The new monsters of the Midway? ummm no. A win is a win is a win? Yes. The Hawkeyes faced a game Northern Illinois Huskies squad and were able to leave with n 18-17 decision.
Damon Bullock's 23 yard scamper on 3rd and 8 with 2:15 remaining provided the winning points for Iowa (1-0). NIU (0-1) had played a Norm Parkeresque bend but no break defense only allowing 4 Mike Meyer field goals before the Bullock run.
Time to look at the positives and negatives of this game.
Areas needing improvement
There were some differences in the O and D under new coordinators Greg Davis and Phil Parker. There will also be some growing pains. To play devil's advocate, though, the rub against old coordinators Norm and Ken was predictability. Maybe Greg Davis wants to save a couple wrinkles for ISU, but this offense had patterns of their own until the 2:15 mark. Running the ball was solid. Then Iowa decided to go with a steady diet of failed play action on 1st down, incomplete pass on 2nd down, followed by sack for loss on 3rd down. Not having the benefit to see the game live or a wider view of the pass patterns, it seemed as not a lot was vertical. It seemed to be a lot of West Coast. Maybe that is a product of the WR not getting open. Maybe its design. third down efficiency lacked because of it. Things to work on in practice.
The defense played with an edge. I am not going to nitpick on their efforts.
Special Teams saved the day as well. I would like, however, Mike Meyer to look a little more confident when kicking field goals. He looks like a deer in headlights as he is lining it up.
Areas needing Praise
Greg Davis answered my plea to run off tackle on the final TD drive on first down. It went for no gain. 2nd down wasn't much better leaving 3rd and 8. Davis was aware of NIU and their blitzing on 3rd down as he went totally off script and back to off tackle for the game winner. That was a breath of fresh air and it paid off.
Against mainly MAC opponents, NIU did average 476 yards a game last year. No matter who, that is a lot. They gained a grand total of 201 Saturday. 73 of course came on one scamper. And although Jordan Lynch outran everyone and that is a little disconcerting, the defense played well. KUDOS. Phil Parker is playing a little tougher up front and going away from the ol bend don't break. I like it. Mike Meyer, he of the fear instilling institute, did do a good job connecting on 4-5 fg attempts. Micah Hyde and greg garmon were solid in returning kicks. Connor kornbrath was great in his debut and Wienke added a 43 yard punt. Greg Castillo of course had the save of the game, pinning NIU at the 1. Special teams gets a gold star.
Damon Bullock made the most of his opportunity. Keep him healthy!
So, Iowa wins 18-17. Vandenberg gets a road win to start off the season. Iowa State awaits at Kinnick, 2:30 next Saturday. If Iowa is going to go to 2-0. . . they need to keep the defense rolling, fine tune the offense and score more touchdowns than field goals. We will talk more about this during the week in our Vlog.
Week one, much like week one in 2009, took a fantastic finish, but came out a W. Here is to 2012. 1-0
Next weeks ISU-Iowa recap will come on Sunday next week.
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Sunday, September 2, 2012
Iowa Hawkeye preview-- 2012
When we last left the Iowa Hawkeyes, they were leaving Arizona after a 31-14 loss to Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl and we saw Marvin McNutt narrowly escape a way ward ESPN Camera. Eight months later, The Hawkeyes are minus the graduated McNutt, both top coordinators and some more running backs (SHOCKER). For the Hawkeyes to top last year's season, they need to overcome the loss of the graduates, transfers and coaches. Can they? Yes. As we have seen in the past, when not much is expected of the Hawks, they can surprise. That and a schedule designed for them is key to the resurgence.
Now, this could still work out like the 2007 season, when a young team got spanked by Indiana and got field goaled to death by Iowa State and had their bowl hopes dashed by Western Michigan at home no less. With the pressure on Coach Ferentz and the coaching staff I do not see a repeat. let's take a look at the hawks and then breakdown their schedule.
Offense (new offensive coordinator Greg Davis)
QB:
The key to success this season may be the defense as a whole stopping some teams, but number two then is James Vandenberg. Vandenberg has the tools, the experience and the confidence in himself. What he lacks are tested running backs, a do-everything wide receiver, and a shutdown defense. Vandenberg only has 4 road games this year, which is key since he has only one road win on his record (Purdue). Vandenberg will flourish in greg Davis's system. Will it make him Colt McCoy? maybe not, but maybe Major Applewhite. I expect big things from James VB.
