I have a wondering idea that Ferentz may be worried that if he plays Rudock and he does well that Cody Sokol will transfer. He can transfer anytime and play. He has 2 years left to play. Check out this video to remember why Ferentz really wants Sokol to have two years to play in a system that he knows.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exeYEE43vV4  Keep in mind that Rudock will get to play as a senior after Sokol leaves. Perfectly fits Ferentzs' approach to his QB's.   Watch Sokol and see how he is patient and will take the big hit to wait for the WR to get open. He is an AWESOME QB! Having said that I still love Rudock as a QB too but Sokol seems to have that confidence and swagger that the great ones have (Rudock probably has it too). I remember when he decided to pick Iowa over Arizona, he went to the Bowl game and it was said that he told someone that he knows he is way better than Vandy and could lead Iowa better, or something like that. Anyway, we all seem to be wondering about why Rudock is NOT playing and I think that this plays into the equation.  Another part is that Ferentz wants QB recruits to trust that they will be able to play through some problems and not be benched as a senior.

Freak, I hope your right. Jvb is the worst QB I've ever seen at this level and I've heard some really good things bout Sokol. I think he could have played this year as well, but I think our offensive scheme will hold him back! Until we do a 180 in our offense thinking, I don't think any QB can save this team. The Davis experiment has gone horrifically wrong and until corrected, we can expect more of the same!

JVB, having graduated AND moving on for med school, should step aside and tell coach he's done.

to bad iowa didn't recruit a few of his receivers.  while their at it we could use a few good safties to replace tanner and company.

Sokol should have taken over as QB after the Northern Illinois game.  Then we would have had Rudock ready for his junior and senior seasons.

So Ferentz would have no worries that Rudock could transfer?  If Rudock were to play and play well, why in the world would he worry about Sokol in the first place?

That's what doesn't make sense here, besides the fact that Ferentz has played JVB on every snap this season.  That's mistake #1.  And he's compounded the problem, given JVB takes very snap against Nebraska, by going into next season without a QB having taken a Div I snap.

WinstonWolfe wrote: So Ferentz would have no worries that Rudock could transfer?  If Rudock were to play and play well, why in the world would he worry about Sokol in the first place?

That's what doesn't make sense here, besides the fact that Ferentz has played JVB on every snap this season.  That's mistake #1.  And he's compounded the problem, given JVB takes very snap against Nebraska, by going into next season without a QB having taken a Div I snap.

Good point.  The bottom line, is to put the best team out there, not try to please everyone.

WinstonWolfe wrote: So Ferentz would have no worries that Rudock could transfer?  If Rudock were to play and play well, why in the world would he worry about Sokol in the first place?

That's what doesn't make sense here, besides the fact that Ferentz has played JVB on every snap this season.  That's mistake #1.  And he's compounded the problem, given JVB takes very snap against Nebraska, by going into next season without a QB having taken a Div I snap.

If my idea is right, Ferentz had to either like Sokol more or feel like Rudock would/did agree at trying to make things play out that way the next three seasons.
  I know that a coach had told Sokol that the plan was for him to redshirt and to go into next season with him the higher classman and he and Rudock competing.

  I think that most of us keep forgetting that Vandy has been highly respected last year and at one point was rated the #10 rated senior QB going into this season. He clearly doesn't fit this system and maybe Ferentz believes none of the QB's did and he plans to make a change. If that is true then maybe he felt a senior QB gave him the best chance. That is only a guess though.

Freak even if your theory is correct and Rudock is the backup next year, it is absolutely stupid that he has not had any snaps. Second point, I would guess that in KF's eyes Rudock must be a flop, because arguably the level of competition that Rudock played in HS was near JUCO standards.

I highly doubt that's the reason Rudock isn't playing...KF doesn't have it anymore...almost every writer, every fan, anyone who knows anything about football...says KF has stayed too long and his program is sprialing down the crapper!

If this is the theroy then KF is an idiot. You recruit a highly touted kid in Rudock to be your QB only to go oh no this isn't the kid for this system...!

I know it's a guess but that would be terrible for KF to do to his players...that would mean his staff is terrible recruiters and they don't know how to evaluate talent...now if Sokol IS better than Rudock why not make him your #2 now with hopes he doesn't have to burn his RS?

DRAFTFREAK wrote: I have a wondering idea that Ferentz may be worried that if he plays Rudock and he does well that Cody Sokol will transfer. He can transfer anytime and play. He has 2 years left to play.

He can transfer but he will have to sit out a year.

