Post by Dweeb8uster on Mar 25, 2010 17:07:53 GMT -6
Not complaining about Hawkeye Football at all but this does need some attention by the coaching staff. Please get Kenny a translator as this will appear Greek to him.
By Bryce Ricklefs
MOST NEEDED ADDITION? KILLER ATTITUDE
Rather than further analyze spring camp position development needs, let’s take a look at what really needs to come out of Iowa City this spring – a killer attitude.
For whatever reason, if Iowa gets ahead by 10 or more points, you can bank on a conservative, play-it-safe approach that almost always allows the opponent back in the game. It sometimes seems that the team actually wants to keep the game close, for whatever psychological gain it may bring. That is exactly what keeps you in the bottom tier of equal-loss teams in the rankings, as Iowa experienced last season.
The reason Iowa does this is because it gives them game control, and it is in keeping with their style of play. It usually works, and for anyone to complain about an 11-win season is ridiculous. However, if Iowa wants to break into the next ring of vaunted, respected champions and attract top talent to Iowa City, it needs to be more impressive. Like 45-3 impressive.
Coach Ferentz has shown a knack for making necessary adjustments, even for a guy that doesn’t like to shake things up much. This is one change he needs to recognize and adapt to. Just because you get ahead by two touchdowns doesn’t mean you take the ball out of your playmakers’ hands and sit on it, relying on your defense to win by 3 at the end of every game. Keep the pressure on, be a little less conservative, and put it away before the fourth quarter once in awhile.
Another thing to keep an eye on this fall – Iowa is on the trail for some top high school talent this year, something they haven’t really done since 2005, with the exception of a star or two per class. They are hot on the heels of some of America’s top players, and getting good response thanks to a stellar last 18 months of Iowa football (15-2 if you’ve lost count). When you’re in the middle of the conversation for recruits with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Ohio State, things are looking up.
Of course, watch the O-line and linebacker competition this spring; expect Tyler Nielsen to be the next great one at OLB, and if Bruce Davis can play ILB with the same fire he plays special teams with, he will be making snot bubbles come September. Finally, watch Jordan Bernstine and see if he can become the player he was recruited to be, as his task of replacing Amari Spievey is a tall order.
cfn.scout.com/2/956803.html
By Bryce Ricklefs
MOST NEEDED ADDITION? KILLER ATTITUDE
Rather than further analyze spring camp position development needs, let’s take a look at what really needs to come out of Iowa City this spring – a killer attitude.
For whatever reason, if Iowa gets ahead by 10 or more points, you can bank on a conservative, play-it-safe approach that almost always allows the opponent back in the game. It sometimes seems that the team actually wants to keep the game close, for whatever psychological gain it may bring. That is exactly what keeps you in the bottom tier of equal-loss teams in the rankings, as Iowa experienced last season.
The reason Iowa does this is because it gives them game control, and it is in keeping with their style of play. It usually works, and for anyone to complain about an 11-win season is ridiculous. However, if Iowa wants to break into the next ring of vaunted, respected champions and attract top talent to Iowa City, it needs to be more impressive. Like 45-3 impressive.
Coach Ferentz has shown a knack for making necessary adjustments, even for a guy that doesn’t like to shake things up much. This is one change he needs to recognize and adapt to. Just because you get ahead by two touchdowns doesn’t mean you take the ball out of your playmakers’ hands and sit on it, relying on your defense to win by 3 at the end of every game. Keep the pressure on, be a little less conservative, and put it away before the fourth quarter once in awhile.
Another thing to keep an eye on this fall – Iowa is on the trail for some top high school talent this year, something they haven’t really done since 2005, with the exception of a star or two per class. They are hot on the heels of some of America’s top players, and getting good response thanks to a stellar last 18 months of Iowa football (15-2 if you’ve lost count). When you’re in the middle of the conversation for recruits with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Ohio State, things are looking up.
Of course, watch the O-line and linebacker competition this spring; expect Tyler Nielsen to be the next great one at OLB, and if Bruce Davis can play ILB with the same fire he plays special teams with, he will be making snot bubbles come September. Finally, watch Jordan Bernstine and see if he can become the player he was recruited to be, as his task of replacing Amari Spievey is a tall order.
cfn.scout.com/2/956803.html
