This mess all started in 2005

[koralakers]

That year, we returned 2 pre-season all-america LBs (Hodge Greenway), and 2 4-yr starters at CB (Jovon Johnson, Antwan Allen). And that year, out of 119 D1 teams, we were 112 at 3rd down conversion defense. In fact, those 2 stud athletes, Hodge and Greenway had a TOTAL OF 2 SACKS FOR 10 YARDS THE ENTIRE YEAR. ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC. Made me sick then, but everyone kept saying what a genius Norm Parker was.

Fast forward another half-dozen years and that same pathetic scheme still in-tact, and still getting picked apart. Can't get off the field for anything. Dead-last in division 1 at allowing plays per possession on defense. All led by a coach with the worst health in HS, college or pro-football.

Meanwhile, watching other teams throw the kitchen-sink at us, keeping us off balance and playing with great agression and emotion. While we sit back, listless like our coaches. The only people who seem to care are the 70,000 in Kinnick and 1-million or so watching on TV. The 100 players and 20 or so coaches seem to have no emotions and really don't seem to excitable or act as if they care.

And if Norm leaves, KF will hire internally (Phil Parker), so we can so more of the same.

I love college football and the Hawkeyes, but this staff is ruining my enjoyment for the game.

 

[WhitUp]

I get sick of hearing the players are emotionless...bs... Did you say they were emotionless after the Michigan game...No, cause they won. I remember in high school the game we were most jacked up for i'd ever seen us pregame, then we went out and layed an egg against an inferior team. I highly doubt they weren't compeletely jacked up to win this game.

 

[DwayneTwill]

For me, the pizz-poor third-down defense over the years has been the most frustrating thing to watch with this team. It's just pathetic -- in a close game you see an opponent moving down the field and get third and two or third and five, or third and twenty, and you just know that they're probably going to make it.

I really don't care about emotions one way or the other.

 

[hawkfan1319]

Great coaches change their game plan to defeat the other teams. This team plays the same and hopes to stop the other team.

 

[SDK46]

2005 proved that the DL is where success starts and stops. Having two stud LBs and an average DL doesn't get it done.

IMO, last year was a disgrace and will haunt/hang over the program for a long time. We had legitimate BCS-champ talent all over the place. Offensive execution and player apathy (read: lack of leadership) destroyed the best chance we had in a very long time to get, finally, into the upper echelon for once.

 

[HawkeyeBA]

Settle for avg that is what you get. I'll leave it at that.

 

[528646]

2007 - 18.8 - 12th
2008 - 13.0 - 5th
2009 - 15.4 - 8th
2010 - 17.0 - 7th

In case you're curious, those are Iowa's defensive scoring defense stats and national rankings over the past four seasons.

Yet, people continue to rail on the defense (specifically, the DC) as though it's the problem. Perplexing...and leads me to some pretty unflattering conclusions about the acuity level of a frighteningly high proportion of the posters on this site (and others).

In all likelihood - when the sun finally sets on the Parker era - he will go down in history as the greatest DC in Iowa history. And I don't think that's hyperbole - the stats are going to be there back it up, even with a few "down years" mixed in (and yes, this is qualifies as a "down year" - a ghastly 42nd rated scoring defense. Oh, the humanity!).

But yes - Greenway & Hodge's sack stats (or lack thereof) tell the story so much better.

Listen - if you don't understand why, hypothetically, under this system, an excellent LB could play an entire season as part of an excellent overall defensive unit and end the year with exactly 0 sacks, then my only advice to you would to be "ring your call button..."

 

[tm3308]

2007 - 18.8 - 12th
2008 - 13.0 - 5th
2009 - 15.4 - 8th
2010 - 17.0 - 7th

In case you're curious, those are Iowa's defensive scoring defense stats and national rankings over the past four seasons.

Yet, people continue to rail on the defense (specifically, the DC) as though it's the problem. Perplexing...and leads me to some pretty unflattering conclusions about the acuity level of a frighteningly high proportion of the posters on this site (and others).

In all likelihood - when the sun finally sets on the Parker era - he will go down in history as the greatest DC in Iowa history. And I don't think that's hyperbole - the stats are going to be there back it up, even with a few "down years" mixed in (and yes, this is qualifies as a "down year" - a ghastly 42nd rated scoring defense. Oh, the humanity!).

But yes - Greenway & Hodge's sack stats (or lack thereof) tell the story so much better.

