Winning Ugly

In this episode Dennis talks about how we measure success and why being flashy may not always yield the best results. 

Iowa Football Statistics

Iowa's offense is currently ranked 133 of 133 in the FBS. Through 7 games, they have 13 total offensive TDs and have punted the ball 47 times. They average less than 250 total yards per game.

Despite this, they have a top 10 scoring defense and are sitting comfortably atop the Big 10 West at 6-1.

To have his contract extended beyond June 30, 2024, Ferentz, the son of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, needs his offense to average 25 points over 13 games this season, and the team must win seven games.

And the "Drive to 325" was born.

Six of the top 10 highest-scoring teams (USC, Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida State) are averaging double what Iowa scores on average. The Trojans' offense, which has the highest points-per-game average in college football at 51.8

Iowa ranks 118th or lower, out of 133 FBS teams, in the following eight categories:

Red zone touchdown rate: 118

Points per drive: 119

Three-and-out rate: 127

Yards-per-play: 128

Yards-per-game: 130

Yards-per-game: 132

Yards-per-drive: 132

Success rate average: 132 128th in rushing, 131st in passing)

The Hawkeyes rank dead last in yards per game, averaging 249.2.

Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis - Lessons from a Master – Brad Gilbert

He's been called the best in the world at the mental game of tennis. Brad Gilbert's strokes may not be pretty, but looks aren't everything. He has beaten the tour's biggest names - all by playing his "ugly" game. Now, in Winning Ugly, Gilbert teaches recreational players how to win more often without necessarily even changing their strokes.

The key to success, he says, is to become a better thinking player - to recognize, analyze, and capitalize. That means out-thinking opponents before, during, and after a match - forcing him or her to play your game. Gilbert's unconventional advice includes:

Solid Economic Development Fundamentals

• Build relationships
• Create action
• Action even if not successful, beats inaction

Workforce program

• Know your employers
• Understand their needs
• Be a catalyst

BRE

• Check-ins
• Early warning signs for problems
• Appreciate what you have

Attraction

• Maps
• Utility information
• Up to date data

Solid fundamentals will take you a long way

Add a mix of creativity and relationships and you have a winning formula

William H. “Wee Willie” Keeler was one of the smallest players ever in major league baseball at 5-foot-4, 140 pounds. But he had one of the biggest bats in the game, both figuratively and literally, weighing up to 46 ounces.

His motto was, “Keep your eye on the ball and hit ‘em where they ain’t,” and it certainly worked for the third baseman-turned-outfielder. Keeler had 13 straight seasons in which he batted over .300 and he reached the mark in 16 of the 19 years he played. He had a lifetime average of .345 and for seven straight seasons he also had an on-base percentage that was above .400.