Featured, On Iowa by Marc Morehouse
Tuesday Talk (Ferentz, Robinson video)
Posted on Oct 27, 2009 by Marc Morehouse.
Robinson out — Running back Adam Robinson is done for a while. Maybe the rest of the regular season, coach Kirk Ferentz said. Robinson is hopeful for a quick return from the high-ankle sprain he sustained against Michigan State last week.
Here’s what Robinson said (BTW, Robinson has been nothing but a class act and warrior for this football team. I wish him the best in his recovery. Don’t like to editorialize like that, but had to be said.):
Wegher in — True freshman Brandon Wegher is it at running back. When asked if Wegher, who has 87 carries for 321 yards this season, is a 20- to 25-carry running back, Ferentz said, “We’ll find out. He’s the next guy in. He’s done a real nice job. I say that jokingly; I’m really impressed with him and based on the limited exposure we have had so far, my guess is he’ll rise to the challenge.”
Another Ferentz thought on Wegher’s toughness: “There were a lot of guys on both teams that were banged up. That was a physical game. That was a hard hitting game. We have a lot of guys. Brandon survived. He got smacked by Arizona on that screen pass. If he can survive that, he can take a lot of things. I was sold on his toughness there.”
All in — Every running back on the roster is in the mix, including junior Paki O’Meara (who’s listed No. 2 and hasn’t carried the ball in six games) and true freshmen Brad Rogers (“Ferentz on” link) and Josh Brown (“Ferentz on” link). We reported Saturday night that Rogers made the trip to MSU. Apparently, that was more than just a vacation. Iowa has taken true freshman QBs who are redshirting on road trips in the past. Iowa hasn’t done that with RBs. If it would’ve come to it, Rogers was playing last week.
More Rogers, Brown — Ferentz said Rogers is ahead of Brown in the race to whatever this would be, third-string RB but maybe more. Ferentz said both players came into camp overweight.
On Rogers: “But you know, if he’s got to go in, he’ll go in and do a good job. Really he’s impressed us over the last eight weeks. He came in a little heavy and a little out of shape but that’s not unusual for first-year players. He’s really worked hard and he looks 100 percent better than did he two months ago, so I’m really impressed with his attitude and his work ethics.”
On Brown (question was his body different than they thought): ”Yeah. He needed a little extra fitness program.”
Other than scout team, the two have had some live action in what Iowa calls “developmental,” a practice period later in the week that is a live scrimmage between redshirts and other players who likely won’t see action during a game.
The plan is, Ferentz hopes, to not go any farther than Wegher, who’s nursing hand and rib injuries, and O’Meara.
“Nothing against Brad but I hope we don’t have to go that far,” Ferentz said. When asked what it would take for Rogers to play, Ferentz said, “I hope we don’t find out. But we are running out of guys.”
On Sandeman — The decision on WR Colin Sandeman’s availability will go the full week, Ferentz said.
I know a lot of folks are watching this one closely. Here’s exactly what Ferentz said: “Colin Sandeman is probably going to take the week to determine. I’m not overly optimistic right now. But he’s fine. Everything has checked out fine. They examined him with CT scans and all that stuff. He’s clear there. So that’s all good news.”
The key phrase is “not overly optimistic.” When Ferentz says that, the kid usually doesn’t play.
Sandeman’s main deal is punt returns. Since taking over for Paul Chaney Jr., who’s out for the season with a torn ACL, Sandeman has averaged 10.6 yards on eight punt returns. He’s been an asset there and will be difficult to replace.
Right now, safety Tyler Sash and cornerback Amari Spievey are in the running. Ferentz is open for suggestions there, too. (Actually, he didn’t offer up Sash’s name. I did, so don’t say I’m not trying to help.)
Ferentz was asked about the hit by MSU’s Jeremy Ware on Sandeman: “I’m not surprised. All of us are coaching the same way, that’s a point of emphasis right now with the officials, and sportsmanship. Those are going to get called, just like celebrations. I don’t think it was a cheap shot. It was one of those things that happens and they’re calling that right now. It was a tough aggressive play and he got too high.”
On Greenwood — Safety Brett Greenwood had the most dangerous-looking injury Saturday night, a helmet-to-helmet neck-buckler with Sash. He was down on the turf for a handful of minutes. Ferentz came out and shook his hand and he was carted to the lockerroom. He’s good to go, though, Ferentz said.
