It would seem only fair as this QB competition continues. Let's reverse the roles and see if it makes any difference in performance.
Hecklinski should start vs. ISU to see how he does in that role
- Thread starter DukeSlater
- Start date
It's going to be interesting to see how Hank deals with the pressure. ISU is either stunting or blitzing on most downs. They are most certain to load the box, which will give the deep threats an opportunity. The read option possibility with Heck looking really promising, against a terrible defense.
If game #2 were against UNI this might be an ok idea. But even though ISU is down this year, they aren't NIU or UNI, so I don't think this is the time to be switching up QB's when your QB1 did just fine last game.
As far as "fairness" to the QB's, well, sports aren't fair. Heck had a chance to earn the starting job, and was ahead of Hank at the end of the '25 season, but he obviously has not done enough to give himself that opportunity. I'm a big fan of Heck, and considering that Iowa has had to count on their backup QB (and even QB3) every season since '22, chances are we are going to need him, so I hope he stays focused....
As far as "fairness" to the QB's, well, sports aren't fair. Heck had a chance to earn the starting job, and was ahead of Hank at the end of the '25 season, but he obviously has not done enough to give himself that opportunity. I'm a big fan of Heck, and considering that Iowa has had to count on their backup QB (and even QB3) every season since '22, chances are we are going to need him, so I hope he stays focused....
Sure, except there is no QB 1, so there's that. They're trying to decide who that guy is, and since Brown got the nod to start last week, I think it would be strange to start him again this week since Iowa doesn't have a #1 QB. Like I said originally, it would only be fair to start Hecklinski this week and see how he does as the starter and how Brown does as second man in. It's really that simple. The opponent doesn't factor into it at all, IMHO.
Not sure fairness should be a consideration. But in 2008, Christensen started the opener, then Stanzi got the start against ISU, which didn't go well for him, yet he won the job.
Personally, I'll let the staff decide.
Things were different in '08 as Iowa started with two cupcakes before getting ISU 3rd. JC and RS each got a start, then the ISU starter was chosen. Which is why I thought that Heck starting the 2nd game would be a better idea if it were the UNI game. Instead, I think sticking with the guy who started the first game, has more overall experience and who didn't do anything to this point to get demoted should be the starter. If Hank doesn't look so good against ISU, then Heck may get his chance to start vs. UNI.
I suppose, but coaches are paid to do what they have to do to win, not to be fair. I'm sure we could both come up with numerous historical examples. My point was that Heck hasn't earn the benefit of the doubt or any "fairness" from the coaches regarding playing time.
I think I understand what you are saying ... maybe. It sounds like you are suggesting "5 year old" fairness - where everyone gets their turn even if they aren't very good. Yeah, these guys don't expect that.
I think they coaches went the extra mile to be fair - spring practice, fall camp, tracking every stat. That's pretty amazing to me. They could have called it after spring practice and given all the first team reps to one guy.
Anyway, we'll see how it goes this week. If it's close, the guy that's in the game late is your #1.
So wouldn't also be interesting to see how Heck handles the pressure, because we have no idea about that either
It does seem like several people just want this thing to keep going, and hoping upon hope that Brown gets displaced. I just want them to pick a guy and ride him, and hope he gets in a rhythm in the next couple of games. I don't think this switching back and forth is letting either guy play to his best potential.
Brown missing on a few open throws is concerning
Heck throwing the interception not sure since it was fourth down but could have thrown at least a jump ball
Both QBs have me worried for mediocrity
Why are fans treating this game like an exhibition game? Just monkey around with QB rotation, see who’s hot, and go with the flow?
ISU has to be coming in with a ton of confidence. Nothing to lose and facing a team having a QB audition series to series. Fun times.
ISU has to be coming in with a ton of confidence. Nothing to lose and facing a team having a QB audition series to series. Fun times.
I don
I don't think this should be about being fair. I personally feel Hank gives us the best chance to win.
I don't care about who starts, but after rewatching the NIU game I think both should continue to get opportunities until someone separates. It was about dead even as far as I could tell.
Now if Brown starts and is lights out in the first few series, then I'd leave him in until things start to go south. Any signs of what we saw on some of Brown's misses from last week though and I'd give Heck another shot.
Now if Brown starts and is lights out in the first few series, then I'd leave him in until things start to go south. Any signs of what we saw on some of Brown's misses from last week though and I'd give Heck another shot.
They aren't, at least I'm not. After some of Brown's misses last week (especially on plays where there was pressure or he perceived there to be pressure) I'm not sure he gives us the best chance to win.
Agree. Plus this whole 3-3-5 defense?
This isn’t a bottom feeder team Iowa is gonna play.
Fans at Kinnick need to prepare for a nail biter as usual with ISU.
This sounds about right to me. My only caveat would be if Heck has a great week of practice and clearly surpasses Hank. Otherwise, same first half plan as last week. Second half TBD.
They don’t run a 3-3-5 defense, that left with heacock. It might be close early, but the hawk will pull it out, and the stupid **** Roger’s said early about Iowa isn’t going to help their case
I think he was referring to the few times Iowa messed with th 3-3-5 vs NIU.
Edit: Nevermind. After reading better, I tend to agree with your interpretation
I think mediocrity is exactly what we are going to get. I just hope it's not the ceiling.
I guess. My concern is if we do that and get basically the same performance from both guys switching in and out of the lineup, then we go into week 3 no farther ahead then we were in game one, and that can't happen. I don't think either guy is going to take this thing , and be the best version of themselves with both of them playing a couple of series and then the other guy. Both guys will be pressing trying to win the job, and that leads to mistakes. Maybe they are both really even, but Lester still needs to make a decision and it needs to happen this week at the latest.
Brown makes better decisions. Brown does not consistently throw off his back foot. Those two points alone should mean Brown starts Saturday. If he struggles bring in Heck. This back and forth by the coaches deciding who is QB #1 helps no one.
NO NO. What worked last week was a line that opened holes and Moulton ran thru them. QB didn't have much to do with it.
OR doesn't mean either could start. Hank is listed 1st and he will start. 10 will play after a while and if Hank is not moving the team.
Have we not lost the last two? Do you not think that any risk of making that three in a row puts NO pressure on this team. Don't be surprised if we get a good game from the Clones
Don't be surprised if we curb stomp them either. Rocco is gonno. Our Grono was just getting his feathers on his wings when we played them in Ames last year. The year before that was CADE (13 / 29 with 2 picks)!!!!!!!!!!!! We lead 13 - 0 at the half!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crater!
I'd never be surprised by anything in that game. There's certainly pressure, especially for both of these QB's (one of who is getting their last chance to win the starting job, (hopefully).
What do you mean fair? Fair to who? This isn’t a fairness contest. This was a winning contest.
There are legitimate differences of opinion. I think Hecklinski gives Iowa more upside in terms of mobility and as a true dual threat. His accuracy was on display at kids day but he will have to show it on game day. I could be wrong about Brown, time will tell
I was surprised about how well Hank played early. But it seemed very scripted and guys were wide open. And it was NIU. I actually thought Jeremy played well considering the more fluid part of the game and less scripted plays.
The danger tomorrow is Hank struggling early and Jeremy coming in with a lot more pressure than last week.
The danger tomorrow is Hank struggling early and Jeremy coming in with a lot more pressure than last week.
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