2 Weeks Before Game Day: Iowa Analaysis From An Iowa Fan

[rucker4]

That's very reminiscent of our season. We also started out 6-0 and pushed into the top 10, we then lost to #1 Georgia but played a pretty competitive game, then we had a game against Mississippi State like you had against Purdue turning the ball over several times and just looking really bad top to bottom, then we lost a squeaker to rival Tennessee.

In a nut shell, Kentucky's weakness is it's secondary, and lack of a consistent pass rush. The 2 big losses we had against MSU and UT featured opponents with outstanding quarterbacks, and very good receivers. So IMHO if Iowa is to win this game they will have to come up with some semblance of a passing game to go with the running game.

Thanks for your contributions to our site.

Yeah, seasons looked a lot alike and clearly the head coaches cut from the very same piece of cloth in philosophy and also how they have built their programs.

Iowa's offense is miserable. Pisses me off because our defense has been so good though they faltered later in the year because their backs were broken having to carry the team all year by that point. Special teams have been outstanding too. Offense completely shit the bed and cost this team of playing the the CFP or maybe even the Rose Bowl.

QB play has been bad because of a poor OL but also because neither QB is simply very good.

 

[BrewHawk]

Agree with all of rucker4's sentiments and have a couple thoughts of my own to add.

There are three ways to beat Iowa.
1. Out talent. As evidenced by Michigan, Stanford, LSU, other high profile programs.
2. Out Iowa. See games vs. Wisconsin.
3. Short, controlled, patient passing game. See Purdue and Northwestern.

As previously mentioned, Iowa wins by waiting for their opponent to make mistakes and not be able to execute at a high level. When teams don't make mistakes and do execute, it's a long day for the Hawks.

Our loss to Purdue was due to not accounting for two great players who will be skipping their bowl game to work on the draft (Bell and Karlaftis). Our loss to Wisconsin was due to giving them the ball in their red zone on three turnovers.

If Iowa can run, we're in good shape as that opens up play action, which will be used frequently. If we can't run well early, Brian Ferentz tends to give up on it and become very pass happy, which doesn't bode well with a still developing OL and QBs who really aren't great. If Petras gets time, he's decent. I do like our RBs who will be stepping in for Goodson and think they match better with our current OL capability.

We often have trouble accounting for mobile QBs, so Levis will have an advantage there. I do see us limiting your run game, so it will be interesting to see if we can take advantage of putting Levis in longer down passing situations.

I think the game is won on first and second down. I don't see either offense converting many longer 3rd down opportunities, so whichever defense forces that situation will likely also force mistakes and short fields.

I don't know what to expect. I do think it will be a slobberknocker with maybe a 17-10 type final score. If we can't slow down your offense, you guys win going away.

Thanks for the warm reception here. Very refreshing exchange we don't always get from our opponents. Safe travels for those making the trip!

 

[cathouse]

Exactly, I know he'll consider it if the offer is made. You first said you know he would take it. I realize you've convinced yourself of that but I remain unconvinced. There are many reasons I'm skeptical for many reasons. First, the SEC is the conference most coaches aspire to reach. Then Ferentz says he's coaching his full contract which goes through 2025. Stoops would be 58 then. Also, Stoops makes as much as Day and by 2023 will be making 7.3M. Iowa would have to pay more than 50% more than they pay Ferentz. It's been a long long time since Stoops was part of Iowa and each year he becomes more engrained in Kentucky. Finally, that deep family connection didn't sway Bob Stoops.

Yeah. My brain was moving faster than my typing. What I meant to say that the Iowa job is the one job I am sure that CMS would consider.

I really don't think he has even considered any of the other offers that have come his way lately.

And you are so right in saying there is certainly no reason for him to consider another job.

He has one sweet gig and a program he has built from scratch. UK football has Mark Stoops imprint on it and he has earned it.

 

[Deeeefense]

If Iowa can run, we're in good shape as that opens up play action, which will be used frequently.

