Leadership helping Iowa rebound from disappointing run under Kirk Ferentz

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- This is the type of broken record Hawkeye fans like to hear: veteran members of the University of Iowa football team continue to shine as the team takes a 3-1 record into its Big Ten Conference opener Sept. 28 at Minnesota (4-0).

Heading into 2013, senior leadership was going to be an important formula to taking steps forward, after a disappointing season in 2012. Leadership is always an important element of a good football team.

On Sept. 21 during a 59-3 win against Western Michigan, Iowa scored on a field goal by senior Mike Meyer (the 50th of his career), two touchdowns by junior wide receiver/punt returner Kevonte Martin-Manley, two touchdowns by senior cornerback B.J. Lowery, and another interception in the end zone by senior free safety Tanner Miller.

"Our older guys have done a good job helping us," UI head coach Kirk Ferentz said Sunday in an exclusive interview with hawkeyesports.com. "Tanner Miller came up with another interception in the end zone, B.J. with the big runbacks, Kevonte isn't a senior, but he is a veteran for us. For us to have a good football team, our experienced guys have to step up and do things like that. That's a healthy sign."

Two areas that stuck out to Ferentz on Saturday came on third downs and involved plays by the Hawkeye special teams. Iowa converted 9-of-15 times on third down and held Western Michigan to 1-of-14.

"That's something we have been doing well; the offense has been consistent in four games and that was our best defensive performance by far," Ferentz said. "A lot of that is doing a good job on first and second down. It was great to see the (defensive) guys get off the field like they did (Saturday). It was good team defense, coverage, and pressure up front. We made their quarterback uncomfortable. All those things working together help a football team win."

On kickoffs, Iowa averaged 32.5 yards on two returns; Western Michigan averaged 18.7 yards on seven returns. On punt returns, Iowa had six for an average of 32 yards per return.

"That's a pleasing aspect for us. I thought we made strides at Iowa State, but yesterday it was good to see," Ferentz said. "Kevonte's plays were obvious, but the rest of the story is we had a lot of guys working hard blocking for him. We had a near return for a touchdown on a kick return, (Macon) Plewa on the short kick he returned (36 yards). Guys are getting more comfortable with what we're trying to get them to do and (assistant coach) Chris White has done a great job. Our coverage on kickoffs was easily the best we have had this year. It impacted field position. I'm happy we're making strides there and playing with good effort. Hopefully we can keep building; we're going to have to if we're going to have a good team."

The Hawkeyes had an opportunity to play several players a significant number of snaps against the Broncos. One was junior wide receiver Damond Powell, who caught two passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

"(Damond) just joined the program in August and he has been practicing well, particularly the last couple weeks," Ferentz said. "We see him improving and becoming more comfortable. For him to be on the receiving end of a couple long receptions has to build his confidence and build his teammates' confidence in him."

Iowa hits the road for the second time this season. The Hawkeyes had a good experience with their first road trip, defeating Iowa State, 27-21. Iowa defeated Minnesota 31-13 last season at home, but has yet to win at TCF Bank Stadium. The Hawkeyes lost 27-24 in 2010 and 22-21 in 2011.

"We haven't had much success up there. We're playing a team that is off to a great start, they have a lot of players back from last year and they have an excellent coaching staff," Ferentz said. "It will be a big challenge

Iowa did win the last game Minnesota played in the Metrodome, but those days are history in the Battle for Floyd of Rosedale. The games are now played outside at TCF Bank Stadium on campus.

Teams are typically not as good as their best win, but they are typically better than their worse loss.  Like the Iowa State series, Iowa has lost some very close games with Minnesota lately. But, the series is competitive and like the Iowa-Iowa State game, Iowa enters with three wins out of the last five played.

Iowa was 0-2 in the last two games played vs. Iowa State and Western Michigan.  Iowa took care of business and pulled out a win. Does Iowa make it a trifecta at Minnesota?

We shall soon see on Saturday at Minnesota.  Continuing strong play on offense, on defense and on special teams was a good formula in Week 4 for Iowa.

Happy Labor Day to all; College Football wraps up Week 1

Monday, September 2nd

Florida State at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) - An ACC showdown on Labor Day, as the Seminoles travel to one of the new teams in the ACC, as the Panthers open play at home.

It has been an interesting Week 1 to the College Football season.

Iowa Hawkeyes head to IU to begin second half of B1G season

It has been a rocky road for the Iowa Hawkeyes in '12.  The Hawkeyes are 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the B1G Legends.  A young team has discovered a rough road trying to get on track both in the non-conference and in the Big Ten this year.

