Jeremy Hecklinski=short Leash; Hank Brown=no leash

[RagnarLothbrok]

If qb play at Iowa isn't very good, then there must be other ways to win games.

Because 90% of the programs across the country would kill to be Iowa

If there are 138 D1 FBS teams, that would mean 124 are green with envy of Iowa’s program.

The math ain’t mathing.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

With Despite "awful" qb play?

FIFY.

And, yes. Hence why Kirk Ferentz, Phil Parker, Seth Wallace, etc. are some of the best in the business.

Two things can be true at the same time, eyes.

 

[eyesofhawk]

If there are 138 D1 FBS teams, that would mean 124 are green with envy of Iowa’s program.

The math ain’t mathing.

I guess you could argue 85%.

But my point remains

 

[eyesofhawk]

FIFY.

And, yes. Hence why Kirk Ferentz, Phil Parker, Seth Wallace, etc. are some of the best in the business.

Two things can be true at the same time, eyes.

Yes.

Meaning qb play must not be a huge part of what's been a great formula at Iowa.

So why are you freaking out about it?

You go on a tirade. And then predict Iowa will only lose once more

 

[Max Rebo]

I’m still waiting for a response from anyone that addresses why Brown’s leash seems so much longer. We all have opinions, but none of those opinions address why Heck can supposedly take over the starting job and not even get one full half of football to try to settle into the starting role.

Both QBs were bad yesterday, and anyone dying on a hill that one or the other should be starting is being stupid.

But the question on what can be perceived as different leash lengths is a fair one. I think it comes down to culture. Iowa is a culture program. Always has been. And I think when choosing his QB, Kirk Ferentz tends to gravitate toward the guy who he thinks is a better embodiment of the program culture. More specifically, he is looking for a guy who fits the image of the type of team leader he wants to have. That’s a phrase you hear a lot from Kirk when describing QB play … he wants a guy who can “lead the team.” He’s used variations of that phrase repeatedly.

It’s a philosophy that shapes not only who plays and who starts, but even who is recruited. Look at the QBs we have signed over the past couple of decades. They all have some notable similarities. Iowa is generally not looking for “playmakers” at the QB position … they are looking for guys who they perceive as “leaders.”

I don’t necessarily blame Kirk for this mentality. Iowa’s program culture can be credited with every success the team has had under Kirk Ferentz. Certainly, it’s Kirk’s fidelity to that culture that is his greatest strength. But it doesn’t mean that it can’t result in blind spots appearing from time to time. And fans are within their rights to critique Iowa’s choices in this area.

 

[TRHawkeye28]

Yes.

Meaning qb play must not be a huge part of what's been a great formula at Iowa.

So why are you freaking out about it?

You go on a tirade. And then predict Iowa will only lose once more

You didn't answer my question. You said "what a joke" to a 7-5 record post. What do you think the final record will be?

 

[hawkeyemark18]

"Developmental"
"Long term"
Those days are gone. Any team with a coach that can't figure that out ... well, say hello to the football equivalent of the NIT.

Different sport I realize but look at how Ben approaches building the basketball program. Part of his recruiting pitch is if you want to develop as a player come to Iowa. He wants to attract players who buy into the culture and stay at Iowa.

Ben will use the portal to fill holes like he did this off-season at point guard snd center. In my view Ben seems ahead of the curve in dealing with this new era. In football I don't think we have quite figured that out yet at least at the QB position.

 

[Hawk48]

Oh, and Tim Lester calling plays like Iowa is up two scores in the 4th quarter is also head scratching.

Games like today tempt me to hope the Kirk Ferentz era ends sooner than later. Just so boring and predictable. Sigh.

I have been hoping for years, but never happens. SOS

 

[eyesofhawk]

You didn't answer my question. You said "what a joke" to a 7-5 record post. What do you think the final record will be?

It's irrelevant.

No matter what I think Iowa's record will be, to believe 7-5 is a joke

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

Hank Brown’s last 11 quarters of football: 10 have been bad (3 against Minnesota, 4 against Ohio State, and 3 against Michigan) and 1 was extremely, extremely lucky with one great throw. That’s it. He’s been bad. How can we not have addressed this in this offseason by bringing someone in?

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

It's irrelevant.

No matter what I think Iowa's record will be, to believe 7-5 is a joke

Brian. Will you get off the message boards and concentrate on Fresno State!!!

 

[IA79Cam]

There isn’t one thing Hank does at the average level of a an average big ten quarterback, besides his big arm and big size. He has zero pocket awareness, can’t run, panics under pressure, bad ball security, not accurate with his throws, deep ball is always a shot in the dark. If we had average qb play, we are in the playoffs.

God, thank you for saying this

 

[IA79Cam]

But Heck was given an "opportunity" to run with the job.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Ok

It's irrelevant.

No matter what I think Iowa's record will be, to believe 7-5 is a joke

You are FOS and a coward.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

I guess you could argue 85%.

But my point remains

Overall, I am proud of the Iowa football program under Kirk Ferentz. I believe 85% respect Iowa. I don’t believe envy is accurate, but I will respect the spirit of your point.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

Yes.