Kentucky defensive strength is up front, they're 13th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (113) in games with P5 opponents. Teams have been quite unsuccessful for the most part trying to play a run oriented offense against us. The only teams that beat us this year other than #1 Georgia were teams that established a strong passing attack.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Agree with all of rucker4's sentiments and have a couple thoughts of my own to add.

There are three ways to beat Iowa.
1. Out talent. As evidenced by Michigan, Stanford, LSU, other high profile programs.
2. Out Iowa. See games vs. Wisconsin.
3. Short, controlled, patient passing game. See Purdue and Northwestern.

As previously mentioned, Iowa wins by waiting for their opponent to make mistakes and not be able to execute at a high level. When teams don't make mistakes and do execute, it's a long day for the Hawks.

Our loss to Purdue was due to not accounting for two great players who will be skipping their bowl game to work on the draft (Bell and Karlaftis). Our loss to Wisconsin was due to giving them the ball in their red zone on three turnovers.

If Iowa can run, we're in good shape as that opens up play action, which will be used frequently. If we can't run well early, Brian Ferentz tends to give up on it and become very pass happy, which doesn't bode well with a still developing OL and QBs who really aren't great. If Petras gets time, he's decent. I do like our RBs who will be stepping in for Goodson and think they match better with our current OL capability.

We often have trouble accounting for mobile QBs, so Levis will have an advantage there. I do see us limiting your run game, so it will be interesting to see if we can take advantage of putting Levis in longer down passing situations.

I think the game is won on first and second down. I don't see either offense converting many longer 3rd down opportunities, so whichever defense forces that situation will likely also force mistakes and short fields.

I don't know what to expect. I do think it will be a slobberknocker with maybe a 17-10 type final score. If we can't slow down your offense, you guys win going away.

Thanks for the warm reception here. Very refreshing exchange we don't always get from our opponents. Safe travels for those making the trip!

Ok my friend, in the immortal words of Popeye, "I've had all I can stands. I can't stands no more". The reason you lost to Purdue and Wisconsin is your putrid offense. You averaged about 175 yards of offense between the 2 games. Against Michigan you found out what its like to play a talented, mature team. We aren't quite at Michigan's level but I have zero doubt we'd beat both Purdue and Wisconsin.

We had 3 losses. 2 were against high level passing attacks, 1 was against overwhelming talent. You have neither of those. Our DL will dominate your small, inexperienced OL. Our OL will absolutely dominate your small DL. We'll run CRod behind Kinnard all day. I dont think you can do anything about it.

Then, on top of everything else, you have to deal with Wandale Robinson and Levis. The one truly mobile QB you faced ran at will against you. However, his team, Colorado State, was terrible. Not to mention, we are GREAT against the run.

I expect no more than 13 points from you guys. I also expect 30+ on our side. I simply don't think you can stop it. Your LB's barely outweigh our RB.

Your turn.

 

[BrewHawk]

Ok my friend, in the immortal words of Popeye, "I've had all I can stands. I can't stands no more". The reason you lost to Purdue and Wisconsin is your putrid offense. You averaged about 175 yards of offense between the 2 games. Against Michigan you found out what its like to play a talented, mature team. We aren't quite at Michigan's level but I have zero doubt we'd beat both Purdue and Wisconsin.

We had 3 losses. 2 were against high level passing attacks, 1 was against overwhelming talent. You have neither of those. Our DL will dominate your small, inexperienced OL. Our OL will absolutely dominate your small DL. We'll run CRod behind Kinnard all day. I dont think you can do anything about it.

Then, on top of everything else, you have to deal with Wandale Robinson and Levis. The one truly mobile QB you faced ran at will against you. However, his team, Colorado State, was terrible. Not to mention, we are GREAT against the run.

I expect no more than 13 points from you guys. I also expect 30+ on our side. I simply don't think you can stop it. Your LB's barely outweigh our RB.

Your turn.

What team with an above. 500 record did you beat?

I like Rodriguez. Have said elsewhere he reminds me of Haskins from Michigan.

If you run over us, your score prediction is probably accurate. Not many teams run over us.

You'll appreciate our LB corps. Probably the team's best position group.