RB:
NEXT! All kidding, conspiracy theories and AIRBHG aside, in the Greg Davis system, this just needs to be serviceable. . . Freshman Barkley Hill went down at the end of the last Saturday practice. he is out. DeAndre Johnson got kicked off after multiple infractions. He is out. Damon Bullock has 20 career rushing yards. he leads the pack. I like Greg Garmon. Yes this is steep praise, but he reminds me of a young Eric Dickerson. He does run high and he is thin, but elusive. Garmon must stay healthy. At a minimum think young Sedrick Shaw. Highlight time. Michael Malloy also backs this position up. At Fulback, youth also reigns with Mark Weisman and Brad Rogers.
Ends and Receivers:
More reason for optimism. Yes, McNutt is gone. But now is the time for Keenan Davis. Keenan Davis has all the talent; can he make the next step? Especially, considering teams will look to double him. In the Greg Davis davis scheme, look for multiple looks to get the ball in his hands or to look to the capable Kevonte Martin-Manley. Devote all the coverage to the outside? The Vandenberg will have my choice as All Big Ten candidate CJ Fiedorowicz running the seams making a mismatch of linebacker and safety. This is a strength.
OL:
Reilly Reiff is gone. Adam Gettis also was drafted. Iowa, though for what seems is the 15th straight year, has a Ferentz on the line. James Ferentz anchors this group. He is tutored by his bro, Brian. I am not as worried about the OL as they can come together and if Iowa does use a Texas style of more shotgun and quick hitting plays, they will not be as dependent on long sustained blocks.
Kicking game:
As of press time, the Punter for herky's crew is Freshman Connor Kornbrath. John Wienke who had been a backup QB and did punt in high school is the backup. Yeah this could be an issue. I have never been a big fan of Mike Meyer as a placekicker, but one could do worse. He is at a 70 percent clip. He can kick with some distance. Serviceable will work.
DEFENSE (New defensive coordinator Phil Parker)
DL: OH BOY. . . Its Young up the middle with Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. Davis has been hassled with injuries. His stepping up and into the hole is going to be paramount. The line will be a rotation, to keep everyone fresh and Steve Bigach, Dominic Alvis, and Joe Gaglione will be counted on to hold their spots down.
LB: This may be the busiest position on the team. Christian Kirksey, Anthony Hitchens and personal fave James Morris will have their hands full. This is the year where Morris shows all of his talent. The D will ride on his health.
DB: Micah Hyde! LB may be the busiest, DB will be the most exciting. BJ lowery is good. Tom Donatell and Tanner Miller are good at safety, and my sleeper pick for breakout star this year is Nico Law. Last year I whiffed with M'Kail Mccall, he of the first game injury then getting himself booted before leaving. Nico Law will bring back memories of Bob Sanders. He will be fun to watch. I think Hyde takes things to the next level and is definitely all B1G.
Return game:
Just don't fumble. I wish it wasn't such valuable performers as Hyde, Martin-manley and Bullock, but they will provide workmanlike performances.
Coaching:
Sure, there are new coordinators, but they are still under the reins and reign of Kirk Ferentz. Things do need to be a little less stodgy if Iowa plans to compete on both sides of the ball. A little unpredictability would be nice even if it is replacing draw plays with bubble screens.
Predictions:
9/1-- Northern Illinois . . . Iowa 37 Northern Illinois 33 Lots of growing pains in this one, but a win is a win is a win at Kinnick East. The fans help the Hawks take this one.
9/8-- Iowa State . . . Iowa 23 Iowa State 20 ISU keeps this one close and makes it a game at the end, but Iowa holds on. Bring on the CyHawk Trophy!
9/15-- Northern Iowa . . . Iowa 38 Northern Iowa 20 UNI fans keep frothing about an upset. Not in week 3. Not at Iowa. Not after just playing ISU. if I am wrong, I will be happy to admit it and will don an UNI cap for a day. I am not worried. Iowa has too much on offense for UNI.
9/22-- Central Michigan . . . Iowa 34 Central Michigan 20 Well if this was CM of a few years ago with Dan Lefevour and Antonio brown Iowa would be in trouble. This is a veteran team, but of the 3-9 variety. Still should be entertaining.
9/29-- Minnesota. . . Iowa 24 Minnesota 17 Watch out for the ONSIDE KICK! I will be glad to see Shoelace lite (Marqueis Gray) finally graduate. I hope Iowa wins by 40 in this, but I think it will be close.
