Coach Ferentz met with the media today in his weekly Tuesday press conference. (Here's the full transcript). As expected, the main topic of conversation was the quarterback situation.
Stanzi
First, Stanzi's condition...he has had surgery on his right ankle and is expected to fully recover. He is, thankfully, very likely to be back for the bowl game. Stanzi will travel with the team and is still a captain this week.
Vandenberg
Ferentz is confident in James Vandenberg and, though he didn't directly say it, expects Vandenberg to bounce back and have a better game this upcoming week (he likened it to Vandenberg's first pass of the season than went straight into the ground and then came right back and threw a strike).
Offense
As we kind of saw last week, the playbook is a little bit more limited with a RS freshman, inexperienced QB. Expect more of the same this week. Iowa will run their offense...though Ferentz joked at the idea of a wildcat formation. Ferentz also praised OSU's defense, comparing it to an NFL D...so I expect a lot of run, run, run punt in the first half in hopes to set up a long play-action pass later in the game (big plays are really the only hope I think).
Robinson
There is actually some good news too. Adam Robinson is working his way back into the mix as he has been recovering quickly. He hasn't practiced yet, but could go this week. Maybe will see him as a backup to Wegher this week.
BCS?
Other good news...I kind of dismissed the idea of Iowa getting to a BCS bowl, Rose or otherwise, but the chances actually aren't that bad. A win this Saturday guarantees a Rose Bowl birth. Even a loss, and hope is not gone if Iowa can beat Minnesota at home to finish the season. A 10-2 Iowa is not out of the question if you start to look at the way the BCS is shaping up. (If Iowa does lose this weekend, then I'll take a look at all the scenarios).
Archive page 97
Recruit Roundup: Playoffs and More 2
Another big week for high school playoffs. All three Hawkeye commits in Iowa that played on Friday night won and are head to the semifinals. Around the country Coker's team makes the playoffs, Hardy's team is on to the semis, and Poggi and Ferguson win their conference.
Iowa High School Playoffs:
James Morris: Solon 42 – Regina 7
Solon cruised to another victory (39th in a row) on Friday night by a score of 42-7 over Regina…coincidentally the exact same score of the week 8 match-up between the two. Morris had a monster game scoring a touchdown on all 5 of Solon’s first half possession. He had TD runs of 32, 10, 12, 1, and 57 yards and finished the night with 17 carries for 164 yards. Solon moves on to the semi-finals for 2A where they will play also undefeated North Fayette next Monday.
A.J. Derby: City High 35 – CR Washington 17
Derby was responsible for every City High score in a big win on Friday Night over Washington. He threw 4 touchdowns, including 1 on a fake punt (it must be nice to have your QB and punter be the same guy), and ran in another. Derby finished the game 9-17 for 198 yards and added 89 yards on 12 carries. The Little Hawks will play CR Xavier on Friday night in the UNI-Dome.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 21 - Bishop Heelan 14
Harlan gave up 404 passing yards but forced 4 turnovers and came out victorious against Heelan on Friday night. Hoch contributed with 14 carries for 68 of Harlan's 185 rushing yards.
Other Commits:
Marcus Coker: DeMatha 10 - McNamara 7
DeMatha had previously only been held under 35 points once this season (a 24-21 win over Good Counsel), but they were given all they could handle on Saturday needing a late 4th quarter TD to beat the McNamara Mustangs. Coker was back after missing time with pulled groin, and scored the game winning touchdown from 7 yards out. He finished with the day with 89 yards on 15 carries. DeMatha finishes the regular season a perfect 10-0 and moves on to the WCAC playoffs this week where they will play Gonzaga.
Jim Poggi & Anthony Ferguson: Gilman 34 - McDonogh 27
Gilman won a thrilling game against rival McDonogh. The victory wrapped up a conference title for Gilman who finished 4-1 in the MIAA A Conference. Ferguson gets a mention as he and a teammate combined for a win-preserving sack with under 3 minutes to go on Gilman's own 15 yard-line.
Mike Hardy: Kimberly 42 – Pulaski 21
Kimberly stays on a roll and powers its way into the semifinals with a big win over Pulaski. The Papermakers were down 14-7 at halftime but got the offense going in the second half putting up 28 points in the 4th quarter alone. Kimberly will play Merrill in the semifinal round.
Stephane N’goumou Milford 12 - South Alabama 64
Milford was absolutely dominated by the South Alabama Jaguars. The defense could not stop the Jaguar offense as 7 different players scored a TD. Milford will close out its season next week at Navy.