Listen - if you don't understand why, hypothetically, under this system, an excellent LB could play an entire season as part of an excellent overall defensive unit and end the year with exactly 0 sacks, then my only advice to you would to be "ring your call button..."

The defense definitely isn't where the No. 1 problem lies. It's frustrating to watch at times, particularly when we know the offense can't be depended upon to get their end of the bargain taken care of. And sometimes, in that case, I wish we'd make a few tweaks to make it even tougher on our opponents (more press coverage springs to mind).

But on the whole, the defense is fine, and not the problem.

 

[shada]

2007 - 18.8 - 12th
2008 - 13.0 - 5th
2009 - 15.4 - 8th
2010 - 17.0 - 7th

In case you're curious, those are Iowa's defensive scoring defense stats and national rankings over the past four seasons.

Yet, people continue to rail on the defense (specifically, the DC) as though it's the problem. Perplexing...and leads me to some pretty unflattering conclusions about the acuity level of a frighteningly high proportion of the posters on this site (and others).

In all likelihood - when the sun finally sets on the Parker era - he will go down in history as the greatest DC in Iowa history. And I don't think that's hyperbole - the stats are going to be there back it up, even with a few "down years" mixed in (and yes, this is qualifies as a "down year" - a ghastly 42nd rated scoring defense. Oh, the humanity!).

But yes - Greenway & Hodge's sack stats (or lack thereof) tell the story so much better.

Listen - if you don't understand why, hypothetically, under this system, an excellent LB could play an entire season as part of an excellent overall defensive unit and end the year with exactly 0 sacks, then my only advice to you would to be "ring your call button..."

I have nothing against norm and think he was a good coach. But that stat is also very misleading. Of course Oregon's "d" is going to give up more points than us. they are on the field a lot as the "o" tries to score as quick as possible. Our "o" runs and lets the clock run so other teams dont have the ball as much so they cannot score as much. What i was most frusterated over the years is 3rd downs and when we really need a stop did we get it. I would like to see a stat on that. 3rd down conversions over the year and big drive/play stops. Obviously last year we would have failed horribly with the 4th quarter losses. Even the year before we let MSU take the lead but then the "o" had the slant to mcnutt. I think that is where the "D" has hurt us most. I am not saying the "o" havent killed us just as much. I cant stand when we are up by a touchdown and we get the ball on a turnover or to start the second half. Great teams take the ball and score and put the game out of reach. We never do that.

 

[racerhawk]

The offensive is OBVIOUSLY the problem. I'll stop there.

 

[Cover3]

2005 proved that the DL is where success starts and stops. Having two stud LBs and an average DL doesn't get it done.

IMO, last year was a disgrace and will haunt/hang over the program for a long time. We had legitimate BCS-champ talent all over the place. Offensive execution and player apathy (read: lack of leadership) destroyed the best chance we had in a very long time to get, finally, into the upper echelon for once.

This is right on. Hodge and Greenway were eaten up by second-level blockers early that year. Last year was bad because our LBs, though inexperienced after injuries decimated the depth chart, had at least three NFL D-lineman in front of them (at least one of whom was getting double- and triple- teamed) allowing them to run free. Those LB injuries should not have been as much of a factor as they were, but between NW relegating our backup LBs to covering WRs and our D-line looking strangely unsure of themselves/lackluster/gassed, we really magnified the departure of Edds and Angerer.

 

[racerhawk]

Last year's NW game provides a perfect example of how one's offense can help the defense. In that game, NW ran FIFTY second half plays. I wonder why the D looked gassed.

Against, Nebby, Iowa ran just over 50 plays THE ENTIRE GAME. Nebby had the ball about 38 minutes.

Iowa puts their D in tough situations all the time.

If you look at the drive chart from Friday, there were 3 and outs all through the third quarter.

The D put Iowa in a position to win on Friday, and the O was terrible. Terrible. The first Iowa TD was well after the game had been decided.

 

[INTIMIDATORHawk]

The offensive is OBVIOUSLY the problem. I'll stop there.

I'm always amazed at how people can jump all over Iowa's defense for not being adequate. Granted, this year they aren't as good as in the last few, but that was to be expected. Iowa's defense is traditionally in the top 15 in the only defensive statistical category that determines the outcome of the game: Points per game allowed.
As illustrated in this thread, Iowa spent 3 straight years ranked in the TOP 10 IN THE COUNTRY in that category.

Yet.... Iowa finished with 4 losses in 2008, 2 losses in 2009 and 5 losses in 2010.

How are the losses of 2008 and 2010 the fault of the defense?

