Sunday thoughts

[Lone Clone]

I'd be willing to wager a small sum ($20 or less) that ISU finishes in top half of Big XII in scoring offense.

Solid QB
Couple really good WR
Very good RB

Given the defense, I'm not sure that translates into wins, but that's a pretty good offense.

I think that's probably a good bet, since the OL is a work in progress and last year under Manning showed a lot of improvement over the course of the year. It's good at pass blocking now, but not run blocking.

I think the defense will get better, too. There are several new guys in the front seven, guys who have played a total of two games for ISU, and they have had their moments. The DBs are solid.

Don't get me wrong. When I say the team will struggle to win six games, I'm not ruling out the possibility that it could win even more than six. At this point, the only games I'd say we absolutely aren't going to win are at Oklahoma and West Virginia. It isn't necessary to smoke funny cigarettes to envision ISU beating any (not all) of the other teams on the schedule. But beating TCU and OSU at home and winning at Texas Tech and Kansas State aren't likely.

 

[And1Hawk]

I am one that posts sentiments to drop or reduce this series and I still feel that way after a win. I'd rather have it be a conference game but that's not going to happen.

The reason I want this has nothing to do with winning and losing but everything with wanting to use the power 5 non-con slot occupied by ISU to line up other intriguing power 5 non-con matchups which we can do given our history and name. No that's not games with Alabama but there's a litany of other really good options. These games would help us get our brand seen in other regions and would be good for us. It would give us fans some exciting variety instead of ISU every stinking year.

What ISU fans do not have a clue on is we have multiple meaningful rivalries already in our league. We don't need the ISU game for another when we could use it for another exciting matchup.

As a compromise I would even live with playing this once every 3-4 years. That would give us more flexibility in scheduling that we want. The joke is ISU should want this too for the same reasons but they are so fixiated on Iowa they can't see the forrest through the trees.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Actually I was kidding. History says this game doesn't mean a lot going forward. Iowa will win 5-6 games in a mediocre West division. ISU should have at least a 6-6 record. Hint, OU isn't the 2nd best team in the country. The OSU is not a juggernaut. Maybe third best team in the East. Their QB is really average.

tOSU was exposed week one by Indiana now teams will rush three and drop 8. OU did the same but they are the lone team in the B12 that plays defense.

Regarding ISU, I was wrong and admit it. Their O is damn good and they will win 7-8 games if they play like they did Saturday and can get some stops on D. Worse case, 6-6. I see them beating Akron bad Saturday, upset and pissed of like Texas was after getting beat at home by Maryland.

Iowa will go 9-3, 8-4 worse case scenario. I see a PSU lose due to their juggernaut of an O, and every game from there is a possible win but see them losing to W, tOSU and that's it. They could lose to NW but don't see it happening. Nebby is always circled by KF after the first year beat down as he loves to beat the crap out of them on both sides of the ball.

 

[hawkcub]

Can't argue with a thing LC said. I'll add always respect how LC doesn't go into witness protection when ISU loses this game. Yeah there are many times I completely disagree with the guy but he'll be there to back up his opinion win or lose.

 

[fleming24]

Iowa State IS NOT a good football team. Iowa played as poorly defensively as they will play all season long. The Cyclones will be fortunate to win (5) games this season.
at Akron--W
vs Texas--L
at Oklahoma---L
vs Kansas--W
at Texas Tech---Toss-up
vs TCU--L
at West Virginia---L
vs Oklahoma St--L
at Baylor---W
at Kansas St---.L


.

 

[all2matt]

I too agree that loneclone is good poster and like him here. Secondly as we know the Iowa Iowa state game has no bearing statistically on the rest of season. Ignoring them and appreciating the win is what we should do. It's a rivalry game and some players play above there level. I think that happened with both our QBs, and for the lines ISUs played very well but the jury's still out if that'll continue. Iowas DL got beat for the most part but again the jury's out if that's gonna be the norm or an anomaly

 

[AZmess]

Is the clown board dead? If not, maybe head back over there .... or the Huskerboard is a good place for misery .... and you know it loves company, right?

