The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)

[moose141]

Re: 2021 - Week 5 Preview

Should be a good game! I love seeing the variety in CPU lineups as you get further into dynasty, it really adds a lot of realism for a team to have a few studs but then also a few positions where the starter really isn't up to snuff and you can try and look for weaknesses in the lineup like that. It will be interesting to see how Lightning Rod Larry Lloyd does against a pretty robust defensive line for Indiana. If he can get into the second level, he should have a field day because their backers and DBs are nothing to write home about.

[OldHossRadbourn]

Re: The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)

Another thought that popped into my head, a lot of what seems to make running backs good and not good (and there's a lot in NCAA 14 which makes it so fun for me) is the idea of whether they can navigate traffic well. It just seems like some players do this:



And some players don't. And in that picture you can see he's got the ball in one hand and his other hand on the blocker in front of him, following the guy ready to move either way. The other #22 we had at running back did that too. Others who aren't as successful don't seem to do that and fall down in traffic more easily.

Maybe it's a #22 thing?

[Hellisan]

2021 Game 4 - #6 Iowa at Indiana

[Hellisan]

2021 - Week 6 Preview - The Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale



Two facts are indisputable: Minnesota has one of the toughest schedules in the country, and they are the more battle-tested squad at this point. They have played in relatively close losses to #3 Ohio State and ranked Nebraska, and their win against Michigan is at least as impressive as Iowa's win against overrated Georgia Tech.

The career of Minnesota senior quarterback Gary Summers has spanned that of Coach Clark's at Iowa. The Summers-led Golden Gophers beat Clark and company in their first matchup with Clark at the helm in Overtime, with Summers going 26-33, 290 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Summers completed a 10-yard touchdown pass for the win. In 2019, Iowa won easily when Summers was out for six weeks with a strained back and couldn't answer the bell. Backup Steven Singleton did not acquit himself well, going 18-28 for 147 yards and 2 interceptions with Iowa winning 28-3. Last year, Summers was able to play, but in a minor surprise, Iowa still won convincingly, 28-10. Summers wasn't horrible - in fact, the Golden Gophers had no turnovers. However, he was held to just 172 yards passing and 23 yards on the ground. Summers isn't a runner per se. He's agile, and has good acceleration. He also offers a strong, accurate arm. What stands out about Summers is his knowledge of the game and where to throw the ball.

"Gary is a player who has caught my attention on film and in the games against us. He's a guy that I think has some potential for the next level. He's a pain to get off the field, and that's one of the highest compliments I can give to a quarterback. He is similar to Eddie [Allen] in that regard. They do it different ways, but both of them are a pain to have to deal with from a defensive standpoint."

The Golden Gophers have a big advantage with a very solid offensive line against a line that comes and goes in terms of its production with the Hawkeyes. The overall advantage in the trenches is increased with the absence of a pair of offensive linemen this week for Iowa. Right tackle Taylor Lemon is a great all-around player, but is especially a standout when it comes to pass blocking. Iowa could move DE Khayman Chia around a bit more than usual in this game. DT Tyris Wyckoff will try and make hay against the only average blocker on the line at center, Jamaal Luke.

On offense, getting the Golden Gophers into nickle alignments with CB Todd Williams and nickle back Camden Mann on the same side of the field could allow the Hawkeyes chances at big runs, as both struggle to get off blocks. The gophers secondary is deep and fast, however, Anthony Fisher could be a weak point for them as he is less than ideal in terms of speed and coverage ability. Center Gino Pollino (suspension) and left tackle Bryan Suydam (knee) will miss this game. Both are projected to be back after the week 7 bye. This weakens a line that was paving the way for a good ground attack for the first four games of the season.

[Nunyerbiz]

Re: The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)

I just have to say it again... you are the gold standard around here. This presentation is just impeccable. I'm taking a long weekend away with my family and I already know that while I'm away from the trusty PS3, I'll still be thinking about how I can improve the presentation on my dynasty because you keep upping the bar.

Also, all is right in the Big Ten when teams are beating up on Indiana.

[Hellisan]

2021 Game 5 - Minnesota at #3 Iowa

[Hellisan]

Re: The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)

I just have to say it again... you are the gold standard around here. This presentation is just impeccable. I'm taking a long weekend away with my family and I already know that while I'm away from the trusty PS3, I'll still be thinking about how I can improve the presentation on my dynasty because you keep upping the bar.

Also, all is right in the Big Ten when teams are beating up on Indiana.

Hey man, you can't help me with my wit, but if you want to use anything like the game preview template or anything else you're welcome to it.

And I appreciate the compliment very much bro. My list of best chisers wouldn't include me anywhere on it, too many guys like Geezy, Bdawg, Cheese, that have insane record keeping in addition to their ability to just crack you up or weave these crazy story lines. edit: Just thinking of the people I did not mention here freaks me out, so many incredible story tellers and chisers... No offense to anyone/edit - Then the fresh faces doing awesome things like yourself and Moose among others. I'm second tier at best, but glad to just be able to do this, as I find it so fun and relaxing.