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--- DRAFTFREAK wrote:

  I think that most of us keep forgetting that Vandy has been highly respected last year and at one point was rated the #10 rated senior QB going into this season. He clearly doesn't fit this system and maybe Ferentz believes none of the QB's did and he plans to make a change. If that is true then maybe he felt a senior QB gave him the best chance. That is only a guess though.

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I was wondering the same thing. Maybe Vandenberg gives the Davis offense the best chance of working, but it isn't working. so don't screw up the other guys. Otherwise, I think Rudock likely would have played in the 4th quarter yesterday.

That would have been sweet... But at the time I (probably like Ferentz) thought that JVB would improve and play better as the year went along.  Knowing what we know now... shoulda coulda woulda put in Sokol against ISU.

irishchihawk wrote: Sokol should have taken over as QB after the Northern Illinois game.  Then we would have had Rudock ready for his junior and senior seasons.

I thought the GREAT thing about Davis was that he would adjust the offense around his players...  If that is supposed to be the case, why are we saying that NONE of these QB's on the roster will work in his system?

It's not like we are running a wildcat offense with Vandy or using a Denard Robinson as a pocket passer.  I think JVB just isn't finding the open receivers, just locks onto someone.  Yesterday he was LOCKED in on the TE.  Last year he was LOCKED in on McNutt, but last year he was fortunate enough that McNutt was a beast for most games AND he had a power running back to take the pressure on him.

REALLY looking forward to a QB competition for next year.  After this year there should be NO guaranteed spots, EVERY position is open.  Problem is that some of these spots should have been opened up for competition (QB?) this year, before we lose 5-6 games in a row!

HawkeyeMarchingBand wrote:

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--- DRAFTFREAK wrote:

  I think that most of us keep forgetting that Vandy has been highly respected last year and at one point was rated the #10 rated senior QB going into this season. He clearly doesn't fit this system and maybe Ferentz believes none of the QB's did and he plans to make a change. If that is true then maybe he felt a senior QB gave him the best chance. That is only a guess though.

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I was wondering the same thing. Maybe Vandenberg gives the Davis offense the best chance of working, but it isn't working. so don't screw up the other guys. Otherwise, I think Rudock likely would have played in the 4th quarter yesterday.

Based on that highlight tape, how in the wide world of sports did he not beat out JVB????
The decision to lock into JVB as the exclusive starter has doomed this year as a complete throw away.  He is nearly as bad as JC.
That said, we also need some real talent and speed at the WR, DE and safety positions ASAP.  Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

#1. Nowhere in those highlights did I see Sokol take a snap from under center. Like JV, every snap was taken from the shot gun. So, until I see Sokol make those kind of throws and plays from under center, I'm not holding my breathe.
#2. The WRs in those highlights appear to have speed and the ability to catch a pass. Those are luxuries he wont have, here at Iowa because we cant recruit them. 
Other than those two little problems, I agree. Sokol looks pretty good for a 2* JC QB.

floridahawk wrote: Freak even if your theory is correct and Rudock is the backup next year, it is absolutely stupid that he has not had any snaps. Second point, I would guess that in KF's eyes Rudock must be a flop, because arguably the level of competition that Rudock played in HS was near JUCO standards.

I don't agree with it by any means but I think it fits. Not for sure it is why he kept him out but I think it might be. Like I said I wouldn't of done it myself, at least I hope not!!!

RJSimmons wrote: #1. Nowhere in those highlights did I see Sokol take a snap from under center. Like JV, every snap was taken from the shot gun. So, until I see Sokol make those kind of throws and plays from under center, I'm not holding my breathe.
#2. The WRs in those highlights appear to have speed and the ability to catch a pass. Those are luxuries he wont have, here at Iowa because we cant recruit them. 
Other than those two little problems, I agree. Sokol looks pretty good for a 2* JC QB.

He was a second team JUCO all American his last year in Junior College and was a 3 star QB in HS. As far as only throwing in the shot gun, he has been under center this whole year in practice, that's got to help. What I liked about him was his willingness to take a hit and not get jumpy under pressure and we need a guy that doesn't stare down the WR the whole time before he throws it.  We are starting to recruit quicker WR's instead of going after bigger blocking types. Michigan was said to be shifting from those quicker WR's to the bigger ones like we liked to go with their new system. Teams recruit to fit their system and we are trying to do the same now that ours needs those types to get open after the quick catch at the line. One problem is that we don't have much room to recruit this season.

