That sucked. Like, really, really, really sucked. I will give Iowa State and Matt Campbell credit. They are a good football team, and they got the job done in a challenging environment. I sent a text at halftime to my brother, nephew, and son that was something along the lines of, “This blowout is a 2-score game.” The Hawks absolutely dominated the first half, largely due to field position and my favorite play in football – a punt downed at the 1-yard line.
Unfortunately, this “blowout” had the feel of shoulda, coulda, woulda, and in sports, when you let someone hang around, they start to believe they have a chance.
Kaleb Johnson did whatever he wanted: 25 rushes for 187 yards (7.5) and two scores. He even singlehandedly secured what could have been a game-saving first down when he was hit behind the line of scrimmage and powered his way to earn four extra downs. I have no idea why we didn’t keep running the outside pitch to KJ. Do it until they stop it. At that point, surely we have a counter that can make the defense pay for selling out. Apparently not. That was maybe the idea behind Cade’s throw back across the field, which was poorly underthrown. The interception changed the game. Cade’s a great dude and leader. His play under center has not been great.
The Hawkeyes had a mental lapse allowing a one-play scoring drive, Kirk chased the points despite that going against his persona, and Rocco Becht threw a freaking dime before the Cyclones hit the game-winner. Sadly, Iowa State deserved to win that game more than us.
My goal heading into this season was going to be one of positivity. Two games in, and I was on the struggle bus Saturday evening into Sunday. The Hawkeyes played with fire and got burned. For about the fifth year in a row, Iowa’s QB and offense will need to show the world that they can consistently complete forward passes. I’m not as optimistic as I was earlier this year. I would sell out by sending the kitchen sink at Kaleb Johnson and daring Cade to beat me over the top. Cade’s heave as the clock expired fell well short of paydirt, and the Hawks let one slip away.
All is not (yet) lost, but things just got a lot harder for the Black and Gold. I will remind you that one of the greatest seasons in Iowa Football history occurred in 2002. The Hawkeyes were leading Iowa State 24-9 at home. I was there. Brad Banks banged his thumb up a bit, and Seneca Wallace played incredible ball, and the good guys took the loss 36-31. In case you are wondering, I was upset with that loss as well. So as Eminem says, “back to the lab again.”
Hawk fans have been speculating for years about Iowa’s offensive coordinators and how much say Kirk Ferentz has. The Hawkeyes played not to lose. Instilling a lack of confidence in our players. Despite it being a home game, you could sense our team slowly losing its mojo. Iowa State became the aggressor, and they were rewarded for it.
Soooooo… on a positive note. Kaleb Johnson is ridiculous. His effortless-looking runs look like he’s floating. Defenders take bad angles on him as his speed and running style are mesmerizing. I’m a Jacob Gill fan. He’s a legitimate B1G receiver. Kaden Wetjen provides a spark in the return game. I expect him to take a kick to the house – maybe even this Saturday against Troy. My best friend since elementary school is named Troy. I am now questioning our friendship because of this week’s game. Did I mention that I was upset with our Cyclone collapse? Switching sides to defense, Jay Higgins is climbing the charts as one of my all-time-favorite Hawkeyes. J-Higg had 11 tackles, one forced fumble, and interception, and a QBH (quarterback hurry). Nick Jackson had eight tackles and Kyler Fisher collected six. Fisher has been very active in the first two games. Seth Wallace has Iowa’s linebackers playing at an elite level.
So where do we go from here? I’d like Tim Lester to “scratch where it itches.” That’s my second time using the Hayden-ism on this young season. We don’t know how involved Kirk Ferentz is, but I’d like the keys completely turned over to Tim Lester. Kirk, love you, but please let your coaches coach on Saturday and be the CEO who just turns the boys (and coaches) loose. Maybe that’s the case anyway. Beating the stuffing out of Troy won’t accomplish much. I’d love to see some backups get some meaningful reps, especially at the quarterback position. We simply can’t continue being one-dimensional. The only way to make up for losing to the Cyclones is to start stacking wins. In two weeks, I want that pig back so badly, and I will be disappointed if our boys don’t get off the bus and are ticked off for having one “stolen” from us last year. Win it for Cooper. As always, even though I’m still really crabby, It’s great to be a Hawkeye! Go Hawks!
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