Voice of the Hawkeyes Board

1. Remember those long, hot, corn-killing days last summer—back when it was possible to generate some optimism about Iowa football? There were a few doomsdayers and a few kool-aid addicts, but the majority of us looked forward to a decent, if not spectacular, season.
2. Back then, it was hard to imagine a losing season, if for no other reason than the soft schedule. At the same time, it was hard to imagine a blockbuster season. There were just too many open questions about the 2012 Hawks.
3. Most identified a small, inexperienced D-line as the biggest unknown. In addition, we shared concerns about the absence of dominant linebackers, the youth of the O-line, the absence of a proven running back, and the lack of depth and speed in the receiver corps.
4. Many assumed that any problems with the O-line would melt away during the season. Things always work out up front. We’re Iowa, for heaven’s sake.
5. Folks tended to downplay any potential problems with the wide outs—particularly after Keenan Davis was touted as the top returning receiver in the league. Besides, the Hawks wouldn’t rely on the wide outs. Not with the best tight end in the country tearing things up.
6. Running back: Most breathed easier after Garmon made his peace with the cops in Erie and headed to Iowa City--A real star arriving on I-80.
7. As for linebacker play—many felt the guys had now paid their dues and had gained the experience and physical maturity to elevate the defense. Besides, a couple of the guys had played hurt in 2011. They just need to be healthy.
8. I, at least, thought that Iowa would be solid—maybe more than solid—at QB. Based on his 2011 performance, I thought JVB would be in the top tier of QB’s in the conference.
9. I also thought Iowa would have a very sound defensive secondary.
10. One of the biggest disappointments on Saturday was the play of the Hawk safeties. Really, some of the worst we’ve seen in 15 years. Nico Law might be a big hitter, but it is clear why the staff has been reluctant to start him. Sleeper looked somnambulant trying to tackle Robinson. An imagined area of strength turned out to be a weakness.
11. And this wasn’t the only slide across the ledger from plus to minus. For whatever reason JVB took that ride—and CJF, too, though both did better against Michigan than in previous weeks. (What a notion. A little coaching flexibility actually can pay off. Get CJF up, out of traffic and throw to him.)
12. Sadly, Iowa didn’t turn up aces in many of the pre-season areas of concern. We were right to worry about the D-line, the wide outs and the linebackers. We might have been OK on the O-line, but injuries took the mystery away. Ditto with the running backs—though, interestingly, Garmon wasn’t much of a factor.
13. Back during baseball season a level of measured optimism about Iowa football seemed reasonable. We had some identifiable strengths. Sure, some areas of concern, too, but some would turn out fine. They’d just have to. The Hawk program had reached a level that would make a sub 500 season unthinkable.
14. I’ll think back on those sunny days again Friday morning. It’ll be unseasonably warm in Kinnick, but probably not summery.