Well until we have receivers who can separate and playcalling that calls for routes longer than 5 yards Sokol is pretty much in Vandenberg's shoes...stuck in a hard place!

DRAFTFREAK wrote:

RJSimmons wrote: #1. Nowhere in those highlights did I see Sokol take a snap from under center. Like JV, every snap was taken from the shot gun. So, until I see Sokol make those kind of throws and plays from under center, I'm not holding my breathe.
#2. The WRs in those highlights appear to have speed and the ability to catch a pass. Those are luxuries he wont have, here at Iowa because we cant recruit them. 
Other than those two little problems, I agree. Sokol looks pretty good for a 2* JC QB.

He was a second team JUCO all American his last year in Junior College and was a 3 star QB in HS. As far as only throwing in the shot gun, he has been under center this whole year in practice, that's got to help. What I liked about him was his willingness to take a hit and not get jumpy under pressure and we need a guy that doesn't stare down the WR the whole time before he throws it.  We are starting to recruit quicker WR's instead of going after bigger blocking types. Michigan was said to be shifting from those quicker WR's to the bigger ones like we liked to go with their new system. Teams recruit to fit their system and we are trying to do the same now that ours needs those types to get open after the quick catch at the line. One problem is that we don't have much room to recruit this season.

This offense has problems that a change in QBs cannot fix. It wont make the WRs better at catching passes. It wont make them faster. It wont give them the quickness to beat a DB. It wont make the offense any less predictable to opposing defenses.
It wont change the conservative play calling.

It wouldn't fix all those things, but a QB who was throwing balls that were in the catchable range of a receiver would improve the completion percent and the yards after catch. When the receiver has to get way out of position to make the catch, the possibility for yards after catch are limited. I think they call it hitting a receiver in stride.

If I understand this offense, yards after catch are an important component.

OK after watching the Sokol video there were 39 throws. 33 of them were over 10 yards. Of the 6 that were under ten yards 3 of those were because his team was on the five and the others he dumped because he was being blitzed.   There were NO 3 yard passes to the side line :).   Sokol must be wondering WhyTF I came to Iowa.  I don't see how his skills match to what Davis draws up.

borgy wrote: It wouldn't fix all those things, but a QB who was throwing balls that were in the catchable range of a receiver would improve the completion percent and the yards after catch. When the receiver has to get way out of position to make the catch, the possibility for yards after catch are limited. I think they call it hitting a receiver in stride.

If I understand this offense, yards after catch are an important component.

Yes. Ball placement is very important to any passing game. But therein lay the problem with this offense. Its laughably predictable and defenses are simply closing down the throwing lanes or squatting in the zones where the WR is going to be. 
There is way more going on with the offense  than what most perceive. 
If you have any of the games DVR'd, go thru some of the passing plays and watch the DL and where they are. 
That's not to say that JV is throwing good balls because he isnt. But the scheme isnt helping him, in the fact that defenses know where every play is going.

Unfortunately for the offense, I agree with you, they are predictable.

The schemes don't help him, the predictability doesn't help him. The DL getting in the passing lanes doesn't help him. The lack of separation doesn't help him. 

One thing in QB's control is hitting receivers when the opportunity is there. If we could at least start there, it would help. Screens, overlooking wide open receivers, throwing short of wide open receivers. Those reasons stated above are many of the same excuses KF was giving for JC's poor performances too.

I cannot fathom any reasonable excuse by KF for not getting any snaps to another QB.

None of the actual reasons given by KF, none of the speculative reasons postulated on this board would be more than stubbornness by KF, self serving face saving by KF. Has Kirk actually said "Rudock is not ready"? I believe the only thing he has said over and over is "I believe JVB gives us the best chance to win". I don't think he even used the word "We".

I happened to be sitting not too far behind the bench on the end of the field where most of the 4th quarter was played in the Penn St. game and the disappointment was apparent on Rudocks face, possession after possession, when no one came down and said warm up kid, you're going in.

So near as I can tell Rudock is paying the price for someones pride. KF's, JVB's, both? For all I know, JVB feels terrible about Rudock not getting a chance. I guess a QB controversy would just be TOO much to add to this season. Would a couple of snaps this year extend that possible controversy to next years competition with Sokol? Too much risk involved in that for Careful Kirk!

None of it seems like it would be for the long term benefit of the team. If it is, I  challenge Kirk to come out and explain how it is.

borgy wrote: Unfortunately for the offense, I agree with you, they are predictable.