Levis' running is my biggest concern.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

What team with an above. 500 record did you beat?

I like Rodriguez. Have said elsewhere he reminds me of Haskins from Michigan.

If you run over us, your score prediction is probably accurate. Not many teams run over us.

You'll appreciate our LB corps. Probably the team's best position group.

Levis' running is my biggest concern.

The SEC is simply much better than the B1G. Our wins were tough. Frankly, I think Ferentz is some sort of magician. Your team shouldn't win as much as it has. I have zero doubt of the outcome of our game though. To answer your question, we beat no teams over .500. We beat 6 at .500.

I'll stick with my previous statement, the SEC is far superior to the B1G. Your point is moot.

 

[BrewHawk]

The SEC is simply much better than the B1G. Our wins were tough. Frankly, I think Ferentz is some sort of magician. Your team shouldn't win as much as it has. I have zero doubt of the outcome of our game though. To answer your question, we beat no teams over .500. We beat 6 at .500.

I'll stick with my previous statement, the SEC is far superior to the B1G. Your point is moot.

Iowa has a winning record vs. the SEC in bowl games.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Iowa has a winning record vs. the SEC in bowl games.

History isn't playing today.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Iowa has a winning record vs. the SEC in bowl games.

In the last decade you're 1-3.

 

[Blue63Madison]

What team with an above. 500 record did you beat?

I like Rodriguez. Have said elsewhere he reminds me of Haskins from Michigan.

If you run over us, your score prediction is probably accurate. Not many teams run over us.

You'll appreciate our LB corps. Probably the team's best position group.

Levis' running is my biggest concern.

Based on these comments… you haven’t seen many UK games. Probably just highlights. It’s ok though. You Iowa fans are great.

We haven’t beaten an above .500 team for two reasons. We lost at UGA, who was undefeated and #1 most of the season. That’s one. And two, much of our conference finished 6-6-ish. Several of those would be above .500 if we hadn’t beaten them. And most of them would’ve been 8-4, 9-3, or better in any other conference. We have 14 bowl eligible teams. That’s crazy weird, but typical of the SEC.

C-Rod is an enigma. He’s great at times. Not a long distant threat, but badass for gains of 5-7. The problem is fumbles. He’s had several around the goal line. It’s very frustrating.

We shouldn’t be too concerned about your LB corps. Our bigger concerns have been the front 3 or 4, and DB’s. Other than the typical monster LB’s we see in the SEC — future NFLers — we’ve been fine.

As for Levis, you’ve probably only seen his highlights. He’s a much bigger threat with his arm, than his legs. But when he decides to run, it’s usually in a must-run situation. Whether when we need a first down or late game situation. And when he can sniff the goal line, he’s bad ass. He leads us in rushing TD’s (8). One more than C-Rod.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Based on these comments… you haven’t seen many UK games. Probably just highlights. It’s ok though. You Iowa fans are great.

We haven’t beaten an above .500 team for two reasons. We lost at UGA, who was undefeated and #1 most of the season. That’s one. And two, much of our conference finished 6-6-ish. Several of those would be above .500 if we hadn’t beaten them. And most of them would’ve been 8-4, 9-3, or better in any other conference. We have 14 bowl eligible teams. That’s crazy weird, but typical of the SEC.

C-Rod is an enigma. He’s great at times. Not a long distant threat, but badass for gains of 5-7. The problem is fumbles. He’s had several around the goal line. It’s very frustrating.

We shouldn’t be too concerned about your LB corps. Our bigger concerns have been the front 3 or 4, and DB’s. Other than the typical monster LB’s we see in the SEC — future NFLers — we’ve been fine.

As for Levis, you’ve probably only seen his highlights. He’s a much bigger threat with his arm, than his legs. But when he decides to run, it’s usually in a must-run situation. Whether when we need a first down or late game situation. And when he can sniff the goal line, he’s bad ass. He leads us in rushing TD’s (8). One more than C-Rod.

Yes and realistically, do you see an avenue for an Iowa win?

