Voice of the Hawkeyes Board

Probably the D-Line and their ability to clog up the middle and overall the defense being able to get off the field

Clock management -

Agree with FUISU here, we always seem go to in without going for the kill at the end of the first half when we have an advantage and a few timeouts to burn. I wonder now with Davis as OC whether he will chime in and get a little more aggressive. KOK was a little too chummy with KF to speak up...I think.

I'm worried about the receivers holding on to the ball now that we don't have Marvin around to snag balls out of nowhere. w/o McNutt last year, we would have really been relying on the run, which wouldn't have been much of a problem per se. If receivers can't convert this year, we'll be forced to run more, and since the run game is a huge question mark at this point, it puts a larger emphasis on making sure we pick up the slack in other areas.

The d-line comes second for me, I'm just hoping they have more of an attitude and aren't worn out and lethargic like they have been the past couple years.

Time clock issues and D Line I hope having Brian on the staff makes Kirk not so careful it is time we move into the 21st century with some schemes and game plans.

1. As Snipster, a reliable kicking game. In years past, if there were 1 sec. left on the clock in the half and there were a chance for a 50 yd. field goal, Ferentz would choose to take a knee. Special teams are a worry.

2. fuisu and SCHawkeye brought up some good points about time management and being conservative. It will be interesting to find out if clock management was an O'Keefe issue, or a Ferentz issue. There were mixed feelings about who was to blame for poor clock management in past years. If Iowa still has clock management issues this year after the departure of O'Keefe, then we will have our answer.
Playing conservative- will we play to put the nail in the coffin if we are given a chance, or will we get a moderate lead and try to sit on it with conservative playcalling? If it's the B1G championship, game tied with a little less than a minute on the clock, what approach will Ferentz take (play conservative or take a chance)?

3. D-Line makes me nervous in stopping the run or pressuring the QB. If the D-line isn't performing well, will Parker take chances and run more blitz schemes?

D-line and O-line.

Pass rush. Same as last year. Don't care how we get it. I don't want to single out the DE's, but they are obviously a huge part of that equation. Think the DT play will be improved. This year actually, even losing Daniels. Lots of bodies to throw in at DT and everyone should get good reps through the first 4 games. Contain should be fine outside, as assignment football is typically not a problem, but it's finding that balance between assignment football and pinning your ears back that I hope our guys can find. Clayborn did it using size and strength. We don't have anyone like that obviously. Alvis is gonna have to be a speedy, smart, rush end. Hoping Gaglione, Spears, Bigach, McMinn... whoever... emerges opposite of him.

DL DL DL ..... We need a pass rush. We have great potential at DT, but production at DE could be pretty bad with Bigach out there. He is better suited at DT and it is a pretty scary thing that we currently have nobody better.

Right back at you Todd for being so interactive...

Wow, I'm surprised with the lack of concerns with the RB... or folks are just used to it?

The things that I look forward to from another thread can be put on here to as well. But I'm most nervous about the first game. A lot of new pieces in place for Iowa and NIU is a decent team. Can't afford overlooking them. Heck, the new pieces and inexperience are more of a concern when facing a bowling team. ...with the nation's longest winning streak. =)

Not being able to watch the Oct. 13th game since I'll be in Jamaica...

but other than that, getting a pass rush. I think the first couple games Parker will see if the DL is going to be able to do it, but if they are unable to pressure the QB, we'll see him begin to bring more blitzes.

After watching the BTN Iowa special last night and listening to Dinardo and company, I'm very worried about running back.

They were very high on the d-backs and o-line. They were impressed with receivers and noted the improvement since spring practice.

Running back is a huge issue and Iowa's running game may struggle.
D-Line was a concern the guys brought up, although they tried to stay positive about it.
If Vandy goes down at QB, I worry about a backup being ready to play and who that backup will be.

I agree, but it might we arent showing our gameplan just yet.

I saw Rogers wearing a red jersey, so im hoping its cause they dont want him to get nicked up.

Maybe I should wear my tin foil hat when typing this, but this is what Im thinking,(and Im probably way off) that Brad Rogers will be the primary HB and Weisman will play FB.

This after thinking about how much of a complete back Rogers is, catching & blocking. Also how much singleset we will be using. The amount of Weisman pics weve been seeing. And The BTN comments on the size of our current backs.