Friday, May 30, 2008

Hawkeye Football 2008: Guest Post by Scott Murray

COMING SOON: 2008 Hawkeye Football

Ok, here is Scott Murray with an excellent in depth guest post on the outlook of Hawkeye Football 2008. I took the privilege of adding some photos from spring practice with my own captions and opinions.
After a disappointing 6-6 2007 season, Hawk fans are looking forward to the future. We are loosing starters at the middle and weak side linebackers with the departure of Klinkenborg and Humpal, defensive ends of Iwebema and Mattison, cornerbacks of Godfrey and Shada, full back Bush, and running backs Young and Sims. Are we going to be any better this year?

Offense Jake is seen here getting ready to lay another big egg. Jake, don't push!
What was the cause of the anemic offense? Travis would have us believe the blame solely rests on the head of Christiansen. I think JC may be the future savior of this program for the next two years, but maybe not. I believe the blame last year can be spread over several areas. At the beginning of the year we lost several receivers before and in the early season leading to back ups who likely hadn’t had many reps starting. It’s OK to have an occasional receiver step in, but to completely replace the crew with new players, is asking for mistimed routes, miscommunication, and variable game play. As well, there was definitely inconsistent line play with JC being one of the most sacked QB’s in the country (arguably because he doesn’t know how to either scramble or throw the ball away). But, I would have to argue that poor pass protection and receive mistakes may be part of the blame. Most of the key pass offensive players are returning, and I see this being vastly improved from last year.

Receivers
The receiving corps is full of brand names like Don Nordmann, and Kyle Steinbrecher, (seen above).
At tight end, this year, we have Moeaki (a likely key to our offense, with soft hands for short passes) will return as well as qualified back ups in Meyers and Reisner. We will have Brodell, Stross, DJK, Sandeman (aka sandman), and Cheney back from last year. Quite inconsistent last year, but I expect improvement for this year. Even though we have had remarkable attrition at the WR position, we still have a fair amount of depth. Incoming recruiting class includes Shane Prater, and a likely position change of David Blackwell to WR from QB (who received a scholarship from LSU), there as well is some talk that Demarco Paine may play both ways. With the arrival of coach Campbell, I can easily see this going from a weakness to a position of strength. As well, there are strong leans for Jordan Cotton and Keenan Davis (Iowan) as well as strong interest from many highly recruited WR in the nation.

Running Backs
Paki, get used to this.
I’m hoping for the elimination of the full back position, but that may not come quite yet. I see a need for the full back in our play action passing schemes with a small running back or a poor blocking running back. With a RB like Greene in the backfield, a FB is just an excuse for the defense to put 8 in the box. At the outset, the RB position looks to be concerning with only 3 new recruits coming in. However, with Greene returning as well, I foresee little if any drop off from last year. Last year, I blame much of the trouble running the ball with the offensive line, not with the running back. In general, I think you can have a very average running back and have a very good running attack with a strong offensive line. The incoming recruits will likely have some roll in a combined effort at running back. Nathan Guillory, junior college transfer, on first glance doesn’t look like a prototypical Big Ten running back, looks a little small and not as fast as advertised-think of a slower version of Fred Russell. Jeff Brinson carried a scholarship offer from Florida, but chose to go to Iowa, likely for early playing time. As well, Jewel Hampton was highly recruited out of high school.

Quarterback

As the Hawkeyes go, so goes the favor of the quarterback position. If the offense is doing well, the quarterback is praised, and if not so well, the first to blame. No matter what Ferentz says, I would be shocked to see anyone but Christiansen start at quarterback. But, to be fair, Stanzi looked about equal on my observation at the spring game, and does throw a nice ball. Right now, I would say it is Christiansen’s position to loose. Everyone talks how we don’t get any “star” power at Iowa. Christiansen was the #2 dual threat quarterback in the country as a senior recruit, received “Mr. Accuracy” at the elite 11 competition. No one would guess that after witnessing last year. I think if Jake gets some unpressured time in the pocket we will see great improvement, or at least some accurate throws to the sidelines. If not, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Stanzi step in. McNutt, likely the next in line, is behind these two by a fair amount. It will be interesting to see what happens with Vandenburg (most prolific Iowa passer, among the records Vandenberg set are: most yards passing in a season (3,729), most TD passes in a season (49), most yards in a career (7,677) and most TD passes in a career (93). However, the likely jewel of the quarterback recruits is John Wienke, who turned down an offer from Michigan to go to Iowa after the Lloyd Carr departure.
(Peltgrande editor note: I heart Marvin McNutt)

