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

[OldHossRadbourn]

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

My Irish gave you a scare but Jonathan Tay....I mean Larry Lloyd was too much for them. Congrats!

[Tearz49ers]

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

Nobody right now will want to face off against that one-two punch in Allen and Lloyd.

[Hellisan]

Hawk Blog - Morris, Butler deserve more credit

Alonso Morris leads the team in official "pancake" or knockdown blocks

Two Freshmen are paving the way to glory

Butler, Morris lost in the shuffle as media
enamored with offensive skill players

Let's pause from the breathless trance we're in about Eddie Allen and Larry Lloyd long enough to point out a couple of players who mean just as much to the season Iowa is having. They are the muscle that keeps the machine moving on offense and defense.

Freshman guard Alonso Morris had some big shoes to fill after DaShawn Olden graduated after winning team MVP honors and leading the Hawkeyes to a national championship. What he has done is become the most consistent offensive lineman the Hawkeyes have. When big plays are made in the run game, coaches can usually find him right in the thick of the action making something happen. He has been credited with 16 knockdown blocks this year and just one sack allowed.

"It's been a common theme of film review to look and see him there breaking open a hole. He'll knock one guy down then spring the big play by finding the second guy to block. He's kind of done what everyone expected Gino [Pollino] to do. He was the incoming guy getting all the attention and things haven't worked out too well for him this year. Alonso on the other hand has been really special for a fresman. It's great to see," said J.D. Clark.

Another freshman, Brandon Butler stepped in for an Iowa legend and has also produced bigtime. Brian McFadden was known for stuffing the stat sheet at linebacker and Butler is doing the exact same thing. He's not just getting tackles, he's making big plays.

Butler leads the team in tackles with 75 - typical for a middle linebacker. He also has 22 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles on the season. McFadden put up 111 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 3 deflections, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries his senior year. Butler was the team's most improved player in the offseason so it's not exactly surprising to see him excel in the role, but to see him competing for defensive awards is surprising as a freshman. In so doing, he has essentially replaced McFadden as the field general.

"The thing that stands out for sure is his combination of strength and ability to get off blocks," said Clark. "He shocks defenders with his ability to stack and shed. He's violent and quick. There are some things he can work on like becoming a better tackler. We have a lot of confidence he's just going to get better because he's so consistent at putting in the work."

[Hellisan]

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

Let's go Lloyd!!

Every time I look at his ratings I expect to see the big numbers and yet the way he plays in games is all that matters at this point and he's really good. Pushing the pile in short yardage, breaking tackles, and when the blocks go in place he can really run.

Notre Dame being ranked at 5-5 makes me irrationally angry.

I was annoyed too. But I definitely benefited from another "technically" top 25 win.

Always good when you can get off to a quick start, especially when you know that run by the opponent is coming later on.

The big question now isn't about Allen and the Heisman, or Iowa and back-to-back titles, but rather - will Notre Dame remain in the Top 25 at 5-6?

HAHAHAHAHA probably so, I mean it counts as a good loss right? They're racking those up for sure, tough schedule as always.

Larry Legend picking up right where he left off! That combination with Eddie is lethal. Interesting to see the route you go next year, with all the running back depth that you have shown maybe you'll just turn into a power run game and pass it 10 times a game, haha.

It's so much easier to have good nicknames when people come up with them instead of trying to push them inorganically, so thanks for that! And thanks for checking in. I think it's safe to say the ground game will continue to be a big part of the attack. We will probably run more, and throw deep more, if I had to guess. It's going to be really interesting to see where the QB position goes, I'd be lying if I said I had any idea about who will be the starter between the croots and returning guys.

My Irish gave you a scare but Jonathan Tay....I mean Larry Lloyd was too much for them. Congrats!

Thanks man. You were on the train early with Lloyd, it's good to see him getting a following.

Nobody right now will want to face off against that one-two punch in Allen and Lloyd.

It's been a great combination, the good thing is we have Goodman back there who is doing his thing in the passing game as well, he's become a real weapon in that way and can still do it in the running game to boot. Three guys averaging over 66 yards per game on the ground is a recipe for success.

Thanks guys I appreciate you all.

[Hellisan]

2021 - Week 14 - #23 Nebraska at #1 Iowa

Several weeks ago, with work once again taking complete control of my daily life, I was once again wading through a file and my computer just sort of died. Over the course of a day. It was a 6-year old computer, but never had shown any signs that the end was near. I realized that ordering a new CPU online was a no go due to the long waits. I had tons of work to do and some of it was already behind schedule. So I went to Fry's, the biggest electronics superstore in Southern California. SOLD OUT. Apparently people working from home quickly realize their laptop... Not gonna cut it. I couldn't wait for anything but I didn't want to like... buy a Hewlett Packard at Walmart. I ended up finding a decent computer the next day at an Office Depot. It had different monitor jacks than what I had, I had to slowly gather some of the wiring I would need to do all this again.