Carl Davis Stevenson 35 - Warren Mott 21
The game was tied 7-7 at halftime before Stevenson rolled off 4 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter in route to a victory in the district finals of the playoffs. Stevenson will face off against Detriot Southeastern in the regional finals on Friday.
Donovan Johnson Martin 42 - Lamar 19
Martin clinched a playoff birth with a victory over cross-town rivals Lamar. Martin jumped out early to a 21-0 lead and never looked back.
De’Andre Johnson Monsignor 27 – Gulliver Prep 28
Johnson still out and Monsignor pace lost in a close one and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 18 years. They finished their season 6-3.
Christian Kirksey & Don Shumpert: Hazelwood East 21 - Chaminade 24
Hazelwood East carried a 21-14 lead into halftime, but gave up 10 points in the fourth quarter and fell in the first round of the Missouri playoffs. Shumpert caught a pass for a 2-point conversion, but that was the only stat I could find. Hazelwood East finished their season 6-5
Note: Some players are already done for the season so are not included in this roundup.
Previous Recruit Roundups:
Iowa High School Playoffs:
James Morris: Solon 42 – Regina 7
Solon cruised to another victory (39th in a row) on Friday night by a score of 42-7 over Regina…coincidentally the exact same score of the week 8 match-up between the two. Morris had a monster game scoring a touchdown on all 5 of Solon’s first half possession. He had TD runs of 32, 10, 12, 1, and 57 yards and finished the night with 17 carries for 164 yards. Solon moves on to the semi-finals for 2A where they will play also undefeated North Fayette next Monday.
A.J. Derby: City High 35 – CR Washington 17
Derby was responsible for every City High score in a big win on Friday Night over Washington. He threw 4 touchdowns, including 1 on a fake punt (it must be nice to have your QB and punter be the same guy), and ran in another. Derby finished the game 9-17 for 198 yards and added 89 yards on 12 carries. The Little Hawks will play CR Xavier on Friday night in the UNI-Dome.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 21 - Bishop Heelan 14
Harlan gave up 404 passing yards but forced 4 turnovers and came out victorious against Heelan on Friday night. Hoch contributed with 14 carries for 68 of Harlan's 185 rushing yards.
Other Commits:
Marcus Coker: DeMatha 10 - McNamara 7
DeMatha had previously only been held under 35 points once this season (a 24-21 win over Good Counsel), but they were given all they could handle on Saturday needing a late 4th quarter TD to beat the McNamara Mustangs. Coker was back after missing time with pulled groin, and scored the game winning touchdown from 7 yards out. He finished with the day with 89 yards on 15 carries. DeMatha finishes the regular season a perfect 10-0 and moves on to the WCAC playoffs this week where they will play Gonzaga.
Jim Poggi & Anthony Ferguson: Gilman 34 - McDonogh 27
Gilman won a thrilling game against rival McDonogh. The victory wrapped up a conference title for Gilman who finished 4-1 in the MIAA A Conference. Ferguson gets a mention as he and a teammate combined for a win-preserving sack with under 3 minutes to go on Gilman's own 15 yard-line.
Mike Hardy: Kimberly 42 – Pulaski 21
Kimberly stays on a roll and powers its way into the semifinals with a big win over Pulaski. The Papermakers were down 14-7 at halftime but got the offense going in the second half putting up 28 points in the 4th quarter alone. Kimberly will play Merrill in the semifinal round.
Stephane N’goumou Milford 12 - South Alabama 64
Milford was absolutely dominated by the South Alabama Jaguars. The defense could not stop the Jaguar offense as 7 different players scored a TD. Milford will close out its season next week at Navy.
Carl Davis Stevenson 35 - Warren Mott 21
The game was tied 7-7 at halftime before Stevenson rolled off 4 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter in route to a victory in the district finals of the playoffs. Stevenson will face off against Detriot Southeastern in the regional finals on Friday.
Donovan Johnson Martin 42 - Lamar 19
Martin clinched a playoff birth with a victory over cross-town rivals Lamar. Martin jumped out early to a 21-0 lead and never looked back.
De’Andre Johnson Monsignor 27 – Gulliver Prep 28
Johnson still out and Monsignor pace lost in a close one and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 18 years. They finished their season 6-3.