Offensive Line
With everyone back, I can’t help but believe in improvement. It would be a miracle to see Dace Richardson back, but would be fortuitous. Before an injury last fall, Bruggeman was pushing for a starting position and now is again pushing Eubanks. About the only spot that is set in stone is Seth Olson. Otherwise, there are several players vying for each of the other positions. This competition should spurn better play. There are several incoming Freshmen, but I would be shocked if any played a role this year. As well, we do have a commit from a 4 star OL from Des Moines in David Barrent, boding well for the future.

Defense

I see new names, but in most positions stronger players replacing the graduating seniors. We had a strong defense through much of the year, but often it seemed as though extended guest time of possession led to a fatigued defense, and subsequent mistakes. With improvement on offense I would foresee improvement on defense for this reason alone. The more 3 and outs the offense puts up, the more the defense is going to struggle.

Defensive Line
With the departure of senior ends, Iwebema and Mattison, I feel we will see improvement with Ballard and Clayborn more than replacing their productivity. They play with purpose and are unrelenting in quarterback pressure, as was often witnessed with their 3rd down replacements during the latter half of the year. What can you say about King and Kroul. They will be sorely missed after next year. They have been the backbone of the defense in the recent past, and were actually held out of the “spring game” because they were solidified in their role as starters. I wouldn’t be too surprised to see King move to DE and Clayborn move back inside to DT. Reportedly, Hundertmark, Geary, Daniels, and Klug have been making strides this spring. But, have played so little, it is difficult to assess. Hopefully they will get some playing time this year, so they are ready to go next year. As with the offensive line, there are some good recruits coming in, but will likely not play much role this year. Of note, Bigash from Ohio did receive strong interest and a reported offer from OSU, which he reportedly ignored to come to Iowa.

Linebacker
Klinkenborg and Humpal are gone, we will see a more explosive middle linebacker in Jacody Coleman and little drop off in the WILL position with Tarpanian and Hunter still fighting it out. AJ Edds will continue to be solid at outside, and has looked a little like Greenway with his excellent pass coverage. Coleman brings passion to the game, and hopefully it will be transmitted to the rest of the defense as he is in the “quarterback” position of the defense. There are some exciting players waiting behind these, who will hopefully get some experience on special teams.

Defensive backs
Fletcher and Greenwood return with significant playing time, otherwise, much of the two deeps are young. There is more speed in the d-backs than we have had in recent memory, but as well, there is more inexperience than in recent memory. It should be exciting to see Des Moines native Jordan Bernstine play at corner. As well, it will be nice to have Amari Spievy return from a one year banishment in JUCOland to boost the d backs. This year we have a deluge of d backs recruits incoming including Castillo, Cato, Lowe, Paine, Shaun Prater, and Jack Swanson. Some may be moved to other positions.

Special Teams
Here is Don Nordmann, (who HASN'T heard of him?) warming up for special teams. And, I mean really really SPECIAL teams.
Donahue will show us this year, as he did toward the end of last year, why Ferentz gave up a scholarship on a punter. Hopefully the new recruit, Trent Mossbrucker will step in and start kicking for us. Murray and Signor continued to struggle thru spring practice, and the competition for kicking will likely go on until the Friday before the first game. I hope with all the young players available that we will see special team to start to become special again, with punt and field goals blocked. DJK should be exciting on kick returns.