“Brett Greenwood should be fine. He’s a little sore right now but we expect him to be full speed,” Ferentz said.
Dace out — I know this one gets to a lot of folks because Dace Richardson has been to hell and back with injuries. (He’s also been nothing but a class act and wonderful spokesman for this team through some tough personal times. Hey, I didn’t say I was done editorializing.) It’s a broken foot. Ferentz said he could possibly be back for the bowl game. Dace does have the option for a sixth year of eligibility, but it’s not something that’s really been talked about yet. But if he wants it, it’s there, Ferentz said.
“We haven’t had that talk yet,” Ferentz said. “It’s clearly an option for him, and it’s his option. We’d love to have him back. We’ll support his decision.”
DJK on kick return — That looks like a done deal. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos replaced Wegher or Robinson, can’t remember which, and returned two kicks, with a long of 26. He’s not a candidate to return punts. DJK started his career on kick returns but lost the job.
“That’s the best I have seen him,” Ferentz said. “He’s been tentative when he’s been back there. It’s a different routine back there. It’s like punt returning, it’s hard to predict. You’d think he would be good at it, but it doesn’t turn out that way. You never know who has that knack. Colin does a nice job back there, he is slippery and makes good decisions.”
Some stuff on Spievey – The junior cornerback salvaged his career after a year off due to academics at Iowa Central Community College. Iowa OL coach Reese Morgan used to coach with ICCC’s head coach Kevin Twait, so Iowa coaches have a comfort level with ICCC. They’ll know if a player they “place” there will be on track, socially and academically.
Former Iowa WR Clinton Solomon went to ICCC. WR Demarco Paine is there now.
“The side story there is Kevin Twait and Reese worked together at one point so there is a relationship there,” Ferentz said. “We have a good comfort level there. We know they will be held accountable there, and if they are not doing things the way we would hope, Kevin will be forthright with us. That is nice to know. It happens to be that school. That seems to be where it has worked out.”
Ferentz was asked how Spievey is different off the field after a year away.
“A friend of mine taught school that I taught with, who is retired now. His son is a up and coming basketball coach. He is friends with the AD at Amari’s school (in Connecticut) and he was there the summer before Amari came here. He said Amari didn’t know we played Ohio State, Michigan or Penn State. He was an in-town guy. When he came here, this was overwhelming. Now, he has a routine, he is doing things by the numbers and taking care of business, which is good. It’s a hard lesson to learn.”
Marc – great reporting as always. I think the Michigan State game was the most physical Big Ten game this year, and maybe one of the most physical in the country. You have to hand it to Sparty, those kids knew they could really shake the conference up and turn their season around with a W against the Hawks. But this team has more character in the face of adversity and continues to win the hearts and minds of fans across the country if not the respect of pollsters and other sportwriters. I don't see a letdown with this bunch and the last four weeks of the season are usually Iowa's best ball.
Thanks!
Hlas and I were talking on the way down to IC about national respect. I can understand skepticism from national media types who only see the scores and ESPN College Football Final. What I don't get is the hostility from these folks thrown toward Iowa. What's Iowa guilty of to deserve being called a fraud? Winning? I don't get that. That's why I would appreciate someone like SI's Stewart Mandel who's actually looked at Iowa and gives an opinion. Why "fraud"? Why "worst 8-0 team in cfb history"? I don't get that.
Scott said it well below, a lot of what makes this team great (defense, Stanzi, Moeaki, DJK) is still there.
It surely hurts to lose Robinson, but nothing about this season has come easy. Wegher got socked in the ribs pretty hard on the screen play against Michigan State. I have doubts it will be all him on Saturday. Paki is of course available, but it will be interesting to see if they trust Rogers enough to play him. For perspective, and with much gratitude to Sam Brownlee, Wegher, Paki and presumably Rogers are all better backs.
Nothing new overall–just a little more adversity. So much of what has made this team special remains. The improbable has become the norm, and the "should win" and "probably lose" games have become indistinguishable. This has already been an unforgettable season, and now the opportunity exists to make it even more so. Maybe we lose somewhere, but to paraphrase the flight commander in the movie Apollo 13, 'with all due respect, I think we are about to have our finest hour'.
Great post, Scott! LOVE that line from Apollo 13!!!! I've got to get that movie on Blu-Ray.