Christian Kirksey & Don Shumpert: Hazelwood East 21 - Chaminade 24
Hazelwood East carried a 21-14 lead into halftime, but gave up 10 points in the fourth quarter and fell in the first round of the Missouri playoffs. Shumpert caught a pass for a 2-point conversion, but that was the only stat I could find. Hazelwood East finished their season 6-5
Note: Some players are already done for the season so are not included in this roundup.
Previous Recruit Roundups:
Scapegoats, BCS, and Basketball
It's about time to move on from the loss and start looking forward to the huge game against Ohio State next week. Ohio State's domination of Penn State makes the game a battle between the two leading the Big Ten, with the winner likely (well only kind of likely in Iowa's case...beating Minnesota without Stanzi will be no easy task) going to the Rose Bowl. Before we get to that, though...
Scapegoats:
It's an inevitability that after any loss the fans come out and starting blaming one thing or another. I think the problems were pretty obvious yesterday...we finally had the one injury that broke the camel's back.
Ken O'Keefe
Some people are blaming Ken O'Keefe for this loss and even Ricky Stanzi's injury. This is absolutely nothing new...as soon as the offense struggles KOK is the first to be blamed. BGHP has a look at some of the offensive numbers over the years and opens a forum for ripping on KOK. Personally, I don't feel like KOK is the problem at all. In the past it has been poor QB play, inconsistent offensive lines, etc...that have hindered the offense. This year it is injuries. Look at the offense...pretty much every position has had injury problems that have led to a lack of cohesion (especially on the offensive line that was just starting to hit its groove when Richardson went down).
I thought the play calling after Stanzi went down was fine. KOK tried to find plays that Vandenberg could execute, but he just never got going. There was only so much KOK could do with the backup QB and 3rd or 4th option at running back.
Going back to those blaming KOK for Stanzi's injury... Um, no. Look at that play call again. It is Iowa's bread and butter and really more like Iowa's caviar and truffles. That naked boot to the right off of play-action has been Stanzi's best play of the year. Last week that play pretty much won the game...the McNutt TD, the two 3rd down conversion with Stanzi running the ball. I'm pretty sure one of the two tight ends should have blocked Wootton on that play or at least tried to slow him up before going out in their routes. He should not have come through untouched.
I've read that the play call was too risky and we shouldn't have rolled Stanzi into Wootton. But if we had ran it 3 straight times and punted or rolled Stanzi to the left, I'd probably be reading about how KOK was too conservative and shouldn't be rolling out a right-handed quarterback to the left. Yeah, the play sucked, but it's not KOK's fault.
Officiating
The officiating was particularly bad yesterday. It was very inconsistent and there were some calls or non-calls that definitely hurt Iowa (though some went Iowa's way too). There was the injury play that looked like Stanzi had his facemask grabbed, the multiple missed pass interference calls on the final drive, the Wegher fumble that was very obviously not a fumble, the questionable at best holding call on Eubanks that negated a touchdown, the missed roughing the passer, etc... Now this was hardly the reason Iowa lost, but it certainly did not help.
BCS:
At this point, nobody probably cares too much about the BCS standings. There is no chance Iowa gets in the top 2 now and there isn't really a chance of an at large bid at this point. Either Iowa wins out and goes to the Rose Bowl, or finishes 10-2 (or 9-3) and probably ends up in Florida. Anyway, Iowa stays in the top 10 this week, coming in at #10, one spot ahead of the next opponent, Ohio State.
Basketball:
Iowa basketball is here and they won an exhibition game against Marian University this afternoon 76-53. I watched part of it, but not enough to really have an opinion. I probably won't post much about about the basketball team in this space. Fight For Iowa is a football first blog, but if I watch a game or there is something that interests me I throw something together and post it.
Scapegoats:
It's an inevitability that after any loss the fans come out and starting blaming one thing or another. I think the problems were pretty obvious yesterday...we finally had the one injury that broke the camel's back.
Ken O'Keefe
Some people are blaming Ken O'Keefe for this loss and even Ricky Stanzi's injury. This is absolutely nothing new...as soon as the offense struggles KOK is the first to be blamed. BGHP has a look at some of the offensive numbers over the years and opens a forum for ripping on KOK. Personally, I don't feel like KOK is the problem at all. In the past it has been poor QB play, inconsistent offensive lines, etc...that have hindered the offense. This year it is injuries. Look at the offense...pretty much every position has had injury problems that have led to a lack of cohesion (especially on the offensive line that was just starting to hit its groove when Richardson went down).
