Photo courtesy: University of Iowa Athletic Department
Q: Thoughts on SDSU game?
A: I obviously was disappointed that the game didn’t end in the Jackrabbits favor. However, I am fairly happy with how they played.
First, this is the best defense that South Dakota State’s going to see the entire season. A low scoring game was expected and going into the game, I really didn’t think the Jackrabbits were going to score more than a touchdown. However, I did think they were going to score one touchdown.
They were close, and really had an opportunity, but even with the horrendous field position, I felt as though they should have gotten a few more chances to make some noise. But, hindsight is always 20/20 and there is going to be some good Big Ten offenses that aren’t going to make the drives we were asking SDSU to make.
On defense, I have to give the Jackrabbits an A+ rating. While there are obviously criticisms here and there, the Hawkeyes consistently had great field position, and the Jackrabbits limited scoring as much as possible. People can harp on Petras all they want, but SDSU’s defense impressed me a ton. If they can play like that the rest of the year, they are going to be really stellar.
Q: SDSU was way too conservative on their offensive play calls in my opinion. Why do you think that was and do you think the playbook will open up more against UC Davis next week?
A: At the time, I thought that the Jackrabbits were too conservative as well. But then I remembered just how good the Hawkeyes were in pass defense last season, leading the country with nearly 2 interceptions in 2021. So while it was conservative, I simply think the Jackrabbits were respecting that impressive Hawkeye defense, and tried to get the ball moving on the ground with Davis.
In my eyes, the game plan was to keep the Hawkeyes within striking distance before opening up the passing game last and taking risks. And to be honest, if that was the case, I think it was a lot closer to working than we may realize. I will say though, I wish Gronkowski would have just chucked the ball downfield when he was scrambling to the near side on that 3rd and 7, but otherwise, I don’t think I was too upset with the playing calling.
They gave themselves a chance to win and while I would have liked more risk, I’m not upset. And the Jackrabbits offense not being able to move down the field is the cost that comes with being conservative; the margin for error is small.
Do I think they will be more aggressive in the UC-Davis game? Yes. Cal passed the ball very well against the Aggies, with a high completion rate and three touchdowns. I think the Jackrabbits just ran into the best passing defense in the country and made an adjustment to a style of play we probably won’t see the rest of the season.
Q: How does USD prepare for the rest of the Missouri Valley after the Kansas State game?
A: Well, forget about it.
The Coyotes were just simply outplayed, and they will have a lot of tests ahead. The one thing USD can’t do this season is get down on themselves, as they have a schedule that is difficult, but gives them a legitimate chance at making the playoffs.
Q: Are you a fan of high school football games on Thurdays/Saturday?
A: Yes…and no. I think that it’s nice for anyone who covers the game, and the bowl games that are played in Sioux Falls is really cool. However, I don’t like what they mean in some cases…a lack of officiating.
The lack of young adults signing up for officiating means that there is going to be more games moved to a untraditional times, and the cost of paying officials is going to continually increase. We all know humans aren’t perfect, and mistakes are going to be made. But I don’t think a lot of people realize that officials make way less mistakes than we think they do.
I like the idea that some AAU tournaments are doing with each team having to pay a fee that costs $10-50 dollars per player. If any parent gets kicked out of the games, the team loses the fee. No ejections and you get your money back.
I’m not sure how you can incorporate this at the high school level, other than simply have a no tolerance policy that is enforced a sporting events. Until then, however, we are going to have to live with a shortage of referees and games at untraditional times.