The schemes don't help him, the predictability doesn't help him. The DL getting in the passing lanes doesn't help him. The lack of separation doesn't help him. 

One thing in QB's control is hitting receivers when the opportunity is there. If we could at least start there, it would help. Screens, overlooking wide open receivers, throwing short of wide open receivers. Those reasons stated above are many of the same excuses KF was giving for JC's poor performances too.

I cannot fathom any reasonable excuse by KF for not getting any snaps to another QB.

None of the actual reasons given by KF, none of the speculative reasons postulated on this board would be more than stubbornness by KF, self serving face saving by KF. Has Kirk actually said "Rudock is not ready"? I believe the only thing he has said over and over is "I believe JVB gives us the best chance to win". I don't think he even used the word "We".

I happened to be sitting not too far behind the bench on the end of the field where most of the 4th quarter was played in the Penn St. game and the disappointment was apparent on Rudocks face, possession after possession, when no one came down and said warm up kid, you're going in.

So near as I can tell Rudock is paying the price for someones pride. KF's, JVB's, both? For all I know, JVB feels terrible about Rudock not getting a chance. I guess a QB controversy would just be TOO much to add to this season. Would a couple of snaps this year extend that possible controversy to next years competition with Sokol? Too much risk involved in that for Careful Kirk!

None of it seems like it would be for the long term benefit of the team. If it is, I  challenge Kirk to come out and explain how it is.

I agree. There is no way Rudock is worse than JV. Its not possible. 
I agree. It has more to do with KF's pride than anything else. And he can afford to be prideful, spiteful (on the side cancelled) and stubborn. He has an 8 year guaranteed, 20 million dollar contract.

At this point, all I can say is "Thank God for Basketball!!!"

hawkeye83 wrote: I thought the GREAT thing about Davis was that he would adjust the offense around his players...  If that is supposed to be the case, why are we saying that NONE of these QB's on the roster will work in his system?

It's not like we are running a wildcat offense with Vandy or using a Denard Robinson as a pocket passer.  I think JVB just isn't finding the open receivers, just locks onto someone.  Yesterday he was LOCKED in on the TE.  Last year he was LOCKED in on McNutt, but last year he was fortunate enough that McNutt was a beast for most games AND he had a power running back to take the pressure on him.

REALLY looking forward to a QB competition for next year.  After this year there should be NO guaranteed spots, EVERY position is open.  Problem is that some of these spots should have been opened up for competition (QB?) this year, before we lose 5-6 games in a row!

HawkeyeMarchingBand wrote:

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--- DRAFTFREAK wrote:

  I think that most of us keep forgetting that Vandy has been highly respected last year and at one point was rated the #10 rated senior QB going into this season. He clearly doesn't fit this system and maybe Ferentz believes none of the QB's did and he plans to make a change. If that is true then maybe he felt a senior QB gave him the best chance. That is only a guess though.

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I was wondering the same thing. Maybe Vandenberg gives the Davis offense the best chance of working, but it isn't working. so don't screw up the other guys. Otherwise, I think Rudock likely would have played in the 4th quarter yesterday.

How hard can this system be? Run...2 yards, run...no gain, pass...3 yards in the dirt, punt.  Pretty sure I could play in that offense.  No, I'm thinking there is more to the story, and we may see some changes after the season.

My gut tells me Sokol wins the starting spot next year. If he does, I think he'll surprise a lot of people.

sonofjim wrote: My gut tells me Sokol wins the starting spot next year. If he does, I think he'll surprise a lot of people.

It's pointing that way...which makes no sense as to why we at least haven't seen Rudock play this year...unless the kid really isn't getting it...which I don't believe for one minute...plus Sokol will be a junior...and we all know KF likes to go with the older guy

Go with the older but Ruddock been there longer. Part of Ferentz downfall is his loyalty to players and coaches at least I feel that way and Ruddock stayed committed to Iowa. I dont see how eityher guy could do any worse. Im hoping for Ruddock but in the end I just  want winners thats all not a guy who looks lost out there.

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--- borgy wrote:.

So near as I can tell Rudock is paying the price for someones pride. KF's, JVB's, both? For all I know, JVB feels terrible about Rudock not getting a chance. I guess a QB controversy would just be TOO much to add to this season. Would a couple of snaps this year extend that possible controversy to next years competition with Sokol? Too much risk involved in that for Careful Kirk!

None of it seems like it would be for the long term benefit of the team. If it is, I  challenge Kirk to come out and explain how it is.