GFY

 

[Mountain Man Hawk]

Lone, I agreed with most everything you wrote. This was a funny game - basically the opposite of what I expected. What I thought was Iowa's strength (defense), ended up looking pretty poor in stretches. And where I thought Iowa might struggle (passing game), they ended up playing really well.

Credit to ISU - especially that RB Montgomery. When Iowa had the lead 21-10 and all of the momentum, Montgomery made some really incredible plays and broke a whole bunch of tackles that I thought flipped the game.

Also, either ISU has a better Oline than we thought or else Iowa needs to make some changes because we didn't get nearly the amount of penetration that I would have expected and it allowed Park to pick us apart for most of the second half.

I also agree about the refs - ISU got called for almost no penalties (meaning likely some got missed on them as well so it evened out in the end). I agree that MVB had an offensive pass interference that he got away with and there was some contact on Lazard on that play in the end zone. But as the announcers pointed out, in pretty much every game the refs swallow their whistles late in the game and let some stuff go that they might have called earlier in the game.

 

[TheRifleman86]

GFY

What an intelligent reply .... GFY (Good for You) too!!!!

 

[H4wkfan4life]

I can see both teams getting to bowls, but I don't think either one is going to play in a big bowl.

You really think we can't go 3-6 in b1g play?
I'd be pretty shocked if we only win 6 this year

 

[Mountain Man Hawk]

I can see both teams getting to bowls, but I don't think either one is going to play in a big bowl.

You really think we can't go 3-6 in b1g play?
I'd be pretty shocked if we only win 6 this year

Depends on your definition of a "big bowl". I assume he means we likely won't be going to a prestigious bowl with a marquee opponent unless we play a lot better the rest of the season.

 

[Mountain Man Hawk]

Iowa State IS NOT a good football team. Iowa played as poorly defensively as they will play all season long. The Cyclones will be fortunate to win (5) games this season.
at Akron--W
vs Texas--L
at Oklahoma---L
vs Kansas--W
at Texas Tech---Toss-up
vs TCU--L
at West Virginia---L
vs Oklahoma St--L
at Baylor---W
at Kansas St---.L


.

Most ISU fan predictions that I've read have them around 5-6 wins, which is probably what I would predict if I was them. Texas and Baylor have looked bad so far so unless those teams make a lot of improvement they could easily be wins. Obviously Akron and KU are probable wins. I agree, Texas Tech is probably a toss up given its an away game. And as many others have said, if ISU plays like they did Saturday the rest of the year then there are a lot of winnable games on the schedule. Obviously the jury is still out on this year but personally I don't think this is going to be another of those years where ISU plays great against us and then lays an egg the rest of the year.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Depends on your definition of a "big bowl". I assume he means we likely won't be going to a prestigious bowl with a marquee opponent unless we play a lot better the rest of the season.

OOPS, missed the "big" part
yeah, unlikely

 

[AZmess]

What an intelligent reply .... GFY (Good for You) too!!!!

If there was a thumbs down feature that's all I would have done. But alas there is not so I gave you the next best thing.

 

[bagdropper]

I think we saw two offenses ready to exploit the other team's defensive weaknesses more than anything else.

Iowa won because they're better at this than ISU is (in an experience aspect). Iowa should know how to win that game better than ISU does.

I think Iowa's defense has a better chance at being good this year. Call it a "project down the road versus their schedule" type thing.

Lastly...I saw reasons for both fan bases to be optimistic for the rest of the season. To me, the meter is pointing up for both. They both got work to do defensively obviously, but neither is a lost cause after 2 damn games. Both offenses stay healthy, they'll score some points on most everybody on their schedules.


Be patient, folks. We'll have our "answers" soon enough. No sense rubber stamping either team yet.

 

[anon_bb9wlf9kj42py]

Agreed. And don't forget your defense is a sieve also. 4 wins? 5?

I said 5 before the season and I'll stick with it. Akron, KU, and BU are all pretty bad. That's four. Pick up one more along the way.

 

[anon_bb9wlf9kj42py]

I'd be willing to wager a small sum ($20 or less) that ISU finishes in top half of Big XII in scoring offense.

Solid QB
Couple really good WR
Very good RB

Given the defense, I'm not sure that translates into wins, but that's a pretty good offense.