 

[Blue63Madison]

Yes and realistically, do you see an avenue for an Iowa win?

Of course I do. Our biggest issue has been turnovers. That’s always an issue. IMO, it’s the most important stat in the game. Every football game. If we have zero turnovers, Iowa has zero chance to win.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Of course I do. Our biggest issue has been turnovers. That’s always an issue. IMO, it’s the most important stat in the game. Every football game. If we have zero turnovers, Iowa has zero chance to win.

We've given up few points on our TO's. Iowa's TO advantage happened in 3 games. Im not concerned about TO's.

 

[iowaflash]

Not saying that this has anything to do with the Citrus Bowl coming up, or the quality of this year’s UK team (which I believe is for real), but in the 2018 Outback Bowl, Iowa was a 7 point underdog to a solid 8-4 Mississippi St team ranked #18 at the time. Iowa was outgained in yards (342-199) with no running game, but still won the game, winning the turnover battle 3-2. Both UK and Iowa have good defenses, so I believe turnover margin AND special teams will be important factors in this game….

 

[Soupbean]

Anybody else worried this game (and others) gets postponed? Seems to be coming round.

 

[BrewHawk]

Based on these comments… you haven’t seen many UK games. Probably just highlights. It’s ok though. You Iowa fans are great.

We haven’t beaten an above .500 team for two reasons. We lost at UGA, who was undefeated and #1 most of the season. That’s one. And two, much of our conference finished 6-6-ish. Several of those would be above .500 if we hadn’t beaten them. And most of them would’ve been 8-4, 9-3, or better in any other conference. We have 14 bowl eligible teams. That’s crazy weird, but typical of the SEC.

C-Rod is an enigma. He’s great at times. Not a long distant threat, but badass for gains of 5-7. The problem is fumbles. He’s had several around the goal line. It’s very frustrating.

We shouldn’t be too concerned about your LB corps. Our bigger concerns have been the front 3 or 4, and DB’s. Other than the typical monster LB’s we see in the SEC — future NFLers — we’ve been fine.

As for Levis, you’ve probably only seen his highlights. He’s a much bigger threat with his arm, than his legs. But when he decides to run, it’s usually in a must-run situation. Whether when we need a first down or late game situation. And when he can sniff the goal line, he’s bad ass. He leads us in rushing TD’s (8). One more than C-Rod.

I've actually been able to watch a few of your games since the announcement was made.

Our defense operates by the DL occupying blockers to allow our LBs to run free and make plays. This is why they have had as many interceptions as they have. A lot of tipped passes and they all run well. The MLB, Campbell (#31), is a monster LB who will be playing in the NFL. Very similar to Chad Greenway. Also high on Jestin Jacobs (#5) who is young and has split time with our "nickel" LB Belton (#4). I would imagine you will see more of #5 on the field with the power run game you feature.

Levis really doesn't scare me as a passer. I'm very comfortable with our back seven. Hoping we can control the LOS with our DL, which is quite young, but has played great the entire season.

You won't likely see a bunch of blitzing and the DL will play lanes to contain Levis in the pocket. I also don't see you getting to the perimeter with the run game unless you guys decide to run option. Iowa tends to play very disciplined and doesn't allow backside misdirection plays (reverse end-arounds and the like).

Should be a good matchup. I think you'll find Iowa's pass protection to be better than their run blocking. If so, there are a number of good young receivers who are improving quickly, most notably Keegan Johnson (#6).

 

[rucker4]

What team with an above. 500 record did you beat?

I like Rodriguez. Have said elsewhere he reminds me of Haskins from Michigan.

If you run over us, your score prediction is probably accurate. Not many teams run over us.

You'll appreciate our LB corps. Probably the team's best position group.

Levis' running is my biggest concern.

Iowa recruited Levis hard out of high school and likely would have gotten him had Penn State not come in late and offered him.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I've actually been able to watch a few of your games since the announcement was made.