Sometime in the middle of that hell of work and getting all my programs back together I would need to work (and later chise), I played a game the old fashioned way. No pictures. Jotting down a few notes on a piece of paper but largely forgetting to write anything down and eventually forgetting what really happened in this game. All I know is I'm in a rut throwing interceptions more often than normal; Eddie Allen had two to go along with a pair of touchdown passes. Defenses have really been keying on him heavily in the run game. Even when it's a keep read on the handful of read options we run per game, someone is shutting him down in the backfield more often than not. The interceptions have been all kind, including wrong-button picks. However, a key issue is these guys haven't been getting open lately, and certainly, nobody is getting deep.

It didn't look like that would change against Nebraska - they have an awesome secondary. On the other hand, their receivers were just average so Coach Clark decided to deploy do-it-all CB/WR D.J. Halloway on offense in this game. It's a good thing he did, too, as leading receiver Lukas Halligan was completely shut down. The only balls that came his way were dropped. Halloway really didn't do much in the way of getting open, but he did make a big play or two in this game and eventually led the team in receiving yards.

Kenard Goodman was once again a major factor (17 car, 114 yds; 5 rec, 67 yds, TD). His ability to keep the chains moving with the passing game when all the receivers are white-on-riced helps a lot. Although the fans are clamoring for Larry Lloyd (12 car, 95 yds, 1 TD) Goodman has remained relevant and indeed essential. It's nice to see the former 5-star "bust" continuing to break out.

On defense, cornerback Jaivonn Bender made the play of the game, intercepting a pass and taking it 61 yards for a game altering touchdown. We were nursing a 14-13 lead when the play happened, and that seemed to more than anything strengthen the resolve of the defense. It went from a game where we were playing o.k. to a game in which we dominated on defense at that point. The pass rush went hog wild. David Bryant led the team with 11 tackles and 2 TFL, but four players picked up sacks including two apiece by defensive ends Khayman Chia and Jordan Parsons. Parsons, a freshman linebacker converted to DE due to skills that translated more to a pass rush role, was taken off the redshirt list mid year, and he has added some punch off the edge in our nickle and dime looks.

Once again, the Hawkeyes relied on a strong running game and a few key pass plays to do just enough to get the win.

Ohio State and Iowa to play for the Big Ten Championship

Once again, the Buckeyes are there at the end. Urban Meyer, one of the most prodigious and consistent winner the college game has ever seen as a coach, is 217-44 in his career with 4 national titles. He is starting to approach the lofty standard of the great Tom Osborne (255-49-3) in terms of winning percentage and already has one more title than the Nebraska great. Coach Clark by comparison is a meager 90-29 but his star is certainly on the rise. To boot, Clark has come out on top against Meyer more often than not in a string of exciting games.

Can the Hawkeyes come out on top against the Machine that is Ohio State? Or will the dastardly demons from Columbus claim the Big Ten Title and sneak into the National Championship game once again? Tune in hopefully soon to find out.


Recruiting just about wrapped up - Clark and Co. will compete for a few extra recruits in the offseason. Like most seasons, Clark had a trio of offensive linemen right near the top of his board. All ended up signing within the past week after watching Nebraska get mowed down by the defense of the Hawkeyes.

Tackle Darren Bower and guard Richard Stinson aren't quite the studs Clark and co. anticipated at 75 OVR and Tarvais Whalen at center was even less impressive at 69 OVR, however it is just good to get more linemen in the pipeline to hopefully develop. All three have talent. One of the afterthoughts on the board was Quincy Lowery for much of the year. The running back from Florida was tacked on because he had some interest in the Hawkeyes and had good speed, but he was never at the center of Clark's recruiting efforts until Clark noticed he Lowery was leaving the door open to speak with him despite being almost ready to sign with Tulsa. Now, Clark and co. have the inside track on landing the speedy but powerful Lowery.

[Hellisan]

2021 - Pre-Championship Week Overview

Skipped ahead just a tad....

[Hellisan]

2021 - Big Ten Conference Championship Preview



As usual, Coach Clark and his squad will have their hands full against a talented Ohio State squad. The good thing is, Coach Clark (as he likes to say) has Eddie Allen. Allen has had more than his fair share of success against Ohio State. In 2019, Allen and co. beat #1 ranked Ohio State 55-35 in the regular season as Allen threw for 253 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 160 additional yards and two touchdowns. A familiar name, Nigel Atkinson, had 139 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns in that game and caught a touchdown pass as well.

Ohio State got their revenge that season, besting the Hawkeyes 24-17 for the Big Ten conference championship and ultimately winning the National Championship. Allen was held to 182 yards passing and picked off twice, and was held to 10 yards on five carries. Clearly, Ohio State had a better plan in the second game.

Last year, Iowa showed why it's so much harder to win the Big Ten than a conference like the Big 12. Beat Ohio State in the regular season? Great. You'll have to do it again for the league championship - and they did just that. Allen was held in check in the first game through the air, held to just 141 yards and 2 INT as he couldn't find an open receiver. Yet, Allen gashed the Buckeyes on the ground with 144 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 9 carries, including a 77-yard touchdown run.

Allen did it to the Buckeyes again in the conference championship game, allowing the Hawkeyes to go all the way and claim a National Championship. With a supporting cast that is outmanned by Ohio State year in and year out, he was smarter in the second game and completed 12 of 18 passes for 149 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. His 177 yards on the ground, a 75-yard touchdown run representing one of his two scores, were enough to get the job done.