Predictions We continue to have Michigan and OSU off our schedule, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although, I would expect to see Michigan flounder this year with a new spread offensive coach. All of our difficult games are played at home and our easy games are on the road, aside from an early challenge in Pitt. Not that we aren’t prone to losing games to easy competition at home, i.e. Indiana last year, I think we will see a stronger finish this year and wouldn’t be surprised to go anywhere from 8-4 to 10-2 with a Florida bowl being likely. As last year proved though, never underestimate underachieving.

Chance of winning


Maine 99.9%
Florida International 99.896%
Iowa State 95%
At Pitt 42%
Northwestern 94%
At MSU 82%
At Indiana 87%
Wisconsin 72%
At Illinois 84%
Penn State 67%
Purdue 91%
At Minnesota 93%

If anyone wins any money off of these picks I expect at least 60%.

Final Pelt Editor Note: Scott's analysis is excellent, thank you! Much better and in depth knowledge of football than I could ever hope to provide. I do want to point out though, I think the final win-loss outlook is a little rosier than what I expect, but I hope he's right.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Finally a good post about Iowa Football not a bunch of Debbie downer bullcrap you read everywhere else. You should link this up to HawkeyeNation...oh wait there you only find a bunch of poser Hawk fans ranting anyway.. Thanks for the read guys!!

Unknown said...

Alonso: Bersama Rodgers, Liverpool Menuju Kebangkitan
Agen Bola indo11.com melaporkan berita, Liverpool - Meski musim lalu finis di posisi tujuh, Liverpool disebut Xabi Alonso ada jalur yang tepat menuju kebangkitan. The Reds hanya harus memberi waktu lebih buat Brendan Rodgers.

Menuntaskan kompetisi di posisi tujuh, Liverpool tertinggal 12 poin dari Arsenal yang finis di urutan empat. Meski gagal masuk zona Eropa, penggawa The Reds menutup musim dengan penuh optimisme karena penampilan yang terus membaik di paruh kedua musim 2012/2013.

Keyakinan serupa dimiliki mantan pemain Liverpool, Xabi Alonso. 'Si Merah' disebut gelandang Real Madrid itu tengah menapaki jalan untuk kembali menjadi tim yang kompetitif, yang bisa bertarung memperebutkan tiket Liga Champions.

"Well, saya pikir, terutama di akhir musim, kita bisa melihat buah yang dipetik dari hasil kerjanya (Rodgers). Saat Brendan datang kita tahu kalau itu merupakan sebuah proyek jangka panjang untuk beberapa tahun, dan setahap demi setahap dia memulai musim dengan mencoba mengukuhkan metodenya," sahut Alonso seperti dikutip dari Indo Eleven
Sumber : www.indo11.com

Unknown said...


Aston Villa: Mau Benteke? Sediakan Rp 371 M
Agen Bola indo11.com melaporkan berita, Birmingham - Christian Benteke sudah mengajukan permintaan untuk dilepas dan, karena sudah demikian, Aston Villa mau saja melepasnya. Hanya saja harga yang diminta Villa tidak murah.

Benteke mengajukan permintaan tersebut pada hari Senin (10/7/2013) lalu dan beberapa klub dikabarkan sudah menantinya. Guardian menyebut Tottenham Hotspur berada di garis terdepan, sementara Chelsea siap menyabotase.

Spurs disebut oleh sumber yang sama sudah memantau penyerang asal Belgia itu selama beberapa bulan terakhir. Namun, untuk mendapatkannya The Lilywhites butuh merogoh kocek dalam-dalam.

Villa dikabarkan meminta uang transfer sebesar 25 juta poundsterling (sekitar Rp 371 M). Nilai tersebut disebut Guardian terlalu besar untuk Spurs, terutama setelah mereka mengeluarkan 17 juta pounds untuk membeli Paulinho.

Sebelumnya Spurs sudah mengincar beberapa penyerang, salah satunya adalah David Villa. Tapi bomber berusia 31 tahun tersebut akhirnya bergabung dengan Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea pun jadi kandidat untuk mendapatkan Benteke. The Blues dikabarkan siap membayar sejumlah uang plus Romelu Lukaku. Tapi, Villa disebut hanya menginginkan uang.seperti dikutip dari Indo Eleven
Sumber : www.indo11.com

Unknown said...