- WR - Chaney (season over), Sandeman (missed the last 2...hopefully back soon), DJK (missed some practice and didn't play much the first few weeks)
- TE - Moeaki (actually played quite a bit this year for his standards)
- RB - Hampton (missed whole season), Brinson (missed a lot of practice, then out for the past few weeks), Robinson (hopefully back soon)
- OL - Bulaga (missed a couple games), Vandervelde (missed first game), Richardson (may be back for the bowl)
- QB - Stanzi (crap...)
I thought the play calling after Stanzi went down was fine. KOK tried to find plays that Vandenberg could execute, but he just never got going. There was only so much KOK could do with the backup QB and 3rd or 4th option at running back.
Going back to those blaming KOK for Stanzi's injury... Um, no. Look at that play call again. It is Iowa's bread and butter and really more like Iowa's caviar and truffles. That naked boot to the right off of play-action has been Stanzi's best play of the year. Last week that play pretty much won the game...the McNutt TD, the two 3rd down conversion with Stanzi running the ball. I'm pretty sure one of the two tight ends should have blocked Wootton on that play or at least tried to slow him up before going out in their routes. He should not have come through untouched.
I've read that the play call was too risky and we shouldn't have rolled Stanzi into Wootton. But if we had ran it 3 straight times and punted or rolled Stanzi to the left, I'd probably be reading about how KOK was too conservative and shouldn't be rolling out a right-handed quarterback to the left. Yeah, the play sucked, but it's not KOK's fault.
Officiating
The officiating was particularly bad yesterday. It was very inconsistent and there were some calls or non-calls that definitely hurt Iowa (though some went Iowa's way too). There was the injury play that looked like Stanzi had his facemask grabbed, the multiple missed pass interference calls on the final drive, the Wegher fumble that was very obviously not a fumble, the questionable at best holding call on Eubanks that negated a touchdown, the missed roughing the passer, etc... Now this was hardly the reason Iowa lost, but it certainly did not help.
BCS:
At this point, nobody probably cares too much about the BCS standings. There is no chance Iowa gets in the top 2 now and there isn't really a chance of an at large bid at this point. Either Iowa wins out and goes to the Rose Bowl, or finishes 10-2 (or 9-3) and probably ends up in Florida. Anyway, Iowa stays in the top 10 this week, coming in at #10, one spot ahead of the next opponent, Ohio State.
Basketball:
Iowa basketball is here and they won an exhibition game against Marian University this afternoon 76-53. I watched part of it, but not enough to really have an opinion. I probably won't post much about about the basketball team in this space. Fight For Iowa is a football first blog, but if I watch a game or there is something that interests me I throw something together and post it.
A Good Ride
Well, this is the first time I've had to write about a loss, and it's not fun. The good news is that I've had a couple hours already to emotionally deal with it, because let's be honest, we all knew what was going to happen when Stanzi went down. There's a reason Stanzi stayed in the game last week after throwing 4 picks in the 3rd, and that reason showed itself today.
In no way would I put this on Vandenberg though. He played okay considering the circumstances (though 9 of 27 for 82 yards is not very good) and I think he'll be a good QB in a couple of year. Besides the first pick I thought he made good decisions (though at times he was a little indecisive). He just wasn't quite dialed in and missed some open receivers.
Unfortunately as well, the run game never really got going. Northwestern had the luxury of stacking the box throughout the middle of the game (because without Stanzi we were obviously going to run more) and then sitting back late in the game when Iowa obviously had to pass to come back.
The defense, I thought played well and did what it does. They gave up yards, but not points (only 10). Northwestern, of course, had their own quarterback issues to deal with but Kafka was still able to play and Persa had a little bit more experience than Vandenberg going in to the game.
Iowa was kind of unlucky for the first time this week too (SI curse....?). They had a TD called back for a questionable holding call. Vandenberg was within a few feet of hitting DJK that likely would have been a TD in the 4th to tie. Murray missed a field goal, by what looked like inches that would have made it 13-14 and may have changed the game. Wegher lost his first fumble (that clearly was not a fumble...why didn't they stop play to review that one?) of the year.
In the end though, it's hard to win a game with 4 turnovers and your backup quarterback. The Rose Bowl is still possible (go Penn State!) so let's hope Stanzi heals quickly. And even if Iowa has to go with Vandenberg and ends up losing the next 2, it's been a good ride.