From what he said, I don't think KF wants it to get to Rogers or Brown. How do they accomplish that? Obviously, this team will lose some of the balance that made the play-action work fairly well. Right now, it's 290 rush to 244 pass. I'm not sure what the percentage will be, but I also wouldn't put a sliver of expectation on either of these freshmen. Remember Damian Sims in '04? He wasn't really used, either.
I think Sims is different in that in '04 he seemed drastically undersized. The 220 plus of Rogers pretty much takes that concern out. Nothing against Paki, but what could have changed in the last 8 weeks since UNI where he wasn't breaking many (if any) tackles and always seemed a step late to the whole. Rogers may not be better, but he might be, and if Paki struggles, I can't see not giving the kid a look.
Can't argue with that logic.
Plus, Adam did say that Rogers has been a good blocker in his limited exposure. Remember when Mickens the fullback was sort of the running back? They've done more with less. I'm guessing Rogers was in the 240-range when he reported for camp. Probably closer to 225 now. How much of the playbook does he know? I think the coaches true thoughts on Paki are fairly clear.
Certainly no OC, but couldn't his inexperience blocking be compensated somewhat by only passing on play action when he is in. After selling the fake, I think the RB only has middle contain, thus limiting the decision making. Granted he still has to recognize an inside blitz and have the technique, but by limiting the field his odds of success should increase. Of course, you have to actually give him the ball occassionally for play-action to work.
Probably a stretch, cause in all the Ferentz years I never remember him letting anybody play more than one skill position during a season, but did anybody at the press conference today ask if they'd entertained using Moeaki in the backfield? Everybody always talks about how he's such a great raw athlete and how cerebral a player he is. Who's to say he couldn't pick up 5-7 carries a game if they were pretty straightforward plays? If nothing else, it'd keep a defense on its toes.
Jeremy — Tony is a tremendous athlete, but the one thing you really, really have to be as a running back is durable.
But you're right. Remember Adolphus Shelton? He was the DB who picked off the last pass of the '02 Purdue game. He finished his career as a kind-of running back in '04 when the rash of injuries hit. It was on the tip of my tongue, do you have an Adolphus Shelton, but I forgot to ask. Sorry!
While I tend to be more of a pessimistic sports fan, I am very optimistic that Iowa will be fired up for Indiana this Saturday. The Hoosiers are certainly capable of winning the game, but I don't see the Hawks coming out coming out flat (or emotionally spent) this Saturday for the following reasons (in the next post due to length):
Indiana has some jet fuel to it. Coincidentally, looking at IU's strengths on D, I think Robinson would've had 200 yards.
If the DEs get to Stanzi, it could throw a wrench into what Iowa will try to do. If Iowa can establish the run, big if, it'll be a comfortable win.
A lot of what's taken Iowa to where it is today is still there — Angerer, Stanzi, Moeaki, DJK, Clayborn, Klug, Sash.
1) Indiana program has Iowa's attention and respect (unlike UNI and Arkansas State). Since most of the team that will be on the field Saturday has been around for 3 or more years, they were on the sideline in 2007 when Indiana kicked the Hawkeye's behind. The Hawks won't overlook IU.
2) Team will play hard knowing that several key players are out injured. I especially expect the offensive line to be inspired to play well for Dace Richardson, given all he went through to play this year and that he had emerged as the OL leader.
3) Since Iowa is undefeated with four weeks to play, the chances that Iowa comes out flat and uninspired for a game diminishes in my opinion.
4) Kinnick crowd will be jacked up for the game (unlike UNI and Arkansas State) since the team has never been 8-0, and the fans realize the Hawks are missing key players due to injury. This will be by far the most hostile environment that Indiana has played in this season, way tougher than Michigan (MU fans thought the game would be easy), Virginia (teams have never played) and Northwestern (let's just say from the camera shots that I saw when watching that there were plenty of empty seats).
1) Iowa allowed nine sacks in that game. That's also the game when Stross spiked the ball and Eric Johnson got on him on the sidelines.
2) Dace was probably the best overall performer on the OL this season. He will be missed. The pieces to pick up and push forward are there, but he will be missed.
3) You'd hope!
4) Agreed, Excellent point. Kinnick hasn't been the factor it has been in the past yet this season. It approached it against Michigan, but I haven't felt it shake yet this year.
I want to see us attack IU's porous pass D this weekend. Pass to set up the run.