Overall, the Big Ten is down in '12.  Ohio State and Penn State are on probation.  At times, not a single Big Ten team has been seen in the USA Today Coaches' Top 25 this season.  Ohio State is undefeated, but they are ineligible for the coaches poll.

Iowa entered '12 without a lot of fan fare.  But, right now, the Hawkeyes are struggling, after dropping two straight games in a row, for the first time this season.

The Hawkeyes are considered a young team.  Thirteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their careers this season. Earning the first start of their career in the season-opening victory over Northern Illinois were OL Austin Blythe, OL Brett Van Sloten, RB Damon Bullock, FB Mark Weisman, DL Darian Cooper, DL Louis Trinca-Pasat, LB Anthony Hitchens, and DB B.J. Lowery. True freshman Connor Kornbrath was Iowa's starting punter. RG Andrew Donnal started his first career contest in Iowa's Big Ten opener against Minnesota, RB Greg Garmon started his first career contest against Penn State, while LG Jordan Walsh and WR Jordan Cotton started their first career games last week at Northwestern. Cotton, Hitchens and Van Sloten are juniors; Bullock, Lowery, Trinca-Pasat and Weisman are sophomores; Blythe, Cooper and Walsh are redshirt freshmen; Garmon is a true freshman.

Iowa is 2-2 at the midway point of its Big Ten season. Two of its next four contests will be at home (Purdue and Nebraska) and two will be against Legends Division foes (at Michigan on Nov. 17 and home vs. Nebraska on Nov. 23). 

Can the Hawkeyes get on track at Indiana, who are coming off the first B1G win in the Kevin Wilson era in Bloomington?  The Hoosiers (3-5, 1-3 B1G Leaders) won last week for the first time in B1G play @ Illinois 33-17.

Unlike several games being played in the Big Ten today, no trophy will be exchanged in Iowa @ Indiana game.  Iowa needs a balance attack with senior quarterback James Vandenberg and sophomore running back Damon Bullock (#32 pictured above).  As the Big Ten Network suggested this week, how much defense will the Hooisers bring to the table coming off the big win @ Illinois?

While Iowa seeks to get back on track @ IU, the Hooisers want to build on the momentum coming off the B1G win @ Illinois.  Can the Hoosiers make it two in a row in the B1G?

"Defensively, we made some strides. We did have 14 missed tackles. We have to play a little bit harder. Thought we had a few guys not playing quite at the energy that we've seen in the previous few weeks, so we didn't get off blocks and weren't as physical as we needed to be. We made some sacks and had some stops and still we need to keep pushing. Positives, we held them to 17 points. We did get the sacks, so we created a turnover on defense, one with special teams. They had the ball twice inside the 5-yard line and we hold them to three points, and at the end of the game they don't score, so a couple of red zone stops were good," coach Wilson said opening his weekly press conference.

Then, coach Wilson turned to the offensive side of the ball, with the following comments, "offensively, it was one of our worst performances. I think the Illinois defense going into it, they're a little bit more skilled and proficient than people give them credit for. Their front seven, particularly, was very good. Only 1-of-13 on third down is a little disappointing. We only had seven good plays and I don't think we were being very physical. We did have one good drive at the end of the fourth quarter, but the offense was pretty anemic all day. We didn't turn the ball over. We did score when we crossed the midfield. The fourth quarter drive was nice, but we need to be a lot cleaner. It was nice to see our defense come through. We're kind of picking it up, but again, we still haven't played a complete game yet. It was good to get a win."

In 2012, Iowa entered the 14th season under coach Kirk Ferentz.  In the off season, Iowa made several changes in the coaching staff, including coordinators Greg Davis and Phil Parker.  The coordinators continue to work on the little things with Iowa's young football team as the Hawkeyes prepare for Saturday's contest at Indiana.

Parker, Iowa's defensive coordinator, says a number of little things on defense may not show up for fans who are in attendance or watching the Hawkeyes play on television.  "Every day we are on the practice field we work on technique and fundamentals," said Parker, following Thursday's practice. "We are facing another up-tempo offense that plays at a fast pace. We have to focus on getting lined up properly and be ready to play fast."

After facing a predominately rushing attack a week ago at Northwestern, the Iowa defense Saturday will go against the #2 passing team in the Big Ten games.

"It's a challenge," said Parker. "Indiana has great skill guys on the outside. We have to get lined up, read our keys, be sound fundamentally and get to the ball as fast as we can."

The Iowa offense has had games this season where it has displayed both a solid ground game and an effective passing attack, and Davis, as offensive coordinator, feels the offense gets closer and closer each week to featuring that balance.

"We are constantly talking about details," said Davis. "That may be finishing plays, route running, blocking up front, those types of things. Last week our time of possession was good and we moved the ball, but a break down here and there prevented us from completing several drives with points."