In no way would I put this on Vandenberg though. He played okay considering the circumstances (though 9 of 27 for 82 yards is not very good) and I think he'll be a good QB in a couple of year. Besides the first pick I thought he made good decisions (though at times he was a little indecisive). He just wasn't quite dialed in and missed some open receivers.
Unfortunately as well, the run game never really got going. Northwestern had the luxury of stacking the box throughout the middle of the game (because without Stanzi we were obviously going to run more) and then sitting back late in the game when Iowa obviously had to pass to come back.
The defense, I thought played well and did what it does. They gave up yards, but not points (only 10). Northwestern, of course, had their own quarterback issues to deal with but Kafka was still able to play and Persa had a little bit more experience than Vandenberg going in to the game.
Iowa was kind of unlucky for the first time this week too (SI curse....?). They had a TD called back for a questionable holding call. Vandenberg was within a few feet of hitting DJK that likely would have been a TD in the 4th to tie. Murray missed a field goal, by what looked like inches that would have made it 13-14 and may have changed the game. Wegher lost his first fumble (that clearly was not a fumble...why didn't they stop play to review that one?) of the year.
In the end though, it's hard to win a game with 4 turnovers and your backup quarterback. The Rose Bowl is still possible (go Penn State!) so let's hope Stanzi heals quickly. And even if Iowa has to go with Vandenberg and ends up losing the next 2, it's been a good ride.
Game Day: Northwestern
Northwestern is back at Kinnick for the second year in a row and this time the Hawkeyes are hoping for a better result. A win would make Iowa the first team to 10 wins and keep the Rose Bowl and even the national title hopes still alive.
The need to know:
What: #4 Iowa vs. Northwestern
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
When: 11:00 AM, November 6, 2009
TV: ESPN
Thoughts on the game:
Injuries
Once again injuries will play a big role in this game. The biggest may be to the Wildcat's QB Mike Kafka. Kafka hurt his hamstring last week against Penn State in the 2nd quarter and did not return to the game. He is listed as a co-starter this week and was not on the injury report...but I've heard he may not be ready to go. Either way, it's likely he will not be 100% which could have a major impact on Northwestern's offense as Kafka is the team's leading passer and rusher. He accounts for nearly 70% of all the yards gained this year.
On the Hawkeye side of things...Sandeman is out again still feeling the effects of the concussion he sustained against MSU. Robinson is also out, but Wegher should be able to carry the load again. Greenwood is a maybe, but wasn't on the depth chart.
Stanzi
I really don't see Northwestern having much of a chance in this game without some help from Stanzi. I think this week he can go back to the "game manager" role and come away with a victory while putting up some big numbers if Northwestern stacks the box. The good news is that the weather should be much nicer. At kickoff, the forecast shows 64 degrees with 8 mph winds....and it should get warmer and less windy as the game goes on.
Wildcats to keep an eye on
The need to know:
What: #4 Iowa vs. Northwestern
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
When: 11:00 AM, November 6, 2009
TV: ESPN
Thoughts on the game:
Injuries
Once again injuries will play a big role in this game. The biggest may be to the Wildcat's QB Mike Kafka. Kafka hurt his hamstring last week against Penn State in the 2nd quarter and did not return to the game. He is listed as a co-starter this week and was not on the injury report...but I've heard he may not be ready to go. Either way, it's likely he will not be 100% which could have a major impact on Northwestern's offense as Kafka is the team's leading passer and rusher. He accounts for nearly 70% of all the yards gained this year.
On the Hawkeye side of things...Sandeman is out again still feeling the effects of the concussion he sustained against MSU. Robinson is also out, but Wegher should be able to carry the load again. Greenwood is a maybe, but wasn't on the depth chart.
Stanzi
I really don't see Northwestern having much of a chance in this game without some help from Stanzi. I think this week he can go back to the "game manager" role and come away with a victory while putting up some big numbers if Northwestern stacks the box. The good news is that the weather should be much nicer. At kickoff, the forecast shows 64 degrees with 8 mph winds....and it should get warmer and less windy as the game goes on.
Wildcats to keep an eye on
- DE Corey Wootton - I said last week that it seems like every week Iowa is up against an outstanding defensive end...well this week is no different. Wootton has been injured some this year, but is still very disruptive.
- LB Quentin Davie - Davie leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, QB hurries, and forced fumbles.
- WR Andrew Brewer - Brewer has been coming on strong and has 22 catches, 2 for TDs, in the last 3 weeks. He leads the team in touchdown receptions with 5 and is the Wildcats only deep threat.