Our defense operates by the DL occupying blockers to allow our LBs to run free and make plays. This is why they have had as many interceptions as they have. A lot of tipped passes and they all run well. The MLB, Campbell (#31), is a monster LB who will be playing in the NFL. Very similar to Chad Greenway. Also high on Jestin Jacobs (#5) who is young and has split time with our "nickel" LB Belton (#4). I would imagine you will see more of #5 on the field with the power run game you feature.

Levis really doesn't scare me as a passer. I'm very comfortable with our back seven. Hoping we can control the LOS with our DL, which is quite young, but has played great the entire season.

You won't likely see a bunch of blitzing and the DL will play lanes to contain Levis in the pocket. I also don't see you getting to the perimeter with the run game unless you guys decide to run option. Iowa tends to play very disciplined and doesn't allow backside misdirection plays (reverse end-arounds and the like).

Should be a good matchup. I think you'll find Iowa's pass protection to be better than their run blocking. If so, there are a number of good young receivers who are improving quickly, most notably Keegan Johnson (#6).

Which games did you watch?

 

[BrewHawk]

Which games did you watch?

Florida, Tennessee and Louisville

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Florida, Tennessee and Louisville

You watched the Tennessee game and you aren't concerned about Levis's passing? Looking at the QB ratings in the B1G, you played against nearly all of the bad ones, in fact, you played 7 the bottom 9. The only bottom 9 QB you didn't play was Rutgers. Your QB is in the bottom 4 so that accounts for the other one. The only QB in the top 5 that you played and beat, really didn't happen either. Penn St. was up 17-3 when Clifford was knocked out. His backup was pathetic. Playing against bad QB's can sure make a secondary look good. You won't be playing against a bad QB this time. Levis is the 5th rated QB in the SEC even after it took most of the season for Levis to really start clicking in this offense. Most everything Coen did was new for us and we had to grow into it.

 

[BrewHawk]

You watched the Tennessee game and you aren't concerned about Levis's passing? Looking at the QB ratings in the B1G, you played against nearly all of the bad ones, in fact, you played 7 the bottom 9. The only bottom 9 QB you didn't play was Rutgers. Your QB is in the bottom 4 so that accounts for the other one. The only QB in the top 5 that you played and beat, really didn't happen either. Penn St. was up 17-3 when Clifford was knocked out. His backup was pathetic. Playing against bad QB's can sure make a secondary look good. You won't be playing against a bad QB this time. Levis is the 5th rated QB in the SEC even after it took most of the season for Levis to really start clicking in this offense. Most everything Coen did was new for us and we had to grow into it.

Guess we'll see. I like our secondary.

 

[cidsports]

In the last decade you're 1-3.

The win was most recent, 2018 season, Iowa over Mississippi State 27-22.



The SEC team is usually the favorite and higher rated than Iowa.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

The win was most recent, 2018 season, Iowa over Mississippi State 27-22.

View embedded media

The SEC team is usually the favorite and higher rated than Iowa.

Well, thank goodness we aren't playing that team.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Guess we'll see. I like our secondary.

Fair enough and hopefully I'm not coming off as a jerk, just having fun talking up my guys and nit picking yours.

 

[BrewHawk]

Fair enough and hopefully I'm not coming off as a jerk, just having fun talking up my guys and nit picking yours.

Not at all. We're all passionate about our teams. All I can say is if you grade Iowa on stats, you'll be surprised when you see how we can pull off wins.

We often give up a ton of passing yards, but they don't always result in points.

Complementary football at its finest.

 

[Backer cutter]

Not at all. We're all passionate about our teams. All I can say is if you grade Iowa on stats, you'll be surprised when you see how we can pull off wins.

We often give up a ton of passing yards, but they don't always result in points.

Complementary football at its finest.

AKA, drive for show, putt for doe.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Not at all. We're all passionate about our teams. All I can say is if you grade Iowa on stats, you'll be surprised when you see how we can pull off wins.

We often give up a ton of passing yards, but they don't always result in points.

Complementary football at its finest.

Yeah, I mentioned earlier that Ferentz must be a magician. Your stats and record don't make sense.

 

[cidsports]

Yeah, I mentioned earlier that Ferentz must be a magician. Your stats and record don't make sense.