Look for Iowa to focus on the running game once again. Even when he's not getting yards (he has been more limited this year) Allen can be a huge decoy and he allows Kenard Goodman and Larry Lloyd big lanes to run through when opponents choose to guard Allen. Ohio State has a strong defense, however, the interior of their defensive line is small and not incredibly strong. Look for Iowa to focus on the interior running game at times. The Hawkeyes will need Lukas Halligan to bounce back from a game in which he caught zero passes and dropped at least two.

On defense, the theme will likely be the same. Make Jonathan Hunter pass the ball. The Bucks have incredible receivers, but Hunter is not a gifted passer. It will be easier said than done. Hunter is a great runner and the team once again has a dominant offensive line and a plethora of options at running back. If Ohio State doesn't out think themselves, they could give the Hawkeyes real problems in this game.

The question of where to line up D.J. Halloway was not a difficult one for Coach Clark. Halloway will start on defense, where he can help with the speedy receivers Ohio State has on the field. If the Hawkeyes fall significantly behind, Halloway may be asked to play offense later in the game.

[Deuce2223]

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

Good to see Dane is making some impact there at BSU. Hopefully they can grab another "W" and build for next year.

Like seeing Auburn making a run at a Natty, but they got a big test in front of them.


Oh and good luck vs the Buckeyes. Bring home the Chip.

[OldHossRadbourn]

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

FEED LLOYD!!

[Hellisan]

2021 - Big Ten Championship - #4 Ohio State vs #1 Iowa

Good to see Dane is making some impact there at BSU. Hopefully they can grab another "W" and build for next year.

Like seeing Auburn making a run at a Natty, but they got a big test in front of them.


Oh and good luck vs the Buckeyes. Bring home the Chip.

Yeah I would love to see them pick up their 9th win. They haven't gotten 9 wins in awhile, and that could set them up for a big year next season. I keep wondering if I should have Clark play against Iowa next season but kind of leaning against it. I'm not a fan of "inevitable coincidences." Maybe if they put them on my schedule I'll play the game.

FEED LLOYD!!

Oh yeah... The Tomb. Great place for a ball game. They couldn't be bothered to render some security guys and photographers in the end zone?

[Deuce2223]

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

Congrats on the win. Big game for Lloyd and some big time plays by the Defense.

Little bummed to see Auburn lose. Was hoping to see them in a Natty. Then again they havn't won a Natty yet in my dynasty either losing to BSU twice.

[moose141]

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

Big win for the Baby Steelers! Tough game for Eddie, doubt he is in the Heisman consideration but I would've liked to see him have a big game to get himself an honorable mention with the great career that he has had. Larry Legend continues to show up week in and week out, what a day for him to key the offense. He is a gigantic piece and as long as he stays healthy I think he has a College HOF type career ahead of him potentially. Should be fun to see who you've got in the natty, Auburn looked like win and they were in!

[Hellisan]

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

Congrats on the win. Big game for Lloyd and some big time plays by the Defense.

Little bummed to see Auburn lose. Was hoping to see them in a Natty. Then again they havn't won a Natty yet in my dynasty either losing to BSU twice.

Me too. Honestly, a thought creeps in every now and again and sometimes I answer it like... "Make sure Navy loses so they're not in the Natty." I trusted Auburn and they took out Navy awhile back so I was kind of a fan. Yeah the defense was surprisingly solid but most of the blame goes to their QB and the play calling. It was poor. Again. It clearly works in the sims, but the inability of the OSU playbook to consistently let that team live up to their capabilities has directly benefited Coach Clark and Iowa football.

Big win for the Baby Steelers! Tough game for Eddie, doubt he is in the Heisman consideration but I would've liked to see him have a big game to get himself an honorable mention with the great career that he has had. Larry Legend continues to show up week in and week out, what a day for him to key the offense. He is a gigantic piece and as long as he stays healthy I think he has a College HOF type career ahead of him potentially. Should be fun to see who you've got in the natty, Auburn looked like win and they were in!

Yeah, I tried to hint how it wasn't as bad of a game as the stats made it look. He hit big plays in the red zone that didn't get in, and I didn't want to force passes when I knew we could block the interior of their line for a yard. Well we did most of the time, once we settled for a FG. He ran effectively on the ground even if we don't need to give him a lot of carries anymore.

I took a few videos of the offense and Allen included here below. There are some runs blocked perfectly for him, that doesn't happen for the other backs as much and when it does, he turns on the jets. Plus you can see him powering through guys even though his BTK / TRK / STR ratings aren't that great on paper. Fun player. Larry Legend . We'll see how his career shakes out. I also loved how on his long run, our left guard was just uncovered and got 10 yards upfield to pick up a block Halligan had missed to spring Lloyd.

[OldHossRadbourn]

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

Went full Green Bay Power Sweep on that last video

[Careless Whisper]

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

Glad to see this back! Congrats on making it back to the title game - not sure if Coach Clark will like Eddie's little guarantee there, though.