And I don't think there will be any letdown the rest of the season. This team is on a mission now.
Fraud, seriously? That's pretty lame on Skip's part.
E — That is some porous pass defense. Fisher can run the ball, but he's in his first year at CB. Burks is getting his shot through default, it looks like anyway.
That's what he said. Don't get the hostility.
Karl Klug was a dynamite running back in High School, he will play where needed. Anything is possible.
I don't doubt he could. He's a tremendous athlete. I think Clayborn is Iowa's best DL, but I think Klug pushes him every week for that title.
We have got to get Adrian Clayborn the ball!
Good point!!
LOL!!!
You know . . . nah, I won't even go there.
Can I guess where you were going, Marc??
. . . . . . . William "The Refrigerator" Perry possibly?
Good idea, I wouldn't have gone there either.
I saw some Super Bowl highlights recently. The man was a powerhouse. As a Packers fan, I hated it, but wow, the dude was a load!
Hey Marc, as always, thanks for the great info. Perhaps it's time to tweak the offense a bit. I'd like to see the Hawkeyes take a page from Hayden's playbook. We do have fullbacks, so I'd love to see the FB counter that Hayden used to run maybe 6 or 8 times a game. Against those fast flowing defenses, that would seem to be a tremendous play. Any kind of counter action would seem to be a great idea. And with our RB's depleted, why not hand the rock to the FBs for awhile, and show a look — the standard I formation — we haven't offered for quite a few years. Take the burden off the RBs a bit and diversify the offense. Why not?
Mike — You must be listening to the radio. Ed calls for counter moves just about every game. Morse is pretty good athlete, one of the best they've had at FB in a while.
Colin Sandeman took a devastating hit to the head last week, leaving him twitching in a state of unconsciousness. The coach now says, “All is clear” from a medical standpoint. “The CT was negative!”
But don’t you feel some responsibility as a media outlet to discuss whether or not this player should be considered for the next game, or even the rest of the season?
If you would bother to do even the smallest amount of research, it would reveal that football and traumatic brain injury go hand-in-hand. The CT machine can’t show damage such as a bruised brain or blood vessels preparing to burst. The team physician should be well-versed in sports injuries and the risk of repetitive head trauma. He probably has the power to suggest to the coach that the season is over for this young man. He certainly has a medical and moral obligation to consider what could happen if that head is slammed again inside the helmet. Perhaps even a legal obligation to protect the player?
Yes, I've done some research.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/10/19/091...
and
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=k...
and
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/sports/football...
I've discussed it on another post, but after 11 years of covering Iowa football, knowing Kirk Ferentz a little bit, seeing him tear up over players and their efforts, seeing him out on the field when Greenwood got hurt, in my honest opinion I really don't think Iowa would put him out there before he was ready. Ferentz also said he's not overly optimistic, so I doubt he plays.
I said on the other post, that if it's my son (a fourth grader who plays in MYFA), we go out and buy a guitar and follow that crazy dream.
If the team physician doesn't think he's ready to play, he won't play. If he plays this week, I'd be shocked. And, yes, there would be questions.
I don’t want to see this young kid suffering from dementia when he’s 40. I don’t want to see him suffering from cognitive dysfunction when he’s 30. I don’t want him drooling on his tux at his daughter’s wedding in a few years. A pro football player judges risk and reward and makes decisions as a full adult. A college player has coaches, trainers, and team doctors to help him make those decisions.
It would be good if the media put some pressure on the listeners, readers, and bloggers to consider the effect of putting this player back in the game this week. What if he doesn’t get up the next time he’s hit?
I can't fault any of that logic. Well written, my friend.
Perhaps I should've pushed it harder. There was a lot coming out of yesterday's conference.
I will submit this: It is football. Everyone goes in knowing there's a risk for the worst possible outcome. Iowa players have had concussions before and will have them again. This goes to a larger argument of helmets and their role in the sport.
Kirk talked a little about Ronnie Lester's donation and his request to honor John Streif by naming the training room after him. I think that is great, an honor that is well deserved. John Streif has been a name synonymous with Hawkeye athletics for years.
I haven't met John, but I know his sister – twin sister I believe – (she's worked at Maquoketa Valley High School for many years, where I went to school) and she's a wonderful lady to be around, one of the nicest people that I have met, I imagine that John is one in the same.
I haven't crossed paths with John much, but from everything I've heard that's a loss for me.