Kirk Ferentz's ridiculously archaic conservative offensive philosophy has probably cost Iowa 15-20 wins over the last 10 years.

He Just Doesn't Get It.

 

[racerhawk]

If our offense executes against Minny, PSU, and Nebby, those are very different games.

 

[koralakers]

2007 - 18.8 - 12th
2008 - 13.0 - 5th
2009 - 15.4 - 8th
2010 - 17.0 - 7th

In case you're curious, those are Iowa's defensive scoring defense stats and national rankings over the past four seasons.

Yet, people continue to rail on the defense (specifically, the DC) as though it's the problem. Perplexing...and leads me to some pretty unflattering conclusions about the acuity level of a frighteningly high proportion of the posters on this site (and others).

In all likelihood - when the sun finally sets on the Parker era - he will go down in history as the greatest DC in Iowa history. And I don't think that's hyperbole - the stats are going to be there back it up, even with a few "down years" mixed in (and yes, this is qualifies as a "down year" - a ghastly 42nd rated scoring defense. Oh, the humanity!).

But yes - Greenway & Hodge's sack stats (or lack thereof) tell the story so much better.

Listen - if you don't understand why, hypothetically, under this system, an excellent LB could play an entire season as part of an excellent overall defensive unit and end the year with exactly 0 sacks, then my only advice to you would to be "ring your call button..."

SCORING STATS DON'T MEAN SQUAT!! IA is the king at giving up 15-play, 10-minute drives and only giving up a FG. Our offense is on the bench doing nothing, they get like 6-possessions a game b/c defense is on field the entire game. THIS IS WHY OUR 'SCORING' DEFENSE WILL ALWAYS APPEAR TO BE WAY BETTER THAN IT'S EFFECTIVENESS.

 

[okeefe4prez]

This is right on. Hodge and Greenway were eaten up by second-level blockers early that year. Last year was bad because our LBs, though inexperienced after injuries decimated the depth chart, had at least three NFL D-lineman in front of them (at least one of whom was getting double- and triple- teamed) allowing them to run free. Those LB injuries should not have been as much of a factor as they were, but between NW relegating our backup LBs to covering WRs and our D-line looking strangely unsure of themselves/lackluster/gassed, we really magnified the departure of Edds and Angerer.

Let it go, bud. The offense had the 2010 squad in position to go at least 10-2, but the defense and special teams choked. Hard. Angerer and Edds sealed games in 2009, but their replacements haven't developed that 6th sense for the ball yet. Friday's game will help them get there as our LBs dropped two pretty sure INTs that Kirksey and Morris and make next year as this thing turns around and we go 12-2 next year.

 

[homes]

Reading these posts, I've concluded it's a tie - both offense and defense have cost Iowa over the past years.

 

[NewMexHawk]

Norm will remain as defensive coordinator as long as he wants. Ferentz will even carry him to Kinnick if need be. You don't ask or demand best friends to retire let alone replace them.

Loyalties and friendships outweigh the Iowa football program and will as long as Ferentz is coach.

Everyone talks about how good these coaches are but when was the last time another college interviewed either the offensive or defensive coordinator for a better job or any of the coaches on the staff. I believe Aiken and one other are the only two. If no one wants the coaches how good can they really be? Of course Iowa wants these coaches...they are perfect for mediocrity.

 

[teachercoach]

If you don't like the product quit buying tickets! Be a Big 12 fan - they score all over, no one can consistently stop each other.

We are what we are - small margin for error - that's why everyone tires of the 'we didn't execute well'... close games, drives you crazy, but keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can't afford major injuries and ALL 11 must make the correct play at key moments -

IF a pass not dropped in OT at Iowa St., if OLB doesn't step inside and tackles Minn. QB on 4th down - we are 9-3 and everyone excited. IF Michigan scores in OT and we lose, if Pitt would have taken some time off the clock - we're 5-7 and all on suidcide watch.

This is Iowa Football - as long as 70,000 show up, players graduate, don't embarras the Univ. - it will be Iowa football.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

Reading these posts, I've concluded it's a tie - both offense and defense have cost Iowa over the past years.

+1. This debate has been going on for quite a while.. "It's the offense".. "It's the defense"..

That tells me that there is room for improvement on both sides of the ball.

The offense is still the biggest problem IMO but the defense still allows far too many plays, despite not giving up a ton of points. The offense would have more opportunities to score if the defense could get a stop on 3rd down. Likewise - the defense would be fresher if the offense could convert a 3rd down and stay on the field.