Iowa is #3 in the country at +13 in turnover margin. Strong defense much of the season, though not as good against Michigan.

Special teams were a strength much of the season. Michigan is very good with special teams, as well.

Iowa played well getting to 6-0, then injuries factored in some and QB/line play was off offensively.

In Iowa’s back to back losses, Iowa had heavy turnovers. Wisconsin recovered 4 turnovers all inside the Iowa 30, if I recall correctly. Purdue forced four turnovers.

QB Spencer Petras is 13-5 as a starter for Iowa. He didn't get a shot against Michigan and Missouri last year. Likely, two more victories.

Minnesota, Iowa State and Nebraska were top 3 wins. Iowa is 20-0, since 2015 against all 3 programs.

Michigan, Wisconsin and Purdue are all capable programs.

Michigan vs. Georgia should be a good one.

Iowa's offensive coordinator is 3-0 in bowl games. This will be his toughest match up, after wins over Pitt, Mississippi State and USC.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Your offense was significantly better in 17, 18 and 19.

 

[DJ_Kool_Herk]

Will it finally happen?

Will the exchanges between boards be pleasant all the way to game time?

Let's make it happen!
Iowa fans, be cool! Be cool!
These guys respect us!
These Kentuckians are great folks!
Let's not get any panties in a bunch over something stupid!
They can say we kinda suck! Because we kinda do! Let it go! Let it go!

We got this! 12 more days!

 

[rucker4]

Iowa is #3 in the country at +13 in turnover margin. Strong defense much of the season, though not as good against Michigan.

Special teams were a strength much of the season. Michigan is very good with special teams, as well.

Iowa played well getting to 6-0, then injuries factored in some and QB/line play was off offensively.

In Iowa’s back to back losses, Iowa had heavy turnovers. Wisconsin recovered 4 turnovers all inside the Iowa 30, if I recall correctly. Purdue forced four turnovers.

QB Spencer Petras is 13-5 as a starter for Iowa. He didn't get a shot against Michigan and Missouri last year. Likely, two more victories.

Minnesota, Iowa State and Nebraska were top 3 wins. Iowa is 20-0, since 2015 against all 3 programs.

Michigan, Wisconsin and Purdue are all capable programs.

Michigan vs. Georgia should be a good one.

Iowa's offensive coordinator is 3-0 in bowl games. This will be his toughest match up, after wins over Pitt, Mississippi State and USC.

View embedded media

Iowa fan here again but a few things to point out and CORRECT to another Iowa fan:

Injuries were NOT why Iowa lost 3 of their last 7 games. C'mon man-- stop being a whiny Hawk fan. We suffered no substantial injury that cost us games. Who are you claiming? Riley Moss missing 3 games? His loss made no difference in the three games we were beaten badly in. Plus, what team in football doesn't have injuries later in the year? Our defense wore down as the year progressed-- it's why Purdue, Wisconsin, and Michigan throttled our defense in those losses while Iowa's season-long lackluster offense scored a total of 17 points in those 3 losses-- that's why we lost those games. I hate when my fellow Hawk fans try making lame excuses. STOP BEING A HOMER!

You claiming we are 3-0 in bowl games with our offensive coordinator. May be a true statement but it's not because of our OC. That OC is Brian Ferentz and he's called enough solid games as an OC to count on one hand in 5 years at Iowa. Stop propping up Brian Ferentz like he's some genius.

Spencer Petras may be 13-5 as a starter but Spencer is not going to scare anyone. The best thing Spencer does is he does not turn the ball over a lot-- that is his #1 strength. Spencer rarely will tuck the ball in and run when pressured-- instead he takes the sack or he throws the ball 20 rows into the stands.

Iowa may still win a week from Saturday and I want us to, but let's truthfully assess what we have at Iowa and stop sugar coating.

Wildcat fans, I apologize for cid coming to this board attempting to be the resident Iowa homer.