Bayern bantai Brescia, 3-0

Agen Bola indo11.com melaporkan - Pep Guardiola mulai menunjukkan "sihirnya" di Bayern Muenchen. Tangan dinginnya mulai menunjukkan hasil gemilang.

Guardiola berhasil membawa Bayern menang 3-0 atas Brescia, Rabu (10/7/2013) dini hari WIB. Meski hanya lawan tim Serie B, kemenangan ini sudah cukup menjadi bukti awal akan keperkasaan Bayern di tangan Guardiola.

Tampil dengan beberapa pemain, Bayern tak memberikan ruang bagi Brescia berkembang. Frank Ribery, Mario Mandzukic dan Thomas Muller saling bahu membahu menggempur pertahanan lawan.

Muller membuka keunggulan Bayern pada menit ke-23. Pada menit ke-32, Bayern menambah gol mereka lewat aksi Toni Kroos.

Sempat kesulitan di babak kedua, Bayern akhirnya menutup kemenangan mereka pada menit ke-90. Pemain anyar yang didatangkan dari Mainz, Jan Kirchhoff, membayar kepercayaan sang pelatih.

Source : www.indo11.com

Unknown said...

Manchester United mengakui negosiasi transfer Fabregas
Agen Bola Indo11.com melaporkan bahwa manajer baru Manchester United, David Moyes, membenarkan pihaknya tengah melakukan negosiasi terkait transfer Cesc Fabregas dari Barcelona. Sang manajer juga berkata tengah menanti perkembangan kabar negosiasi transfer mantan pemain Arsenal itu.
Menurut berita yang diperoleh Indo11, saat konferensi pers di Sydney dalam rangkaian tur pramusim Red Devils, Moyes membeberkan pihaknya berharap menerima kabar positif soal transfer Cesc pada dua hari ke depan. Moyes sendiri mengungkapkan Executive Vice Chairman klub, Ed Woodward-lah, yang turun langsung untuk persoalan transfer ini.
"Saya tidak bisa mengatakan dengan pasti. Saya baru saja menghubungi Executive Vice Chairman yang mengurusi hal ini. Saya berharap bisa mendapatkan informasi lebih lagi esok atau hari berikutnya," tutur Moyes.
"Saat ini, masih tengah malam di Inggris. Jadi, saya mungkin baru akan mendapat informasi lebih pada esok hari atau beberapa hari lagi mengenai bagaimana kelanjutannya (negosiasi transfer Fabregas). Kami berusaha amat keras membuat beberapa tambahan ke dalam skuad. Semoga akan ada kabar baik tidak lama lagi," tutupnya.

Unknown said...

Manchester United mengakui negosiasi transfer Fabregas
Agen Bola Indo11.com melaporkan bahwa manajer baru Manchester United, David Moyes, membenarkan pihaknya tengah melakukan negosiasi terkait transfer Cesc Fabregas dari Barcelona. Sang manajer juga berkata tengah menanti perkembangan kabar negosiasi transfer mantan pemain Arsenal itu.
Menurut berita yang diperoleh Indo11, saat konferensi pers di Sydney dalam rangkaian tur pramusim Red Devils, Moyes membeberkan pihaknya berharap menerima kabar positif soal transfer Cesc pada dua hari ke depan. Moyes sendiri mengungkapkan Executive Vice Chairman klub, Ed Woodward-lah, yang turun langsung untuk persoalan transfer ini.
"Saya tidak bisa mengatakan dengan pasti. Saya baru saja menghubungi Executive Vice Chairman yang mengurusi hal ini. Saya berharap bisa mendapatkan informasi lebih lagi esok atau hari berikutnya," tutur Moyes.
"Saat ini, masih tengah malam di Inggris. Jadi, saya mungkin baru akan mendapat informasi lebih pada esok hari atau beberapa hari lagi mengenai bagaimana kelanjutannya (negosiasi transfer Fabregas). Kami berusaha amat keras membuat beberapa tambahan ke dalam skuad. Semoga akan ada kabar baik tidak lama lagi," tutupnya.

