Big Game blues

The DMR has a thing for calling the Iowa-Iowa State football game “the Big Game.” Why? I don’t know. I do not think anyone outside the Des Moines-Ames area probably calls it that. Not only does the rivalry not have a real trophy right now (thank God whatever the hell that was at the game Saturday was only a stand-in), it does not even have an agreed upon name.

Anyway.

The loss to the Cyclones does not sting as much as how the Hawkeyes lost. After losing MC22 at halftime (way to go, Mediacom), I listened to the game on the radio, which was probably a good thing since I did not have to watch Iowa’s usual stubbornness in resplendent standard-definition.

As if anyone in college football could not already decipher the Hawkeyes’ game plan, last year provided a textbook’s worth of lessons on how to beat Iowa. Saturday’s game in Ames was yet another gridiron tutorial. The Hawkeyes run first, so stack the box with eight guys. The Cyclones did not care their cornerbacks were almost a head shorter than Iowa’s wide receivers. I mean, why worry about the wide receivers when they will never be thrown to? Stuff the Iowa running game, and the Hawks will always pass on down-and-long. No need to worry about the quarterback scrambling. He can’t. He could, and does once in a blue moon, but don’t bother planning for it. If the QB has time to sit back and consider his options, he is so out of rhythm his passes will sail high or fall behind receivers.

On defense, Iowa never blitzes. If they do, it will almost always be an outside linebacker. Iowa practically plays prevent defense all game, so the middle is wide open. As are the sides. Quick curl and slant routes will work every time. Nobody open? Scramble. All the defenders are busy chasing potential receivers down the field and no one is watching the QB.

Of course, just because opposing coaches know what the Hawkeyes will do does not mean they can stop them. As simple and conservative as the Iowa game plan is, it works a lot. The Hawkeyes pound teams with fundamentals, and fans are happy. However, it looks downright ugly when the fundamentals get foiled. Fans start grumbling. Though I am a diehard Hawkeye fan, I cannot help thinking the cure for the team’s stubbornness is fresh blood at the offensive and defensive coordinator positions. I understand Iowa prides itself on coaching loyalty and the lack of turnover, but there is at least one less-than-flattering reason Kirk Ferentz has kept the same coordinative staff throughout his tenure as head coach: nobody else wants them. At least I do not think they do. The gears of college football’s coaching carousel are largely hidden from the public, but I cannot imagine Texas, Alabama, or USC courting Ken O’Keefe or Norm Parker.

Then there is emotion and excitement, something you rarely see on the Iowa sideline. Captain Kirk cracks a smile every now and then, and will occasionally chew out a side judge. But, for the most part, his expression never changes. I respect his humility and levelheadedness, but look alive once in a while. Pump your fist, throw your arms in the air, chest bump your players. Scream. Another good thing about being unable to watch the second half was not having to see Paul Rhoads go wild after the win. Every highlight recap of the game I saw ended with images of him high-fiving fans and band members, taking an active role in the post-game revelry. The guy was genuinely stoked, and he had reason to be: it was his first win over the Hawkeyes. I like Paul Rhoads and think he is the perfect fit for the Cyclones, but don’t want him to dominate the Hawks. Which is why I look at his “Big Game” win as being dangerous. For recruits considering the Cyclones and Hawkeyes, whom would you rather play for? The gutsy, excited, and engaged Paul Rhoads? Or the stoic, conservative, and sensible Kirk Ferentz? Both programs seem to embody the persona of their head coach. There is a lot to say about the Hawkeyes and the way they personify the state’s pragmatism and work ethic. But where’s the fun? Apparently in Ames. Before kickoff, Rhoads told the FSN sidelines reporter that he told his players to “have fun.”

Oh well. On to next week. Go Hawks!