Meaning qb play must not be a huge part of what's been a great formula at Iowa.

So why are you freaking out about it?

You go on a tirade. And then predict Iowa will only lose once more

Iowa wins a lot of football games against teams not in the top 25. When you play good defense and have good special teams, you can win a lot of football games.

Yes, selfishly, I would like Iowa to be as competitive as they can be. It’s disappointing to me that year in and year out quarterback play continues to be abysmal. Last year, Gronowski brought respectability to the position, which is why Iowa was able to outscore a talented offensive team like Vanderbilt. This year, Iowa has so many good pieces to work with Diaz, RVZ, and DJV, but our quarterback play continues to be garbage without a dominant running game. It’s unfortunate.

 

[2D]

Iowa wins a lot of football games against teams not in the top 25. When you play good defense and have good special teams, you can win a lot of football games.

Yes, selfishly, I would like Iowa to be as competitive as they can be. It’s disappointing to me that year in and year out quarterback play continues to be abysmal. Last year, Gronowski brought respectability to the position, which is why Iowa was able to outscore a talented offensive team like Vanderbilt. This year, Iowa has so many good pieces to work with Diaz, RVZ, and DJV, but our quarterback play continues to be garbage without a dominant running game. It’s unfortunate.

In modern football, great QB play is required in getting to the next level. Defense determines your floor, but your QB determines your ceiling and overall success. The one position in the sport that is required to be good is the one position we're consistently bad at.

 

[ClarindaA’s]

Yes.

Meaning qb play must not be a huge part of what's been a great formula at Iowa.

So why are you freaking out about it?

You go on a tirade. And then predict Iowa will only lose once more

because with great qb play we are elite

 

[uihawk82]

Neither quarterback is good, but Hank Brown is not better than Heck. But for whatever reason only being injured will sideline Brown. Heck has to be lights out or he doesn’t even get a half.

There’s still plenty of football ahead this season and as I type this Iowa could pull this game out of their azz if the offense can do something, but let’s be perfectly honest here: Heck has gotten the shaft while Brown has been given all sorts of unmerited latitude despite not being any good and also turning over the football.

Yeah, I am tired of quarterback play being trash at Iowa. Sigh.

I have read 40 replys to your OP but I am not going to read the other 90. What is the consensus from others to your original post? We had Banks, Tate, STanzi, and CJB for about 9 of Kirks 27+ seasons and those were the very good to very very good QBs we have had. Neither Heck or Hank are very good overall with a consistent drive the team making all the throws kind of QBs.

 

[Grayhair1981]

How does the post you responded too have anything to do with what I said? I said Heck hasn't had any great games. Has he? As to your post, maybe your right, and Iowa under Kirk doesn't put enough resources to getting THAT QB. Fair statement. Maybe he puts more emphasis throughout the roster, and that leads to us being a pretty good team that can't beat the OSU's of the world. So I guess here's the question. Lets say he does the opposite and spends the money on a QB, and worries less about other positions. Do we win more? You named a bunch of other teams who have brought in better QB's. Hell right in the B1G. How many are winning more on a regular basis. Illinois, you mentioned. Nebraska, Wisconsin, Purdue. Minnesota etc.. plus lesser schools you mentioned. Are they winning more games year to year?

To add, some of those funds go to retention of current players on both sides of the ball. Would we still have a solid defense most years if we had to over spend at one spot, and started losing some stars from other positions? Its just a question, not saying there's a right or wrong.

And my point is there are teams with functional QBs that DIDN'T spend 3 mil on them.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

Both QBs were bad yesterday, and anyone dying on a hill that one or the other should be starting is being stupid.

But the question on what can be perceived as different leash lengths is a fair one. I think it comes down to culture. Iowa is a culture program. Always has been. And I think when choosing his QB, Kirk Ferentz tends to gravitate toward the guy who he thinks is a better embodiment of the program culture. More specifically, he is looking for a guy who fits the image of the type of team leader he wants to have. That’s a phrase you hear a lot from Kirk when describing QB play … he wants a guy who can “lead the team.” He’s used variations of that phrase repeatedly.

It’s a philosophy that shapes not only who plays and who starts, but even who is recruited. Look at the QBs we have signed over the past couple of decades. They all have some notable similarities. Iowa is generally not looking for “playmakers” at the QB position … they are looking for guys who they perceive as “leaders.”

I don’t necessarily blame Kirk for this mentality. Iowa’s program culture can be credited with every success the team has had under Kirk Ferentz. Certainly, it’s Kirk’s fidelity to that culture that is his greatest strength. But it doesn’t mean that it can’t result in blind spots appearing from time to time. And fans are within their rights to critique Iowa’s choices in this area.

I think this is a fantastic post and a great explanation of a point I agree with but absolutely hate. Lol.

Like Bill Parcells, I don’t want a celebrity quarterback. But I don’t want a game manager, either, who fits the image of a choir boy. At quarterback, my idea of leadership is the guy who commands respect in the huddle and tells everyone how they’re going to put the f#cking ball in the end zone every drive. Or, as Sean Connery put it in The Rock: “Your best? Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f#ck the prom queen.”