 

[BrewHawk]

Iowa fan here again but a few things to point out to another Iowa fan:

Injuries were NOT why Iowa lost 3 of their last 7 games. C'mon man-- stop being a whiny Hawk fan. We suffered no substantial injury that cost us games. Who are you claiming? Riley Moss missing 3 games? Not exactly something that cost us games. Plus, what team in football doesn't have injuries later in the year? Our defense wore down as the year-- it's why Purdue, Wisconsin, and Michigan throttled our defense in those losses while Iowa's offense scored a total of 17 point in those 3 losses-- that's why we lost those games. I hate when my fellow Hawk fans try making lame excuses. STOP BEING A HOMER!

You claiming we are 3-0 in bowl games with our offensive coordinator. That OC is Brian Ferentz and he's called enough solid games as an OC to count on one hand in 5 years at Iowa. Stop propping up Brian Ferentz like he's some genius.

Spencer Petras may be 13-5 as a starter but Spencer is not going to scare anyone. The best thing Spencer does is he does not turn the ball over a lot-- that is his #1 strength. Spencer rarely will tuck the ball in and run when pressured-- instead he takes the sack or he throws the ball 20 rows into the stands.

Iowa may still win a week from Saturday and I want us to, but let's truthfully assess what we have at Iowa and stop sugar coating.

I take it you're not familiar with CID.

 

[rucker4]

I take it you're not familiar with CID.

lol, I'm sort of glad I'm not. I appreciate him being a Hawk fan but one thing that I don't like are whiny football fans blowing excuses up others butts-- even those from our fan base. We don't need to do that at Iowa. We had a damn good 10-3 season, but let's admit we got our asses handed to us in all three losses and none of the losses were even close-- would you not agree brew? Why does this cid guy come on here and basically sugar coat instead? Guessing his fan ego got in the way of truth and honesty.

 

[rucker4]

Agree with all of rucker4's sentiments and have a couple thoughts of my own to add.

There are three ways to beat Iowa.
1. Out talent. As evidenced by Michigan, Stanford, LSU, other high profile programs.
2. Out Iowa. See games vs. Wisconsin.
3. Short, controlled, patient passing game. See Purdue and Northwestern.

As previously mentioned, Iowa wins by waiting for their opponent to make mistakes and not be able to execute at a high level. When teams don't make mistakes and do execute, it's a long day for the Hawks.

Our loss to Purdue was due to not accounting for two great players who will be skipping their bowl game to work on the draft (Bell and Karlaftis). Our loss to Wisconsin was due to giving them the ball in their red zone on three turnovers.

If Iowa can run, we're in good shape as that opens up play action, which will be used frequently. If we can't run well early, Brian Ferentz tends to give up on it and become very pass happy, which doesn't bode well with a still developing OL and QBs who really aren't great. If Petras gets time, he's decent. I do like our RBs who will be stepping in for Goodson and think they match better with our current OL capability.

We often have trouble accounting for mobile QBs, so Levis will have an advantage there. I do see us limiting your run game, so it will be interesting to see if we can take advantage of putting Levis in longer down passing situations.

I think the game is won on first and second down. I don't see either offense converting many longer 3rd down opportunities, so whichever defense forces that situation will likely also force mistakes and short fields.

I don't know what to expect. I do think it will be a slobberknocker with maybe a 17-10 type final score. If we can't slow down your offense, you guys win going away.

Thanks for the warm reception here. Very refreshing exchange we don't always get from our opponents. Safe travels for those making the trip!

To capsulize what you said here Brew, if Iowa isn't on their "A" game in the Citrus, we'll get smacked hard just like we did against Purdue, Wisconsin, and Michigan this season. If we are on our "A" game we have a great chance to win.

Iowa has little room for error. When you have a very poor offense, as we do, and you rely completely on your defense and special teams, you back yourself into a corner. We have done this in 2021.

In the games we lost this year, we were not blessed with many turnovers. We live on the other team's turnovers. If Kentucky doesn't turn it over, it will be extra tough for Iowa to win. Plain and simple. Our offense simply isn't going to drive the ball 75 yards down field.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

LaVar Woods, former Iowa player and NFL player, is Iowa's Special Teams Coach-- that's his only function. He's considered exceptional.