10/13-- at Michigan State. . . Michigan State 30 Iowa 28 Iowa has the easy schedule year and if they wanted a 2009esque year this is a must win. I see a valiant effort falling short as one of Mike Meyers missed field goals on the year costs the Hawks. Win this and the Hawks may be undefeated until the next time they are in Michigan.
10/20-- Penn State. . . Iowa 17 Penn State 10 Say what you want about the Nittany Lions. They will play hard each week. Iowa has to reach deep to become bowl eligible.
10/27-- at Northwestern. . . Iowa 27 Northwestern 21 Another game that will not be a cake walk. Of course coach pat circles this one on the calendar each year. Iowa goes in and gets out of there . . . for a change with a W.
11/3-- at Indiana. . . Iowa 44 Indiana 19 Another week to get the team clicking. Hopefully the offense can put up some numbers. A big week for CJ is my thought.
11/10-- Purdue. . . Iowa 37 Purdue 13 This one will get the Hawk fans really clamoring about Bowl destinations.
11/17-- at Michigan. . . Michigan 31 Iowa 21 Shoelace! Revenge is on the mind of the Wolverines and they deliver in the Big House.
11/23--Nebraska. . . Nebraska 27 Iowa 20 Black Friday and just can't score enough against the Black shirts
1/1/13-- Auburn in the Gator Bowl. Iowa 33 Auburn 30 (OT) I hate to agree with the Register's Randy Peterson, but this is a juicy matchup against Chizik and Iowa would be in a better bowl if they can beat Michigan, Mich. st. or the Huskers. They probably won't so its off to the gator bowl.
Iowa 10-3. If this happens, look for big expectations for 2013, even if it does mean Cody Sokol or Jake Rudock at QB.
Remember to follow @cyhawkthoughts @chucku24 and cyhawkthoughts on facebook for the latest news and views.
CHUCK UTECH
Now, this could still work out like the 2007 season, when a young team got spanked by Indiana and got field goaled to death by Iowa State and had their bowl hopes dashed by Western Michigan at home no less. With the pressure on Coach Ferentz and the coaching staff I do not see a repeat. let's take a look at the hawks and then breakdown their schedule.
Offense (new offensive coordinator Greg Davis)
QB:
The key to success this season may be the defense as a whole stopping some teams, but number two then is James Vandenberg. Vandenberg has the tools, the experience and the confidence in himself. What he lacks are tested running backs, a do-everything wide receiver, and a shutdown defense. Vandenberg only has 4 road games this year, which is key since he has only one road win on his record (Purdue). Vandenberg will flourish in greg Davis's system. Will it make him Colt McCoy? maybe not, but maybe Major Applewhite. I expect big things from James VB.
RB:
NEXT! All kidding, conspiracy theories and AIRBHG aside, in the Greg Davis system, this just needs to be serviceable. . . Freshman Barkley Hill went down at the end of the last Saturday practice. he is out. DeAndre Johnson got kicked off after multiple infractions. He is out. Damon Bullock has 20 career rushing yards. he leads the pack. I like Greg Garmon. Yes this is steep praise, but he reminds me of a young Eric Dickerson. He does run high and he is thin, but elusive. Garmon must stay healthy. At a minimum think young Sedrick Shaw. Highlight time. Michael Malloy also backs this position up. At Fulback, youth also reigns with Mark Weisman and Brad Rogers.
Ends and Receivers:
More reason for optimism. Yes, McNutt is gone. But now is the time for Keenan Davis. Keenan Davis has all the talent; can he make the next step? Especially, considering teams will look to double him. In the Greg Davis davis scheme, look for multiple looks to get the ball in his hands or to look to the capable Kevonte Martin-Manley. Devote all the coverage to the outside? The Vandenberg will have my choice as All Big Ten candidate CJ Fiedorowicz running the seams making a mismatch of linebacker and safety. This is a strength.
OL:
Reilly Reiff is gone. Adam Gettis also was drafted. Iowa, though for what seems is the 15th straight year, has a Ferentz on the line. James Ferentz anchors this group. He is tutored by his bro, Brian. I am not as worried about the OL as they can come together and if Iowa does use a Texas style of more shotgun and quick hitting plays, they will not be as dependent on long sustained blocks.
Kicking game:
As of press time, the Punter for herky's crew is Freshman Connor Kornbrath. John Wienke who had been a backup QB and did punt in high school is the backup. Yeah this could be an issue. I have never been a big fan of Mike Meyer as a placekicker, but one could do worse. He is at a 70 percent clip. He can kick with some distance. Serviceable will work.
