Lots to be concerned about, but also have faith that the staff and players will clean alot up this week. That being said, here's my general overview of what needs to occur.
1) O-line play- JVB (even though he held on to the ball too long) needs to stay upright and have adequate protection in order to execute the offense properly, (6) sacks is unacceptable. ISU has a way better more experienced D-line than NIU. I was hoping that O-line would be a strength this year. Lots of room for improvement. Kirk's specialty.
2) Inexperienced D-line, and suspect depth at that position has me worried. I think our linebackers and secondary are OK, and actually Jantz throwing alot may help us. They have a good solid veteran O-line, and good running backs, could be a long day if they get rolling. We have to be able to pressure Jantz into making mistakes, and I'm just not seeing it. I just hope we don't get dominated in the trenches. Make no mistake, ISU is a good team that's well coached, and they are hungry. Even at Kinnick this D-line worries me.
3) Tackling, we weren't wrapping guys up, way too many whiffs, i.e. arm tackle attempts, I thought they taught proper tackling technique in 7th grade, this will be a long season if this area doesn't improve exponentially between weeks 1 and 2.
4) JVB probably had his most mediocre inept looking game since becoming the Hawk QB. I thought that he had worked extensively with Coach Davis (who BTW I really like) and had a good understanding and command of the new offense. Could have fooled me?? I'm expecting an effective confident JVB to emerge as long as he has adeaquate protection.
5) We need to continue with, and build upon the stellar Special Teams play, the lone bright spot from an otherwise abysmal performance.
6) Poor or missed blocking assignments by RB's in protection, not picking up blitzes, etc..., the TE (C.J. made 1 great block, followed by a complete whiff that resulted in a sack, c'mon man, you're better than that C.J., no more taking plays off and resting on your laurels. You won't make the league doing that, and you're more than capable.), and WR's not staying with/sustaining blocks downfield (I know Soup taught you better than that). Shumpert needs to step up and contribute instead of looking like McNutt Lite. Wiseman and Bullock were thin rays of hope, but otherwise we need to clean up alot.
I'm not overreacting, or conceding anything at this point, but rather am acknowledging that we will have our hands full with a very good ISU team who is hungry, and won't be intimidated one iota coming into Kinnick fully expecting to win. Call me eyes wide open going into this one, with some legitimate, but correctable concerns. It's put up time Hawkeyes. We either bring our A game, or we will get our ***** handed to us, I hate to say. I don't want to be dealing with Cyclone smack talk the rest of the year. GO HAWKS!
If we play like last week- ISU 30 Iowa 14
If we improve a little and ISU plays like they did vs. Tulsa- ISU 30 Iowa 24
If we play like we're capable of and clean things up and come out on fire Iowa 24 ISU 17
Best case scenario fantasy Iowa 37 ISU 24
More realistic objective reality if we get our act together Iowa 24 ISU 17
Anyway, that's my take. Love my Hawks, but am not drinking the Kool-Aid. Need to improve! Time to get this group coached up. No excuses, will have to be ready.
). I am hoping to pick off some tickets and go to my first ever game at Kinnick. Should be another great game again.