[Hellisan]

Hawk Blog Update

Larry Lloyd celebrated a TD against Minnesota. He will spend some time on the sidelines.

Lloyd to miss time with injuries to shoulder and elbow

Team doctors have estimated a 5-week recovery period for freshman running back Larry Lloyd following an incredible performance against Minnesota last Saturday. Coach Clark reported the information during his weekly press conference. Pressed on the nature of the shoulder injury, Clark informed the press that Lloyd suffered an injury to his shoulder - declining to go into more detail - but that Lloyd also had pain in his elbow that will also require time and rest. Altogether, Clark confirmed the anticipated recovery period of about 5 weeks. That would put him on track to return for the Week 11.

Clark noted: "I can't sound like a doctor just by memorizing what the guy says. What if you ask me a follow-up question? Opposing teams don't need to know anyway. He's got injuries to his extremities. There."

In order to deal with the loss of Lloyd, Clark plans to move Kenard Goodman into more of a full-time role. That will mean taking away additional roles he has filled to this point. Goodman will no longer return kicks and punts. Lining up alongside D.J. Halloway to return kicks, and moving into the starting punt return role, will be Maurice Brown, heretofore the 5th string running back. Daniel Norton, one of the heros of the National Championship run last season, steps into the backup running back role and will see a substantial increase in carries. Shakur Becton and Brown will round out the depth chart.

"It's an amazing luxury to have a seasoned, talented guy like Norton to step in for us now. He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder, although like everybody here he's seen what Lloyd and Goodman can do and that the kids aren't some fluke. I expect him to step in and do the job to the best of his capability. Which obviously has been good enough to help us hang a banner in the past," said Clark.

Allen throws one of his five touchdown passes against Minnesota.

What - if anything - is wrong with Eddie Allen?

Quarterback Eddie Allen was listed #1 on the Heisman hype chart to start the year. After the grace period wore away in which the writers pretended not to overreact to the early goings on this season, Allen dropped straight out of the race and hasn't had a sniff since. What's going on?

In a nutshell, Allen is throwing the ball as well - if less - than he ever has. He's on pace to eclipse his previous best in touchdowns while greatly decreasing his interceptions. The most obvious change is that Allen is not gaining nearly as many yards on the ground. Last year, Allen reached new heights in averaging 8.2 yards per carry - good for 87.6 yards per game, totaling 1,226 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He was nearly unstoppable, and anytime it looked like he might be bottled up for a game, he usually broke a big gain late that helped his totals along. Games 2 and 3, against Iowa State and Rutgers, provided a glimpse of what Allen did more routinely last year, which was break off big, game-changing runs. However, he was held to an average of 4.4 yards on 11 carries by Indiana, and last week ran it just three times for zero yards. Yep - Zero.

Even in the games where Allen ran for more yards, much of it was scrambling, which was less of his production last year. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said that while he has not deliberately limited Allen's running game, the team has needed him less this year.

"Minnesota were obviously picking their poison last week, they were watching Eddie very carefully. They did a good job of stopping hiim when he kept the ball. We still got our yards, so there shouldn't be any concern. Also, we have some wrinkles we can certainly throw in there in the upcoming weeks if we need Eddie to step back up and get some yards on the ground. However, overall, we're happy where he's at right now. If he has fewer carries, that's fewer chances to get injured. We'll just take it game by game."

[moose141]

Re: Hawk Blog Update

Tough for Eddie to rack up the yardage like he did last season when you've got Larry legend out here rushing for 235! What a game for him, although it will be interesting to see how the offensive gameplan has to change (if at all) with him out of the lineup. On another note, going back to the Indiana game, aesthetically, those all black shoes with the yellow Nike swooshes on them are unreal. That picture of Eddie going to throw the pass where you can see the full uni and those black kicks are on display is stellar *chef's kiss*

[OldHossRadbourn]

Re: The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)

Did I just jinx Larry Llyod? Damn!

[Hellisan]

2021 Midseason Update






For the most part, this is where my out of conference info will start to flow on an annual basis as I just don't think people care too much until the big moves are being made at the end. I kinda don't either I've also decided I don't really care about the Heisman too much anymore, at least not until the end of the year. I really should do a much better job of covering Big Ten action though, even early in the year. Thanks for following

[djp73]

Re: The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)

Cool way to do that update. Looks like you doubled up on Ohio's rest of the way info for y'all. What's that look like ?

[Hellisan]

2021 - Week 8 Preview - The Battle for the Heartland Trophy



Note: Elliott will be out approximately 12 weeks.

Wisconsin has a potent offense this year. As usual, much will be about how much gets lost in translation between simulation and a real game. Will they get their dangerous backup running back any carries? Their wide receiver crew goes five deep with size and speed. Their quarterback doesn't look like a game breaker on paper, but is incredibly aware (89 awareness) which may give the Iowa defense problems. Between the size and strength of Herron and the speed and acceleration of the shifty Johnson, the defensive front 7 has to play with sound gap integrity to allow the linebackers time to make their reads on pass versus run.