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Problem is that KF will never man up. He'll hide by his shameful head coach status and talk down to some reporter who questions why Rudock doesn't play.

Isn't Sokol a sophomore?

I've also heard that Beathard looks great in practice. Hope that a 3 way battle for the starting spot will make this position stronger. Can't hurt.

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--- dcghawkeye wrote:

I've also heard that Beathard looks great in practice. Hope that a 3 way battle for the starting spot will make this position stronger. Can't hurt.

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I am sure all of our QB's look good in practice. The question still remains, why haven't we seen any of them take game snaps? If JVB gives us the "best chance to win", I say win what, the bottom of the B1G!

all of you are saying how bad the offense is i agree with that but i think the defense is even worse.  I watched the Iowa Michigan game the defense made me sick they could not stop anyone.  they are very undisiplined when it comes to tackling someone.  Then you have unsportman like penalties. I read Kurt Ferentz's post game comments and its like he is in denial what he said is we have to play better i think the man is cluless about how bad this team is.  When Norm Parker was defensive cordinator the Hawkeyes had a good defense but since he retired the defense it absolutely horrible.  They need to fire the defensive cordinator and find someone that knows what the hell there doing because it pretty plain the guy they have now don't.  I am a Iowa Hawkeye fan and i live in Cleveland, Tn they just fired out coach for having three loosing seasons. I see on the Hawkeye Insider yesterday that a 2013 recruit out of Michigan is going to wait and see what is going to happen to coach Ferentz i think the young mans name is Edwards also today i see another young man i think his last name is Hill is commited but might decommitt if he started looking around we need to keep these guys they are the future of the Iowa Hawkeye program

hoxrock wrote: Well until we have receivers who can separate and playcalling that calls for routes longer than 5 yards Sokol is pretty much in Vandenberg's shoes...stuck in a hard place!

Exactly!  Without someone to throw it to, all QBs are going to look about the same.

theiowahawkeye wrote:

hoxrock wrote: Well until we have receivers who can separate and playcalling that calls for routes longer than 5 yards Sokol is pretty much in Vandenberg's shoes...stuck in a hard place!

Exactly!  Without someone to throw it to, all QBs are going to look about the same.

I will admit our receivers have been less than stellar; however, if line drives to the pitcher and grounders to the shortstop were counted as completed passes, JVB would be leading the nation in passing efficiency!

floridahawk wrote:

theiowahawkeye wrote:

hoxrock wrote: Well until we have receivers who can separate and playcalling that calls for routes longer than 5 yards Sokol is pretty much in Vandenberg's shoes...stuck in a hard place!

Exactly!  Without someone to throw it to, all QBs are going to look about the same.

I will admit our receivers have been less than stellar; however, if line drives to the pitcher and grounders to the shortstop were counted as completed passes, JVB would be leading the nation in passing efficiency!

In a frustrating game such passes always stand out more than usual.  Even the best QB's do it sometimes.  I just saw Manning do the same thing Sunday against the Chargers.  And no, I am NOT comparing Manning to JVB, not even close.  My point is that even the best do that sometimes.

There is no question that JVB is not playing as well as last year, but aside from Meyer, Wiseman, Hyde and Jordan Cotton we can probably say the same thing about EVERYONE on the team.

MileHiHawkeye wrote: Based on that highlight tape, how in the wide world of sports did he not beat out JVB????
The decision to lock into JVB as the exclusive starter has doomed this year as a complete throw away.  He is nearly as bad as JC.
That said, we also need some real talent and speed at the WR, DE and safety positions ASAP.  Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

Yep, and the OC said the same thing right after he started watching the players practice. He said we just don't have enough speed to run his offense.
 At Texas his offense had a nickname, "The East to West coast Offense."

Forgery5 wrote: Freak, I hope your right. Jvb is the worst QB I've ever seen at this level and I've heard some really good things bout Sokol. I think he could have played this year as well, but I think our offensive scheme will hold him back! Until we do a 180 in our offense thinking, I don't think any QB can save this team. The Davis experiment has gone horrifically wrong and until corrected, we can expect more of the same!

I am a huge critic of KF's decision not to play the backup - was one of the earlier ones to call for that.  But I believe this comment, characterizing JVB as the worst ever seen at this level..... I have to cringe at that statement.

Let's remember that the poor kid is a 22 or 23 year old kid.  The game appears to be a little too fast for him this year, and maybe a new OC has something to do with that.  He knows, we all know, this was a really bad year for him.  But last year wasn't all that bad, was it?