Tough Loss. My take.

[HawkeyeDenis]

Arizona was a tough loss and we can whine a cry about it all week but here is my assessment of what we learned about the Hawkeyes last nite..
Defense
1. The defense is not as stellar as we thought..yet.
2. The Defensive line is very good. Not great.
3. Lack of experiance at linebacker was significant. Particularly in the passing game.
4. Secondary play needs work. A lot of the problem is with the linebackers. The corners and safetys cannot cover their responsiblities and the linebackers at the same time.

Offense
1. Iowa can move the ball. But the lack of size on the line is a problem. They were not able to move the ball on the ground when they wanted too. Pass protection was good overall. Until the last quarter against the all out blitz's.
2. Offensive line. Solid overall effort but still a work in progress.
3. Overall Ricky played a good game. The one INT was not his fault. He didn't turn the ball over and made good decisions. However, he still looks a little tenative.

Special teams. Mental breakdowns. Complacent. Probably from the lack of competition and playing time in the first two games.

 

[blkngoldUofI]

The game comes down to special teams on the kickoff and punt block. Add in that their offense scored their first TD when they took over at the 10-15 yard line in the 1st quarter. The defense gave up yards but played well. Sash didn't make a play, the LB core needs work and I believe the better players are on the bench regarding that position. The o-line needs work, point blank. Stanzi isn't the problem either. Iowa was unable to control the middle of the field, no running game and was there a reception by a TE lastnight? The effort of the team as a whole was outstanding considering they fought all the way back to tie the game. Arizona didn't beat Iowa, Iowa beat themselves. KF has said that his teams can't make the simple mistakes like turnovers, they have to be good to great on special teams. I will not stop supporting this team because of one hard loss because if a rubber match was to happen I believe Iowa would win. Iowa spotted them 21 points and barely lost.

 

[okobojihawk]

The game comes down to special teams on the kickoff and punt block. Add in that their offense scored their first TD when they took over at the 10-15 yard line in the 1st quarter. The defense gave up yards but played well. Sash didn't make a play, the LB core needs work and I believe the better players are on the bench regarding that position. The o-line needs work, point blank. Stanzi isn't the problem either. Iowa was unable to control the middle of the field, no running game and was there a reception by a TE lastnight? The effort of the team as a whole was outstanding considering they fought all the way back to tie the game. Arizona didn't beat Iowa, Iowa beat themselves. KF has said that his teams can't make the simple mistakes like turnovers, they have to be good to great on special teams. I will not stop supporting this team because of one hard loss because if a rubber match was to happen I believe Iowa would win. Iowa spotted them 21 points and barely lost.

What he said! +1

 

[UP6936]

The game comes down to special teams on the kickoff and punt block. Add in that their offense scored their first TD when they took over at the 10-15 yard line in the 1st quarter. The defense gave up yards but played well. Sash didn't make a play, the LB core needs work and I believe the better players are on the bench regarding that position. The o-line needs work, point blank. Stanzi isn't the problem either. Iowa was unable to control the middle of the field, no running game and was there a reception by a TE lastnight? The effort of the team as a whole was outstanding considering they fought all the way back to tie the game. Arizona didn't beat Iowa, Iowa beat themselves. KF has said that his teams can't make the simple mistakes like turnovers, they have to be good to great on special teams. I will not stop supporting this team because of one hard loss because if a rubber match was to happen I believe Iowa would win. Iowa spotted them 21 points and barely lost.

Some great points. If we have good special teams and a running game, I think we win this game easily.

The game really was a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Absolutely lots to be both encouraged and concerned about.

The team has heart and character, evidenced by the fact they didn't quit and actually tied it up. Ricky played quite well, in my opinion. Special teams and the OL run blocking are definite concerns that must be addressed, though.