That would be a pretty tall order actually, and I'd take the bet if I was a gambler. In conference games only last year, when ISU was playing better, they still finished 7th. Getting into the top half of the league is going to be a minimum of 30 ppg, probably more like 32 ppg.

 

[anon_bb9wlf9kj42py]

Regarding ISU, I was wrong and admit it. Their O is damn good and they will win 7-8 games if they play like they did Saturday and can get some stops on D. Worse case, 6-6. I see them beating Akron bad Saturday, upset and pissed of like Texas was after getting beat at home by Maryland.

I don't think this performance from ISU can realistically be replicated. Tons of big plays and 38 PPG in regulation with no turnovers is just really unlikely to happen in most cases. On defense, you can't stack the box with 8 to 9 guys in the Big 12. Iowa had their most success when attacking the edge. Big 12 offenses are specifically designed to attack the edge. Most QB's the rest of the way will make the long passes that Stanley missed several times in the game. That same defensive gameplan in the Big 12 will give up 50 PPG in conference play. This might sound backhanded but I honestly don't mean it that way - the game is just played a different way in the Big 12. A big 12 team never would have ran Wadley up the middle that many times for 4 YPC when they could just throw it to the edge.

 

[Lone Clone]

I don't think this performance from ISU can realistically be replicated. Tons of big plays and 38 PPG in regulation with no turnovers is just really unlikely to happen in most cases. On defense, you can't stack the box with 8 to 9 guys in the Big 12. Iowa had their most success when attacking the edge. Big 12 offenses are specifically designed to attack the edge. Most QB's the rest of the way will make the long passes that Stanley missed several times in the game. That same defensive gameplan in the Big 12 will give up 50 PPG in conference play. This might sound backhanded but I honestly don't mean it that way - the game is just played a different way in the Big 12. A big 12 team never would have ran Wadley up the middle that many times for 4 YPC when they could just throw it to the edge.

I agree with all of this except we did have a turnover. A biggie.

 

[millhawk]

The difference in the game is Iowa got their heads straight and played good d when it counted. ISU didn't...did they get tired late in the game? Helped by a dropped pass but that's a lack of execution on ISU. Iowa played good d in the first half then I have no idea what happened. Very disappointing. Iowa usually plays it's best football in November not September. Can you say the same for ISU?We'll see.

 

[DodgerHawki]

I don't think this performance from ISU can realistically be replicated. Tons of big plays and 38 PPG in regulation with no turnovers is just really unlikely to happen in most cases. On defense, you can't stack the box with 8 to 9 guys in the Big 12. Iowa had their most success when attacking the edge. Big 12 offenses are specifically designed to attack the edge. Most QB's the rest of the way will make the long passes that Stanley missed several times in the game. That same defensive gameplan in the Big 12 will give up 50 PPG in conference play. This might sound backhanded but I honestly don't mean it that way - the game is just played a different way in the Big 12. A big 12 team never would have ran Wadley up the middle that many times for 4 YPC when they could just throw it to the edge.

We as fans like to make proclamations based on 1 or 2 games. Teams have much to do yet. Injuries and progressions are important to teams like Iowa or Iowa State. Iowa's depth is decent on the OL, so losing the starting RT for the season -- while a big deal -- isn't as big a deal as losing Wadley or the starting QB might be. Same for ISU.

To the game. Yes, other QB's will hit the long passes that Stanley missed. But neither will Iowa State send the amount of run blitzes they did down after down against B12 offenses, other than perhaps K-State. Both Iowa and ISU forced the other to play a bit out of their comfort zones. Iowa runs way more power formations than ISU typically sees. And ISU runs as good/better spread offense than Iowa will see in the Big 10.

Iowa also can't likely win B1G games giving up 38 points in regulation. Just very unlikely to happen.

 

[TC_Hawk]

I believe that every Hawk fan cares ALOT about this game. But I do believe that it is accurate to say that most want it stopped. The reason that they, and I, believe that it is a no win situation, is because ISU tends to do nothing the rest of the year. I think most Hawk fans want ISU to go on and kick butt this year and show that the game last Saturday is not a fluke. We are tired of having ISU play their asses off against Iowa, only to suck the rest of the year.

Also, good post.