Unknown said...

Arsenal paling berpeluang merekrut Fabregas
Agen Bola Indo11.com melaporkan bahwa gelandang Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas kerap dikaitkan dengan Manchester United. Namun, Arsenal justru paling berpeluang untuk merekrut mantan kaptennya tersebut.
Menurut berita yang diperoleh Indo11, saat kepindahan Fabregas 2011 lalu, Barcelona dan Arsenal menyepakati sebuah klausul. Bila Fabregas dilego, Arsenal merupakan calon pembeli pertama.
"Kami memiliki First-Option Clause dalam kesepakatan. Kami selalu siaga untuk itu," tutur Wenger.
Hanya saja, Wenger merasa kepulangan Fabregas ke Emirates Stadium sulit terealisasi dalam waktu dekat.
"Fabregas sudah memutuskan untuk bertahan di Barcelona setidaknya satu tahun lagi. Saya tidak tahu bila dia berubah pikiran," sambung Wenger.

Chhunmeng CoolBoy said...

Manchester City kalah lagi dalam tur pramusim
Agen Bola Indo11.com melaporkan bahwa Manchester City kembali menelan kekalahan dalam partai pramusimnya. Hasil itu jelas mengecewakan meskipun tidak memadamkan optimisme City yang disebut sedang berusaha tampil dengan gaya baru.

Di Durban, Jumat (19/7/2013), City menelan kekalahan 1-2 dari Amazulu. Ini merupakan kekalahan kedua The Citizens dalam lawatannya ke Afrika Selatan usai sebelumnya keok 0-1 dari SuperSport United.

"Hasilnya kembali tidak bagus. Sudah jelas kami bisa bermain jauh lebih baik. Kami berusaha memainkan gaya sepakbola tertentu dan itu pada akhirnya akan terlihat," kata kiper City Joe Hart.

Menurut berita yang dilansir oleh Indo11, masuknya Manuel Pellegrini untuk menggantikan Roberto Mancini sebagai manajer musim panas ini membuat City diklaim akan memainkan gaya sepakbola seperti yang diperagakan klub raksasa Spanyol Barcelona.

Kendatipun hasil itu belum terlihat, seperti pengakuan Hart tadi, para pemain City tetap optimistis menatap laga-laga berikutnya.

"Kami sedikit kurang fokus. Saat kami mulai mendapatkan kekompakan, kami akan baik-baik saja. Kami kecewa dengan dua hasil ini tetapi keadaan akan baik-baik saja," jelas Hart.

Unknown said...

Crutchlow Siap dengan Tantangan di Ducati

Agen Bola indo11.com melaporkan dari London - Buruknya performa Ducati dalam beberapa tahun terakhir membuat keputusan Cal Crutchlow dipertanyakan. Namun, pebalap Inggris ini menepisnya dan siap dengan tantangan "menjinakkan" Desmosedici.
Crutchlow telah mengumumkan akan meninggalkan Tech 3 Yamaha di akhir musim dan bergabung Ducati untuk musim 2014-2015. Terkait kepindahan ini, sebagian kalangan menilai dia sama saja dengan melakukan perjudian.
Terakhir kali pabrikan Italia itu memenangi balapan saat masih ditunggangi Casey Stoner pada 2010 dengan merebut tiga seri. Setelahnya Ducati cuma bisa finis di empat podium tanpa meraih kemenangan di era Valentino Rossi pada 2011-2012.
Permasalahan Ducati masih ada hingga musim ini. Sampai sembilan seri yang sudah digelar, baik Andrea Dovizioso dan Nicky Hayden bahkan belum pernah naik podium. Finis terbaik Ducati hanya urutan keempat di Le Mans yang diraih Dovizioso.
"Aku sangat senang dengan keputusanku untuk musim depan. Aku percaya Ducati akan memberiku 100 persen dan mereka tahu apa yang akan aku berikan kepada mereka," ucap Crutchlow.
"Aku percaya 100 persen akan cukup bagus untuk bersaing di baris depan di masa depan. Mungkin tidak langsung di balapan pertama tahun depan tapi aku bilang di masa depan. Aku sangat antusias dengan proyek ini dan apa yang aku bisa lakukan hanya melakukan yang terbaik dan memberikan segala yang aku punya untuk Ducati."
"Saat ini motornya memang lebih sulit daripada yang lainnya tapi aku menantikan tantangan itu. Aku percaya mereka bisa mengubahnya dan jika aku melihat di mana asalku dan mampu menembus MotoGP dalam waktu yang relatif cukup singkat maka tidak ada alasan mengapa aku tidak bisa kompetitif," yakin pebalap berusia 27 tahun ini.
Source : www.indo11.com