I want a quarterback on the field who expects to not only throw the game winning touchdown but when he gets back on campus plans to take home the hottest chick and take her to pound town. That’s leadership.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

Hank Brown’s last 11 quarters of football: 10 have been bad (3 against Minnesota, 4 against Ohio State, and 3 against Michigan) and 1 was extremely, extremely lucky with one great throw. That’s it. He’s been bad. How can we not have addressed this in this offseason by bringing someone in?

Right. We should have gotten at least one quarterback out of the portal. I said that all offseason.

Shirley, there is a happy medium that exists between a $3 million dollar quarterback and Hank Brown that Iowa could afford. If Iowa gets just average play out of the quarterback position, AVERAGE, they likely go 11-1 this year.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

In modern football, great QB play is required in getting to the next level. Defense determines your floor, but your QB determines your ceiling and overall success. The one position in the sport that is required to be good is the one position we're consistently bad at.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

because with great qb play we are elite

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

And my point is there are teams with functional QBs that DIDN'T spend 3 mil on them.

Iowa doesn’t need a 3 million dollar quarterback to be elite. Right now, Hank Brown’s NIL deal is just over $1 million while Hecklinski’s is roughly $289k, which might explain why Brown gets such a huge leash.

There are too many better options for $1 million dollars than Hank Brown.

Stupid.

 

[Smigamorski]

McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards completing 72% of his passes for 22 TDs to 4 INTs that year. Not exactly Heisman numbers, but not bad when your team rushes for over 2,500 yards and puts up 40 TDs on the ground.

Last year, Gronowski threw for 1, 741 yards, completing 63% while putting up 10 TDs to 7 INTs.

I will take McCarthy’s non excellence at Iowa every f#cking year.

They were also cheating. He was a game manager with elite players around him. Once he was removed from that, i didnt take long for him to be exposed as a fraud.

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

They were also cheating. He was a game manager with elite players around him. Once he was removed from that, i didnt take long for him to be exposed as a fraud.

Iowa also “cheated.” And was dumb enough to self-report it.

 

[TRHawkeye28]

Iowa doesn’t need a 3 million dollar quarterback to be elite. Right now, Hank Brown’s NIL deal is just over $1 million while Hecklinski’s is roughly $289k, which might explain why Brown gets such a huge leash.

There are too many better options for $1 million dollars than Hank Brown.

Stupid.

$1 million for a Hank Brown... College football is so F'd

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Iowa doesn’t need a 3 million dollar quarterback to be elite. Right now, Hank Brown’s NIL deal is just over $1 million while Hecklinski’s is roughly $289k, which might explain why Brown gets such a huge leash.

There are too many better options for $1 million dollars than Hank Brown.

Stupid.

So true. I love the "if you want Iowa to have a good QB then write a check for $5M" posts. We need better management and allocation of NIL $.

 

[Smigamorski]

Iowa also “cheated.” And was dumb enough to self-report it.

Lol that is true.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Right. We should have gotten at least one quarterback out of the portal. I said that all offseason.

Shirley, there is a happy medium that exists between a $3 million dollar quarterback and Hank Brown that Iowa could afford. If Iowa gets just average play out of the quarterback position, AVERAGE, they likely go 11-1 this year.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Ok

You are FOS and a coward.

I have reasons for not even thinking about what Iowa's final record will be, that equate to money, not being a coward

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

I have reasons for not even thinking about what Iowa's final record will be, that equate to money, not being a coward

What do you even mean by this?

 

[Denmar]

So true. I love the "if you want Iowa to have a good QB then write a check for $5M" posts. We need better management and allocation of NIL $.

If I had the 5 million to donate I’d want to pick the qb, I’d sure as hell wouldn’t trust Ferentz to pick one.

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

If I had the 5 million to donate I’d want to pick the qb, I’d sure as hell wouldn’t trust Ferentz to pick one.

Hell, you should ask Kirk and Brian Ferentz to rank their top ten guys at qb and then immediately scratch those ten off the list. And then you can start looking for a quarterback.

 

[DuddyB]

Iowa doesn’t need a 3 million dollar quarterback to be elite. Right now, Hank Brown’s NIL deal is just over $1 million while Hecklinski’s is roughly $289k, which might explain why Brown gets such a huge leash.

There are too many better options for $1 million dollars than Hank Brown.

Stupid.

Where did you see/hear Hank is $1M? I’ll agree that is a ridiculous amount to pay for an unproven player.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

I have reasons for not even thinking about what Iowa's final record will be, that equate to money, not being a coward

What do you even mean by this?

It means he's a gutless, d!ckless coward who likes to rip on everyone else's predictions but not give any of his own, despite constantly bragging about being the top football mind around here and an elite sports gambler (LOL).

 

[eyesofhawk]

What do you even mean by this?

It doesn't align with my approach for sports betting

 

[Ozzie89]

Heck missed some layups, no doubt, but he got pulled too quickly. Let him play through some **** just like Brown got to do.

 

[IA79Cam]

Where did you see/hear Hank is $1M? I’ll agree that is a ridiculous amount to pay for an unproven player.

Maybe it is, but because of Ferentz' offense we might have to pay an "Iowa" tax in order to convince a qb to come here.