Will be an interesting thing to watch. Stoops doesn't place high value on special teams and we lost our punt return man. So hopefully UK can prevent special teams disaster.

 

[cidsports]

@rucker4

We can agree to disagree, but turnovers were a bigger reason for the two losses.

Injuries did have an impact during Iowa's climb and during the 2 straight losses. Iowa was missing key players and it took G Kyler Schott plenty of the season to get his play up to speed.

Who was Iowa's leader to the Iowa Secondary in 2021?

Please don't suggest CB Matt Hankins, who was awful absent Riley Moss against Purdue.

All-American CB Riley Moss missed both the Purdue and Wisconsin games. He wasn't 100% the rest of the season, including Michigan, one could say.

Iowa's offensive line lacked synergy and injuries were a part of it from the start of the season.



Iowa had one sack against Penn State and it forced a FG, rather than another trip into Red Zone.

Ethan Hurkett and Deonte Craig's injuries might have seemed small, but they were good situational DEs.

The injury of CB Terry Roberts on special teams and in the secondary did have an impact on overall unit performance. Special teams coverage wasn't the same for Purdue. Key miss early.

 

[BrewHawk]

lol, I'm sort of glad I'm not. I appreciate him being a Hawk fan but one thing that I don't like are whiny football fans blowing excuses up others butts-- even those from our fan base. We don't need to do that at Iowa. We had a damn good 10-3 season, but let's admit we got our asses handed to us in all three losses and none of the losses were even close-- would you not agree brew? Why does this cid guy come on here and basically sugar coat instead? Guessing his fan ego got in the way of truth and honesty.

More stream of consciousness without a conscience than anything. Whatever is up there ends up in the post.

 

[rucker4]

@rucker4

We can agree to disagree, but turnovers were a bigger reason for the two losses.

Injuries did have an impact during Iowa's climb and during the 2 straight losses. Iowa was missing key players and it took G Kyler Schott plenty of the season to get his play up to speed.

Who was Iowa's leader to the Iowa Secondary in 2021?

Please don't suggest CB Matt Hankins, who was awful absent Riley Moss against Purdue.

All-American CB Riley Moss missed both the Purdue and Wisconsin games. He wasn't 100% the rest of the season, including Michigan, one could say.

Iowa's offensive line lacked synergy and injuries were a part of it from the start of the season.

View embedded media

Iowa had one sack against Penn State and it forced a FG, rather than another trip into Red Zone.

Ethan Hurkett and Deonte Craig's injuries might have seemed small, but they were good sotual

Turnovers factor into games always for any team, but you honestly think Iowa beats Purdue or Wisconsin had they been reduced?

Get off the injury crap. We were blessed all season with few key injuries so blowing up the few we had makes you look silly. For the record, Purdue was without two of their best players for our game. You failed to mention that. As for Hankins, you believe Iowa beats Wisconsin or Michigan with him? (the two losses he missed)? We beat Wisconsin if Moss plays?

We lost by a 93-17 score in all three losses combined this season and lost 51-14 in the losses just to Purdue and Wisconsin combined. C'mon man stop acting like an idiot. Injuries and turnovers did not cost us those games.

Again, I'm embarrassed as an Iowa fan you come to this board and sound like an Iowa homer deluxe. Good honest and straight forward chatter about the game between the two sides till you came and put on you homer act with rose colored glasses. Just be real on here-- and not some public relations poster boy who looks like he's hired by the university I graduated from.

 

[rucker4]

More stream of consciousness without a conscience than anything. Whatever is up there ends up in the post.

The guy sounds whacked.

I appreciate your honest assesment of Iowa-- at least you and me have represented Iowa fairly here. This @cidsports guy has already been figured out by Kentucky fans as a total Hawk homer so doubt he gets much credibility. Fanatics like him is why fan bases get labeled as whiny and babies. Lots for Hawk fans to feel good about but I hate fanatics like him playing the injury and turnover card-- just lame as hell.