For Iowa, Damon Bullock returned to action against Northwestern a week ago, and Davis says the sophomore running back has had a good week of practice.

"I was really pleased with Damon last week," said Davis. "To rush for over 100 yards, he caught the ball well, in a game that was like starting the season over. He has looked comfortable this week, he's had a good week of practice."

The Hawkeyes and Hoosiers are schedule to kickoff at 2:42 p.m. Central Time, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The game will be televised by BTN.  By the way, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday!  A look at college football games on television.

Many Iowa fans are frustrated, with key coaching staff and the execution by the offense, defense and special teams.  The sports message boards and talk shows are blowing up.  Ferentz has been in Iowa City for 13+ seasons, so how can you lose games to Iowa State, Central Michigan and Penn State at home; Northwestern on the road all in one season?  

So, what happens in Bloomington?

Can James Vandenberg find some consistent play for four quarters?  After eight games, Vandenberg hasn't shined, after leading the Iowa offense as the full-time starter in 2011.  Last year, Vandenberg in 13 starts was 237 for 404 with only seven interceptions, 58.7% on completions, 25 touchdowns, a long pass of 88 yards and a efficiency rating of 138.5.  This year, Vandenberg isn't in the Top 10 in passing efficiency in the Big Ten, with only 3 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, hitting only on 56.9% of his passes.  The biggest frustration may be that the second string quarterback hasn't taken a snap in '12.

Does the defense for Iowa step up?  The Iowa defense leads the Big Ten in turnover margin, so to help a struggling offense and regain some Mojo on defense, turnovers could be a big momentum swing for either team in Bloomington.  Special teams will be important too.  Iowa gave up a costly punt block on their first series of the second half @ Northwestern in last week's loss.

What is the Hoosiers coach Wilson thoughts as they take on Iowa Saturday in Bloomington?  "Coach Ferentz has had much success. Coach Fry got that thing going and Coach Ferentz has kept it going. They lost their last two, but they've lost to good teams. They lost to Iowa State, who's playing really well in the Big 12, their rival game early. Like we did, they kind of blew one at the end against Central Michigan, where they made a play or two, but they've lost two recent games against two good teams. It's a prideful team. They're tough. They're physical. They've had some injuries, but they're a program that overcomes that. It doesn't matter who their running back is, they're going to zone it up and get downhill and they always have a tremendous line. 

Defensively, same way. Their tape looks like it did when I was at Northwestern, 10 or 11 years ago, when they were building what became the 2002 championship team. Philosophically, they're sound and structured. A lot of things they do we're trying to emulate. Coach Ferentz is one of the better coaches in our profession and one of the better guys in the profession. His kids will have a great week and we need to learn to win at home. We need to learn to keep getting better, and this will be a challenge because this is a winning football program that we're playing and we're trying to become that. For us to put together a good week and go out and compete and see where we stack up against these guys will be a big challenge and we look forward to the challenge. I respect their program and what they do, and there's a lot of good ones in our league, but the program we're playing is one that I truly respect everything they do."

Our Picks in the Big Ten today:

Iowa 37, Indiana 24 on the BTN (HD) at 2:30 p.m. / btn2go

Michigan @ Minnesota at 11 a.m. on the BTN (HD) / btn2go

Nebraska @ Michigan State at 2:30 p.m. on (ABC / ESPN 2) (HD)

Illinois @ Ohio State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN (HD)

Penn State @ Purdue at 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)

Iowa is a .500 Big Ten football team with two games left

Against the top two division teams in the Big Ten, Penn State (8-2, 5-1 B1G Leaders) and Michigan State (8-2, 5-1 B1G Legends), Iowa (6-4, 3-3 B1G Legends) wasn't equal, losing 13-3 at Penn State to open the Big Ten conference season, then losing 37-21 on Senior Day this past Saturday at Kinnick Stadium against Michigan State.

The Hawkeyes are coming off three straight seasons, winning each of their bowl games. In 2009, Iowa played with the Big Ten title on the line at Ohio State, but lost 24-27 in OT. Iowa QB James Vandenberg lead Iowa in that competitive game in Columbus, in relief of starter Ricky Stanzi, who was out due to injury. Stanzi was a key piece in leading Iowa to three bowl wins.

But, in Iowa's four losses in 2011, Vandenberg has often struggled at QB. Iowa's other two losses were on the road, with a 44-41 3OT loss at Iowa State, then a 22-21 loss at Minnesota. Turnovers have been a common denominator in Iowa's four losses this season. In Iowa's latest loss on Senior Day, vs. Michigan State, Iowa was a minus three in turnover margin.

