Jay Jordan: What to make from Matt Campbell's comments on spring practice

MeowingCows

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I'm continually impressed by how calculated some of Campbell's statements are, and even how within the same presser or even same question he can seamlessly switch between normal coaching banter and targeted, deeper statements. You really do have to pay attention to what he says, because there likely will be something meaningful in it -- it just may not be completely obvious. He fits in a lot of his player commentary this way, even lacing normal player bantering with real statements.
 

NorthCyd

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So pumped!

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madguy30

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I’ve got bad news for you. In two years, both he and McDonald could both go.

The good news is that under CMC, the talent pool keeps getting replenished.

I feel way more comfortable about ISU football losing early draft entrees than basketball for sure.
 

Aclone

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I feel way more comfortable about ISU football losing early draft entrees than basketball for sure.
The only thought that I have on that, is that the football early entries are a lot more ready for the leap than the basketball variety.

I don’t have too many qualms about either team. Both have talent in the wings.
 

clonedude

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I always love Jay's articles, keep it up!

I've completely agreed with him on ISU's offense under CMC. Up until now it has mostly been an offense with running between the tackles, and deep throws to the outside in the passing game, with next to nothing over the middle or to the TE's. Which, when you have Montgomery and Butler (and Lazard before him) I guess made sense. Monty was usually best between the tackles, and then we threw it up to Butler and Lazard deep down the sidelines.

But like Jay says.... I think this year you need to flip that script, at least I HOPE so! As Jay says, I think in the running game we'll attack more on the edges, and then with guys like Milton, Jones, and Akers, I think we might see more underneath stuff and trying to get these guys the ball quickly and in space. And on top of that, we'll also see a lot more of the passing game to the TE's, especially over the middle.

This has bugged me every year since CMC has arrived, but with the personnel we had, maybe it was the best strategy? I'm just hoping to see us attack the edges more this year, utilize the speed of guys like Milton, Jones, and Akers in the short quick passing game, and the TE's over the middle too. In years past, we usually had no answer for teams that blitzed us, but I'm hoping we will this year.
 

swiacy

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In Jay Jordan's previous piece he ripped on the O-Line and took some negative shots on their talent level. And I took him to task for his lack of understanding of offensive line personnel. Now I must give him credit for a "180" and his recognition that this offensive line actually is pretty good. Which I don't think he realized until CMC stated as such. We will see how much they have improved when they get the Hawkeyes. That will be the early test, if they can push Iowa's D-line around we will know that good things are going to happen.
 

JJIII

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In Jay Jordan's previous piece he ripped on the O-Line and took some negative shots on their talent level. And I took him to task for his lack of understanding of offensive line personnel. Now I must give him credit for a "180" and his recognition that this offensive line actually is pretty good. Which I don't think he realized until CMC stated as such. We will see how much they have improved when they get the Hawkeyes. That will be the early test, if they can push Iowa's D-line around we will know that good things are going to happen.

Interestingly, I understand offensive line personnel quite well. I would not call the comments in the article a 180 or even an evaluation of play I have not seen yet. Instead it picks out clues and information regarding perceived improvement by the staff and indications that it is indeed the case. It also points out the tacit admission that the unit has been subpar.

While I welcome all comments and criticism, and greatly appreciate the support, my position remains that all jobs on the line should be open. A point acknowledged therein by the indication that competition remains fierce going in to fall camp. There is talent and that competition and leadership indicates that the talent is being developed and beginning to emerge, which is a necessary and positive development.

I would also dispute that Iowa is the standard. They are the early test, but, for two years, the subpar line has handled Iowa’s defensive line as adequately as many of their opponents. I would view gaps created and all five initial fits against any opponent as a better indicator of improvement.
 

Aclone

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I’m curious, Jay. Who are the five OL who ‘pull well (I think that’s how you phrased it), and who are the starters who don’t?