We've hit the mid-season mark and now are headed into the battle for the pig, so I wanted to post a few of my thoughts as we reach the latter half of the season.
From a special concern to a special unit, the Special Teams have really come into their own.
Kirk echoed my exact sentiments at the beginning of the season being concerned on how the Special Teams would play out with it being completely overhauled with new players and coordinator. Felt vindicated the Head Hawk felt the same way I did! But seemingly, week by week, the Special Teams unit has improved. From the punter from Down Under who has been as consistent as you could ask for from someone so new to the sport in Boston Everitt, to Caden Buhr who has become increasingly reliable in important in-game situations. From missing the first PAT to starting things off right at Washington, Buhr has been an inspiring story. While Punt Returner has been a little shaky, another inspiring story of the blooming Braeden Jackson as our Kick Returner has also been spectacular. Also, the Philpott catch and hold against ISU was clutch. The excellence of Special Teams continues in Iowa City!
Will the real starting QB please stand up?
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster at QB for us. Hank's epic bomb to Diaz and the clutch back shoulder game winner against Michigan will be remembered for a long time, but there's no denying that things feel different with Heck at the helm. Was Hank's injury one of those divine interventions that will allow Heck to take the starting job going forward after a stellar performance against Washington? With an OR in this week's depth chart, it's seemingly either guy's position to take. I'm personally on team Heck.
Alive... It's alive... IT'S ALIIIIIVE!
The run game looked rough the first half of the season, might not help that we played two top 10 defenses and a team who views us as their super bowl. But seeing them come alive against Washington, who's supposed best part of the their defense was their run defense, was encouraging to see. LJ Phillips was finally getting a few carries, but sustained an injury after a very cheap shot from a bitter Washington player. Hope he'll be good to go for the rest of the season, as he's shown some shine and I'd really like to see him get more chances. Braedon Jackson has quickly moved up the depth chart in impressive fashion. I get the feeling Xavier Williams will be saying sayonara to Iowa City at season's end. Hopefully we can at least retain McNeil. We'll need a strong run game to finish out the season and the Goofs are looking very susceptible to the run.
Playoffs? Are you kiddin' me?
Yes, we actually have a clear path after finishing 2-1 in the dreaded first half gauntlet. Win out, and we're in. Now it's a battle against the old Big Ten West. Tough, but winnable. Take it one game at a time boys.
Need to take a second look at the Secondary
Sliced and diced by Michigan and carefully picked apart by Washington's backup, add a few injuries, and our secondary is looking a little worrisome. Some guys are going to need to step up and figure some things out. They need to start generating some turnovers as well. Sadly our defensive line does them no favors. Speaking of...
The D in D-Line stands for Disappointing
While it's understandable that we need to accept the fact that this will be a worse unit than last year due to losing a lot of experience and leadership, the lack of pressure on QBs is concerning. Seems like the off season additions haven't done too much to bolster the line either. I'm firm in my belief that in the coming off season, if we do not pursue a QB, we need to fully invest in the very best D-Lineman we can find in the portal.
Pass the ball!
Whaddaya know? Our Wide Receiver room doesn't look to shabby. In fact, it helped us significantly when the run game failed. It's almost like a balanced attack is the key to victory! But that requires an IQ above refrigerator temperature to figure out. RVZ has etched his name into Hawkeye lore thanks to his game winning catch. And Diaz is the real deal. But I think it's time to start pushing the ball more downfield and trusting our guys to go up and get it. I would really like to see Diaz more involved and get a few more passing TDs, as his singular TD was the very first of the year against lowly NIU. He continually gets open, we need to take some shots on him. But this is not the Brian caliber WRs of old, Lester has finally pieced together a competent room. I just hope the Boogieman stays with us when the season is done.
And as always, Go Hawks!
From a special concern to a special unit, the Special Teams have really come into their own.
Kirk echoed my exact sentiments at the beginning of the season being concerned on how the Special Teams would play out with it being completely overhauled with new players and coordinator. Felt vindicated the Head Hawk felt the same way I did! But seemingly, week by week, the Special Teams unit has improved. From the punter from Down Under who has been as consistent as you could ask for from someone so new to the sport in Boston Everitt, to Caden Buhr who has become increasingly reliable in important in-game situations. From missing the first PAT to starting things off right at Washington, Buhr has been an inspiring story. While Punt Returner has been a little shaky, another inspiring story of the blooming Braeden Jackson as our Kick Returner has also been spectacular. Also, the Philpott catch and hold against ISU was clutch. The excellence of Special Teams continues in Iowa City!
Will the real starting QB please stand up?
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster at QB for us. Hank's epic bomb to Diaz and the clutch back shoulder game winner against Michigan will be remembered for a long time, but there's no denying that things feel different with Heck at the helm. Was Hank's injury one of those divine interventions that will allow Heck to take the starting job going forward after a stellar performance against Washington? With an OR in this week's depth chart, it's seemingly either guy's position to take. I'm personally on team Heck.
Alive... It's alive... IT'S ALIIIIIVE!
The run game looked rough the first half of the season, might not help that we played two top 10 defenses and a team who views us as their super bowl. But seeing them come alive against Washington, who's supposed best part of the their defense was their run defense, was encouraging to see. LJ Phillips was finally getting a few carries, but sustained an injury after a very cheap shot from a bitter Washington player. Hope he'll be good to go for the rest of the season, as he's shown some shine and I'd really like to see him get more chances. Braedon Jackson has quickly moved up the depth chart in impressive fashion. I get the feeling Xavier Williams will be saying sayonara to Iowa City at season's end. Hopefully we can at least retain McNeil. We'll need a strong run game to finish out the season and the Goofs are looking very susceptible to the run.
Playoffs? Are you kiddin' me?
Yes, we actually have a clear path after finishing 2-1 in the dreaded first half gauntlet. Win out, and we're in. Now it's a battle against the old Big Ten West. Tough, but winnable. Take it one game at a time boys.
Need to take a second look at the Secondary
Sliced and diced by Michigan and carefully picked apart by Washington's backup, add a few injuries, and our secondary is looking a little worrisome. Some guys are going to need to step up and figure some things out. They need to start generating some turnovers as well. Sadly our defensive line does them no favors. Speaking of...
The D in D-Line stands for Disappointing
While it's understandable that we need to accept the fact that this will be a worse unit than last year due to losing a lot of experience and leadership, the lack of pressure on QBs is concerning. Seems like the off season additions haven't done too much to bolster the line either. I'm firm in my belief that in the coming off season, if we do not pursue a QB, we need to fully invest in the very best D-Lineman we can find in the portal.
Pass the ball!
Whaddaya know? Our Wide Receiver room doesn't look to shabby. In fact, it helped us significantly when the run game failed. It's almost like a balanced attack is the key to victory! But that requires an IQ above refrigerator temperature to figure out. RVZ has etched his name into Hawkeye lore thanks to his game winning catch. And Diaz is the real deal. But I think it's time to start pushing the ball more downfield and trusting our guys to go up and get it. I would really like to see Diaz more involved and get a few more passing TDs, as his singular TD was the very first of the year against lowly NIU. He continually gets open, we need to take some shots on him. But this is not the Brian caliber WRs of old, Lester has finally pieced together a competent room. I just hope the Boogieman stays with us when the season is done.
And as always, Go Hawks!
