]

The D-line looked fast. 4 holding calls showed that. Keep in mind that Iowa wasn't going to show anything special on offense and defense. Keeping it simple. No need to do anything else.

 

[homerHAWKeye777]

I think you have to keep in mind that Tillison and White were both out fairly early in the game, and that obviously affected those units. Losing a couple of first teams on the kickoff team can be fairly detrimental.

Great point! Thanks for the observation. However, the backups still need to realize that they need to prepare like starters.

 

[homerHAWKeye777]

More observations:

- I believe that it was Bigach and Alvis who BOTH flashed pretty nicely when they were receiving reps. Bigach really is quick on the interior. Alvis also definitely has a nice motor.

- Our second/third team secondary needs to step it up. The DL was getting pressure on the QB but they were still getting carved up late. That's why ISU ended up getting their score. Hopefully they study their tape hard and work on improving. Of course, the good news is that they got valuable reps ... and they'll likely be able to improve on things.

- I think that Nielsen had a pretty darn solid game. It's looking like he's continuing to settle into his job.

- Isn't it freaky that we're starting a RS FR in MacMillan on the OL ... and the performance of the O is still pretty impressive? MacMillan is almost on the verge of building the sort of confidence in his game that could propel him into being like Reiff was last year. If that ends up occurring ... then it could possibly end up being a tough decision on how to get BOTH MacMillan and Gettis on the field.

 

[racerhawk]

More observations:

- I believe that it was Bigach and Alvis who BOTH flashed pretty nicely when they were receiving reps. Bigach really is quick on the interior. Alvis also definitely has a nice motor.

- Our second/third team secondary needs to step it up. The DL was getting pressure on the QB but they were still getting carved up late. That's why ISU ended up getting their score. Hopefully they study their tape hard and work on improving. Of course, the good news is that they got valuable reps ... and they'll likely be able to improve on things.

- I think that Nielsen had a pretty darn solid game. It's looking like he's continuing to settle into his job.

- Isn't it freaky that we're starting a RS FR in MacMillan on the OL ... and the performance of the O is still pretty impressive? MacMillan is almost on the verge of building the sort of confidence in his game that could propel him into being like Reiff was last year. If that ends up occurring ... then it could possibly end up being a tough decision on how to get BOTH MacMillan and Gettis on the field.

I agree. MacMillan looked pretty darned good.

I also hope that the reps by the 2nd and 3rd string guys (for the second week in a row) could be helpful down the road.

Beat Zona. (I'm excited because I fly to Tucson Friday evening!!).

 

[bhawk326]

When Gettis comes back the scuttlebutt is that MacMillan's play may move him to RT and take Zucivecz out of the starting line-up.

 

[HawkeyeDenis]

Two weeks and two dominating performances. There is no camparison between IOWA and isu. AA is not better that Ricky, Sims is not better than Sash. Iowa's D line is for real.
Iowa offense dismantled ISU the same way they did EIU. Solid offensive line play and an efficient offense. Adam Robinson and Ricky Stanzi both looked good. What can we say about the Defense. They pitched a shutout for most of the game, totally dominating ISU.

 

[IH8IAST8]

- Isn't it freaky that we're starting a RS FR in MacMillan on the OL ... and the performance of the O is still pretty impressive?

Don't forget Jimmy Ferentz! He's a RS FR too!

 

[ShadasRevenge]

When Gettis comes back the scuttlebutt is that MacMillan's play may move him to RT and take Zucivecz out of the starting line-up.

I see no reason for that to happen unless Zeus absolutely tanks it at some point.

 

[IH8IAST8]

Some observations:- Hampton was CLEARLY rusty. I think that it will take a little while for him to get back into a groove. However, he clearly has plenty of potential. Hopefully he isn't too hard on himself. He just needs to watch the tape and learn from his mistakes and then flush it.

If Hampton was clearly rusty, then I am really excited!

I know a lot of us have had ACL tears, and we have all watched NFL RB's with that injury take years to get back to full potential. I saw no hesitation out of Jewel, indicating that he is comfortable with his knee, & I am really excited about the combination of RB's we have in the stable this season!

 

[hawk2012]

I see no reason for that to happen unless Zeus absolutely tanks it at some point.

It would happen for the same reason that Reiff never left the starting lineup last year after coming in for Bulaga. We need to get our five best OL on the field at one time. If McMillian is better than Zeus than so be it.

 

[glidinghawk]

If Hampton was clearly rusty, then I am really excited!

I know a lot of us have had ACL tears, and we have all watched NFL RB's with that injury take years to get back to full potential. I saw no hesitation out of Jewel, indicating that he is comfortable with his knee, & I am really excited about the combination of RB's we have in the stable this season!

He looks stronger than he did 2 years ago. I think Robinson and Hampton could combine for close to 2,000 rushing yards this year.

 

[Firehawk11]

I think James is a RS soph. How exciting they are looking so good with 3 underclassmen on the line. However, we will see next week if they still look as good. Did anyone see if Morris played today? I missed some of the 4th quarter. I did not notice him on special teams today????

 

[hawkcapt1912]

Yep, Morris played. I think he was in during the last half of 4th qtr.

 

[homerHAWKeye777]

Don't forget Jimmy Ferentz! He's a RS FR too!

As others have stated, James is a redshirt SO. Anyhow, he had a much better game today than he had last week. Definitely good news there.

Also, I agree that Hampton didn't show hesitation. That was definitely good. However, in some respects, he was still kinda going "too fast." He was missing opportunities that were there ... opportunities that Adam wouldn't have missed. Anyhow, he'll learn from those mistakes and continue to improve week-in and week-out. I'm VERY excited about Jewel too. AND I very impressed and proud of Adam's running too.