Typically, Quarterbacks lose more games at the Big Ten level, than win them. Balance, with strong offense, defense and special teams are all typically needed. Wisconsin has a good team this year, but special teams have lead to breakdowns and losses. Iowa's special teams breakdowns last year, caused similar results.

Game management is important at the Quarterback position, but all phases need to step up. Since Iowa's 7-1 Big Ten season in 2004, Iowa's special teams have been hit and miss. Iowa has had some good performers, but consistency and execution has caused issues. Both coaching mistakes and player execution problems have been noticed in Iowa City, lately.

In the game Saturday vs. Michigan State, Iowa was victim of another special team breakdown, when the Spartans executed a fake field goal. A good Michigan State defense didn't make it easy for Iowa, but at times, Iowa simply looks out of sync.

Yeah, I don't know. I guess you'd have to say we weren't ready. We
didn't look ready. We left the door open way too many times in all three phases.
It wasn't just any one segment. Little details. Just little things, all the
basics that either help you win or make it tougher to win, Iowa
coach Kirk Ferentz commenting what was the key to MSU game

Iowa will lose 18 seniors, after this season. So, where are the Hawkeyes headed, as they close out the final two games on the road in the Big Ten? Iowa is bowl eligible for the eleventh straight season, but a trip to Detroit is not what the Iowa fans had in mind heading into 2011.

Iowa will face difficult challenges on the road with games at Purdue (5-5, 3-3 B1G Leaders) this week, then a major showdown at Nebraska (8-2, 4-2 B1G Legends) on Black Friday. The games at Purdue and Nebraska will have major bowl implications for all three teams. Both games will have an 11 a.m. kickoff. The Purdue game will be on the Big Ten Network and ABC Sports will air the Nebraska game on Black Friday.

The Hawkeyes were at a crossroads, at 2-2, after the loss at Minnesota. Iowa rebounded with a solid 24-16 win over Michigan (8-2, 4-2 Legends), which was clearly Iowa's best game in 2011. But, unlike returning to the home field of Kinnick Stadium facing Michigan, Iowa will face two major road games, where Iowa is 0-3 for 2011. Next up: @ Purdue on Saturday.

Should the Big Ten Schedule Early Season Conference Games?

Discussed on the Big Ten Network on Wednesday night. Our answer is "NO" since the conference schedule is better for October and November, with the new Big Ten Championship Game in December. Play the out of conference games first, then open the Big Ten and work to avoid any out of conference once the Big Ten season begins. It can occur now, with an equal number of teams again.

In other conference races, we saw a couple of conference games in Week 1. There was an ACC conference opener, along with an conference opener in the Sun Belt in Week 1.

• Miami-FL @ Maryland was a great game, with the Terps winning 32-24 over the Hurricane, in the first games for new head coaches at both schools. Maryland's Randy Edsall beat Miami-FL's Al Golden in College Park, as both coaches began their respective eras as head coaches.


• North Texas @ FIU was a blowout. FIU beat North Texas and coach Dan McCarney's debut, with a 41-16 win in Miami. McCarney's first game in Denton will be in Week 2, as Houston (1-0) comes to town on the heals of a 38-34 home win over UCLA (0-1)

In Week 2 - There are some monster in-conference openers:

• In the ACC, North Carolina State (1-0) @ Wake Forest (0-1)


• In the C-USA, Southern Miss (1-0) @ Marshall (0-1); Tulsa (0-1) @ Tulane (1-0); and UTEP (1-0) @ SMU (0-1)


• In the MAC, Temple (1-0) @ Akron (0-1)


• In the MWC, TCU (0-1) @ Air Force (1-0)


• In the Pac 12, California (1-0) @ Colorado; Utah (1-0) @ #21 USC, as both newcomers of the new Pac 12 open conference play for the first time in their new conferences.


• In the SEC, #16 Mississippi State @ #25 Auburn; #14 South Carolina @ Georgia

Again, we are thankful, the Big Ten remains in the out of conference heading into Week 2. It should be an interesting Week 2.

Thursday, September 8Th

Arizona at #9 Oklahoma State, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) (3D) / espn3

• Do we really expect coach Mike Stoops and the Arizona Wildcats to upset the #9 team on their home field in Stillwater? Not really, but we sure hope the former Hawkeye football player can lead his Wildcats to victory.

Two big games heading into Saturday in College Football

Week 8 of the College Football season

Times are Central Times

Thursday, October 21st

• UCLA at # 2 Oregon, 8:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / ESPN 3D

Friday, October 22Nd

• South Florida at Cincinnati, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD)

There will be some outstanding Top 25 and other match ups on Saturday, but two games will wet the appetite as we head into Week 8 of the 2010 College Football season.

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