DEFENSE (New defensive coordinator Phil Parker)
DL: OH BOY. . . Its Young up the middle with Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. Davis has been hassled with injuries. His stepping up and into the hole is going to be paramount. The line will be a rotation, to keep everyone fresh and Steve Bigach, Dominic Alvis, and Joe Gaglione will be counted on to hold their spots down.
LB: This may be the busiest position on the team. Christian Kirksey, Anthony Hitchens and personal fave James Morris will have their hands full. This is the year where Morris shows all of his talent. The D will ride on his health.
DB: Micah Hyde! LB may be the busiest, DB will be the most exciting. BJ lowery is good. Tom Donatell and Tanner Miller are good at safety, and my sleeper pick for breakout star this year is Nico Law. Last year I whiffed with M'Kail Mccall, he of the first game injury then getting himself booted before leaving. Nico Law will bring back memories of Bob Sanders. He will be fun to watch. I think Hyde takes things to the next level and is definitely all B1G.
Return game:
Just don't fumble. I wish it wasn't such valuable performers as Hyde, Martin-manley and Bullock, but they will provide workmanlike performances.
Coaching:
Sure, there are new coordinators, but they are still under the reins and reign of Kirk Ferentz. Things do need to be a little less stodgy if Iowa plans to compete on both sides of the ball. A little unpredictability would be nice even if it is replacing draw plays with bubble screens.
Predictions:
9/1-- Northern Illinois . . . Iowa 37 Northern Illinois 33 Lots of growing pains in this one, but a win is a win is a win at Kinnick East. The fans help the Hawks take this one.
9/8-- Iowa State . . . Iowa 23 Iowa State 20 ISU keeps this one close and makes it a game at the end, but Iowa holds on. Bring on the CyHawk Trophy!
9/15-- Northern Iowa . . . Iowa 38 Northern Iowa 20 UNI fans keep frothing about an upset. Not in week 3. Not at Iowa. Not after just playing ISU. if I am wrong, I will be happy to admit it and will don an UNI cap for a day. I am not worried. Iowa has too much on offense for UNI.
9/22-- Central Michigan . . . Iowa 34 Central Michigan 20 Well if this was CM of a few years ago with Dan Lefevour and Antonio brown Iowa would be in trouble. This is a veteran team, but of the 3-9 variety. Still should be entertaining.
9/29-- Minnesota. . . Iowa 24 Minnesota 17 Watch out for the ONSIDE KICK! I will be glad to see Shoelace lite (Marqueis Gray) finally graduate. I hope Iowa wins by 40 in this, but I think it will be close.
10/13-- at Michigan State. . . Michigan State 30 Iowa 28 Iowa has the easy schedule year and if they wanted a 2009esque year this is a must win. I see a valiant effort falling short as one of Mike Meyers missed field goals on the year costs the Hawks. Win this and the Hawks may be undefeated until the next time they are in Michigan.
10/20-- Penn State. . . Iowa 17 Penn State 10 Say what you want about the Nittany Lions. They will play hard each week. Iowa has to reach deep to become bowl eligible.
10/27-- at Northwestern. . . Iowa 27 Northwestern 21 Another game that will not be a cake walk. Of course coach pat circles this one on the calendar each year. Iowa goes in and gets out of there . . . for a change with a W.
11/3-- at Indiana. . . Iowa 44 Indiana 19 Another week to get the team clicking. Hopefully the offense can put up some numbers. A big week for CJ is my thought.
11/10-- Purdue. . . Iowa 37 Purdue 13 This one will get the Hawk fans really clamoring about Bowl destinations.
11/17-- at Michigan. . . Michigan 31 Iowa 21 Shoelace! Revenge is on the mind of the Wolverines and they deliver in the Big House.
11/23--Nebraska. . . Nebraska 27 Iowa 20 Black Friday and just can't score enough against the Black shirts
1/1/13-- Auburn in the Gator Bowl. Iowa 33 Auburn 30 (OT) I hate to agree with the Register's Randy Peterson, but this is a juicy matchup against Chizik and Iowa would be in a better bowl if they can beat Michigan, Mich. st. or the Huskers. They probably won't so its off to the gator bowl.
Iowa 10-3. If this happens, look for big expectations for 2013, even if it does mean Cody Sokol or Jake Rudock at QB.
Remember to follow @cyhawkthoughts @chucku24 and cyhawkthoughts on facebook for the latest news and views.
CHUCK UTECH
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