indo11 said...

Kimi Raikkonen mengalami gangguan sakit punggung

Berita terbaru dan terkini bola Soccer dari Agen Bola Bola11.com - Kimi Raikkonen menepis kekhawatiran terkait masalah punggungnya. Pembalap Lotus itu menegaskan dirinya baik-baik saja dan tetap berencana tampil dalam balapan GP Singapura.

Agen Bola Bola11.comTerpercaya - Raikkonen harus puas menempati posisi 13 dalam sesi kualifikasi tersebut dan kini menegaskan bakal tetap berusaha tampil dalam balapan, Minggu (22/9), walaupun masih dilanda masalah punggung.

"Aku pikir aku akan baik-baik saja. Ini bukan yang pertama kalinya dan aku pikir juga tidak akan menjadi yang terakhir," jelas Raikkonen.

Sumber http://bola11.com

indo11 said...

Martinez memuji mentalitas pemain Everton

Berita terbaru dan terkini bola Soccer dari Agen Bola Bola11.com - Manajer Roberto Martinez sangat puas dengan respon dan mentalitas yang ditunjukkan skuat The Toffees. Saat bertandang ke kandang West Ham, Everton tertinggal lebih dulu lewat gol Ravel Morrison yang kemudian disamakan oleh Leighton Baines. Tim asal Merseyside ini kembali tertinggal kala penalti Mark Noble merobek gawang Tim Howard.

"Sebagai sebuah tim, saya rasa West Ham bermain sangat baik pada awalnya dalam upaya mematikan permainan kami. Tapi, dari berbagai hal yang harus dilakukan di pertandingan ini, saya pikir kami berhasil membatasi West Ham di mana mereka hanya membuat tiga tembakan tepat sasaran dan satu penalti," ujar Martinez.

Agen Bola Bola11.com. Terpercaya - Keberhasilan Everton membalikkan keadaan tidak terlepas dari diusirnya Noble setelah menerima dua kartu kuning. Namun Martinez menegaskan bahwa mental pantang menyerah dari para pemainnya punya peran besar dalam kesuksesan kali ini. Sejumlah pergantian pemain juga menjadi kunci kemenangan mereka.
Sumber http://bola11.com


indo11 said...

McLaren puas dengan performa Perez

Berita terbaru dan terkini bola Soccer dari Agen Bola Bola11.com - Sergio Perez masih belum mampu mendapatkan hasil yang impresif sejak bergabung ke McLaren. Meski begitu, McLaren tetap puas dengan performa pembalap asal Meksiko tersebut.

Agen Bola Bola11.com Terpercaya - Dari 12 seri Formula 1 yang sudah digelar musim ini, pencapaian terbaik Perez adalah di Bahrain, di mana dia finish keenam. Selebihnya, dia melewati tujuh balapan tanpa memperoleh poin. Perez kini baru mengumpulkan 18 poin. Dia menempati posisi ke-12 di klasemen pembalap. Sementara itu, rekan setimnya, Jenson Button, ada di urutan kesembilan dengan 48 poin.
"Perez jauh lebih muda. Sayangnya dia masuk ke tim saat kami tidak begitu kompetitif sehingga dia sulit untuk menunjukkan seberapa cepatnya dia. Dia sedang berkembang bersama tim dan melakukan pekerjaan yang bagus," ucap pernyataan resmi dari McLaren.
Sumber http://bola11.com/