Why do we get winded?

[TheGoodFella]

I'll tell you why and it isn't because our defensive line is out of shape. You would get winded too if every time you knew their was no help coming from the linebackers. There is so much pressure on this defensive line, its not even funny. I'm not calling for a change in coordinator, but we need to catch up with the times.

We need more than 2 blitzes (from what I saw) in a game. I'm pretty damn sure the average team blitzes more than 2 times a game. I'm not asking for Rex Ryan here, but just a change of pace. I'm amazed we've gotten this much pressure with just 4 players. That tells you how good our defensive line has been, but they're not superheros. The "bend but don't break" system is broken. When is the last time we brought the house? I honestly don't know. Seriously.

 

[ShadasRevenge]

I don't think it's quite that simple. A lot of folks have hit on the "out of shape" button, but i don't think that's the case. After NW got it to 17-14, there were six minutes to play. Iowa's offense got all of one first down before they had to punt, thus sending a defense that had just given up and 85-yard drive right back onto the field.

It's easy to blame the defense (and they certainly deserve their share of criticism), but if Iowa can get three first downs right there, they force NW to burn their timeouts and the game is over.

 

[TheGoodFella]

I don't think it's quite that simple. A lot of folks have hit on the "out of shape" button, but i don't think that's the case. After NW got it to 17-14, there were six minutes to play. Iowa's offense got all of one first down before they had to punt, thus sending a defense that had just given up and 85-yard drive right back onto the field.

It's easy to blame the defense (and they certainly deserve their share of criticism), but if Iowa can get three first downs right there, they force NW to burn their timeouts and the game is over.

Yes I said they are in shape. I was debunking that. You bring up the bring the 85 yard drive. On that drive, as they were going no huddle, we sent four the entire drive. Persa had nothing worry about. He knew he had all day. Of course they were going to score.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

Both of you are correct in my opinion. We do put a lot of pressure on d-line with our very vanilla package. They never get any help from the occasional attacking play to make the offense uncomfortable.

And offensively, I really don't understand KOK's approach. I just know I have been tired of it for a long time. Every play seems to take forever to develop. Did you notice the same play call that Stanzi got hurt on last year? I believe it was the 4th quarter.? He fortunately had time to throw it out-of-bounds this time.

 

[masoncityhawkeye]

When is the last time that we got a defensive stand that helped us win a game?

vs Ariz. Tied the game and gave up the game winning drive

vs Wisc. let them march down the field and score TD with about a minute left

vs NW 2 4th Q 85 yard plus drives.

 

[CAARHawk]

To be honest, I really shouldn't do a bowl trip this year. Could have swung Sugar Bowl trip without much trouble, but would be best not to spend the usual 3 or 4 grand this year.

So...

 

[McNutt7gets6]

When is the last time that we got a defensive stand that helped us win a game?

vs Ariz. Tied the game and gave up the game winning drive

vs Wisc. let them march down the field and score TD with about a minute left

vs NW 2 4th Q 85 yard plus drives.

Don't forget about the Indiana should have been game winning drive.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

When is the last time that we got a defensive stand that helped us win a game?

vs Ariz. Tied the game and gave up the game winning drive

vs Wisc. let them march down the field and score TD with about a minute left

vs NW 2 4th Q 85 yard plus drives.

Agree. But the defense lost 3 very key players to the NFL, not to mention our D-Coordinator. So for the majority of the Ferentz era the defense has carried the offense. Why can't the Offense carry the defense on occasion? Why can't we score more than 35 points against two of the weaker defenses in the Big Ten?

Why? Because this goes against KF's philosophy. We win with our defense and play conservatively on offense. But unless your defense is loaded with several future NFL players this isn't always going to be successful. We have a 5th year senior qb with plenty of weapons. So to me the disappointment has been the offensive schemes (nothing new), play-calling (end of Arizona game), clock-management (Wisconsin game) and lack of emotion and intensity (most recently Northwestern).

We have been good but we could have been even better. That is the frustrating part. If we want to win 7-11 games every year and win a BigTen title every 6 years or so then that is what this staff will give us. But I don't feel we will win more frequent BigTen titles or ever compete for a national championship with the composition of this staff. It needs some tweaking.

Did Gary Barta make KF the highest paid coach in the BigTen to win a title every 6 years or so??