An interesting player for Wisconsin is linebacker Michael Carlson. A former athlete, Wisconsin has him slated to possibly play in the nickle. At that position he might be diced up by the Iowa passing attack, and if he is played at linebacker, it will be a point of emphasis to run right at him as he has trouble getting off blocks. It looks like another great matchup between these two storied Big Ten teams.


TE Elliott hurt in practice - Will miss rest of regular season

Backup tight end Jason Elliott will likely be unavailable until a bowl game after suffering a hip injury while being tackled in practice. Elliott is an important part of the depth at the position; Powers Garrett will now be elevated to a clear #3, and play behind C.J. Terry some of the time.

Three Early Commits Bolster 2021 Recruiting Class

Iowa had some good news on the recruiting trail following their victory against Minnesota. QB Joshua Mack (Utah), athlete Drew Farmer (Texas), and wide receiver Andre Kpaka (pronounced 'Pocka', Texas) have given word as early commitments to the 2021 Iowa recruiting class. Coach Clark was pleased to report on the arrival of the three players, all of whom are rated 4 stars by Rivals.

"Recruiting is important every year. Getting some commits early gives us some momentum. You can feel it on the recruiting trail and I'm happy to welcome these young players into the mix. Can't say too much about them for now, but they are talented players that will have a role to play on this team in the coming years."

Mack is known as an average armed running QB with borderline elite speed for the position, but certainly a major step down from Eddie Allen. The 6'1", 190 lb QB out of Highland, UT is the 6th rated QB in the class and is highly elusive in the open field. Any coach will hope that he can grow into the role, and become an accurate passer over time. His throwing power (83) and accuracy (80) are less than stellar, but projectable to the level of a star player if he improves well.


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Tough for Eddie to rack up the yardage like he did last season when you've got Larry legend out here rushing for 235! What a game for him, although it will be interesting to see how the offensive gameplan has to change (if at all) with him out of the lineup. On another note, going back to the Indiana game, aesthetically, those all black shoes with the yellow Nike swooshes on them are unreal. That picture of Eddie going to throw the pass where you can see the full uni and those black kicks are on display is stellar *chef's kiss*

Definitely my favorite shoes of the ones we have, and I try not to over use them, but they are the ones that still sort of look modern. hahah. As far as the game plan, I think Goodman will be able to take more carries without doing returns of any kind, and then might even break a long one or two if he gets more carries. Although Lloyd broke more than him with about an equal number. Can't wait to get him back. Maybe Allen's carries will have to go up, or maybe we'll pass a little more. It depends on the challenges Wisconsin presents. Thanks bro!

Did I just jinx Larry Llyod? Damn!

You old rascal!

Cool way to do that update. Looks like you doubled up on Ohio's rest of the way info for y'all. What's that look like ?

Thanks for the heads up, it's fixed!

[Hellisan]

2021 - Game 6 - #18 Wisconsin at #2 Iowa

[Hellisan]

News and Notes



Injuries Mounting for Hawkeyes

Goodman, Pollino expected to miss time - Gibson Ok

After losing Larry Lloyd for multiple weeks, the Hawkeyes will have to move deeper down the depth chart to find yards on the ground as Kenard Goodman was hurt late in the game and had to leave the field. Goodman left the field under his own power with pain originally determined to be back spasms. However, his back stiffened up and he never came back into the game. It's unclear how much time he will miss, but he has been ruled out for next week against Northwestern.

Center Gino Pollino is lost for the season after suffering devastating injuries to his knee and hip while recovering a fumble. Pollino managed to hang on to the ball, but had to be carted off the field.

Cornerback Joe Gibson, who has 4 interceptions on the season so far, left the game for a few minutes with elbow pain, but went right back in and checks out fine.



Additional Early Commits for Hawkeyes

Commitments now Total 7 for Iowa, including
#1 defensive end prospect in the country

When the coaching staff finalizes the 2021 recruiting class, the win against Wisconsin will be a key moment determining the overall value. It just got quite a bit higher as the number one defensive end recruit, Jordan Kijenmij, has given his verbal commitment to the Hawkeyes.

Kijenmij is an explosive athlete and pursuer of the football. He plays some running back in high school but scouts say he's solely a defensive player at the collegiate level. That doesn't make it any easier for the defensive players trying to tackle him at the high school level.

During a recent recruiting trip defensive coordinator Steve DeRuyter and an assistant coach reportedly took, Kijenmij created consistent pressure and was explosive chasing the ball from the back side. He had no sacks during the game, but his teammates were coming through for sacks time and time again as Kijenmij blew up double teams. Kijenmij showed the opposing quarterback the meaning of the word "respect" on multiple occasions when defending the read option and nearly knocked him out of the game one time.

Some photos from a recent Springdale Bulldogs game...