 

[hexumhawk]

Good post by LC.

ISU is a much better and focused team than they were last year no doubt. In all fairness, they probably should have won because I thought they outplayed us through most of the game. Turnover was enormous and ISU had some chances to make plays and didnt.

Iowa finally made plays in a close game against ISU so that was a relief for Iowa fans.

With that said, I still think they need to change the structure of the series. Think it needs to be a 2 home 1 away for Iowa or do 2 on 2 off so we can have more flexibility scheduling. I also think this might help ISU also because they could schedule a gimmie on those other 2 years and get closer to bowl games.

 

[anon_bb9wlf9kj42py]

Agreed with everything Dodger, except I think this defensive game plan is in ISU's comfort zone. Harvey and Lanning at linebacker at this point are much better playing downhill into gaps than playing in space. ISU really struggled to get any pressure on Stanley, and with Big 12 offenses getting the ball out quicker it's tough to say how much room for improvement there is there.

LC - I mean scoring 38 without the ISU defense creating any turnovers will be difficult.

 

[GT Hawkaholic]

I was going to post earlier, but got entranced by some of the comments in some of the threads. Note the use of the modifier "some." There are some crazy sumbitches on this board....and the ones who are the craziest and rabid are, oddly enough, the ones who swear they don't care about this game. And I'm sure they have their responses to this post half-written, even though I haven't finished it yet.

Having said that....

* Congratulations to the Hawkeyes. They were the better team and deserved to win. When almost all of the dust had settled, They were down 7 points, had the ball on their own 11 with 3 minutes left and no timeouts, and they won the game. Yes, of course I can think of several things ISU could/should have done to prevent it, but Iowa made the plays and ISU didn't.

* Wadley was the best player on the field, and I would have said that before the play that tied the game. Cyclone radio re-hash people said after the game he's one of the five best players ISU will face this season, and I certainly hope that's the case. Again, you can talk about missed tackles -- just as some are talking about missed tackles by Hawkeye defenders on Montgomery -- but there's a reason some runners benefit from missed tackles.

* Stanley was the difference. Great game considering his experience and the situation -- hostile, loud environment and having to come from behind a couple of times. Yes, he overthrew a number of receivers, at least two of which seemed certain to be TDs. Whether that's an anomaly or something he just can't do, I have no clue. But other than that, he played a nearly perfect game.

* I could go into a litany of mistakes the Big Ten officiating crew made that helped Iowa, but I'm seeing posts listing the things people think they did that helped ISU, so why bother? Most of the bitching on both sides involves pass interference and holding that weren't called that should have been or that were called and shouldn't have been. Happens every game. This game wasn't decided by a controversial call at the end, which is reason to be grateful.

* Likewise, I could list at least half a dozen plays that would have allowed ISU to win in regulation...and also at least a half a dozen plays that would have allowed Iowa to win in regulation. But that way lies madness.

* Obviously, ISU is a lot better than it was at this point last season. But I'm not ready to say that either of these teams is particularly good. It wasn't Oklahoma-Ohio State we were watching in Ames Saturday, that's for sure. Iowa's defense gave up 38 points and over 400 yards to one of the poorer offenses in the Big XII; ISU gave up several 90-yard TD drives to a team that isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut, either.

* It was a very entertaining game. It was generally a well played and clean game. It's over. Good luck the rest of the way.

Lot of good points in here but I 100% disagree that ISU will have one of the poorest offenses in the Big XII. Lazard and Montgomery will both be playing in the NFL and you have a stable of athletic WR's. Iowa didn't play well defensively but I'd be willing to be PSU might be the only team the rest of the way that can spread us out and beat us via run and pass that easily. Iowa returned a lot from a good defense. I don't feel like this was a Steele Jantz fluke game vs. a bad Iowa team. Iowa State earned what they got, there are certainly better days ahead if the defense can even be serviceable.

 

[mikesright]

I echo the sentiments that this game was not as huge of a harbinger for Iowa State as the average fan might think. I thought we came in with a relatively arrogant or poorly thought out gameplan versus Iowa State on Iowa's defensive side of the ball. We at least adjusted a little, running a dime type package in this game and blitzing a little, but what I really felt we needed to do was get aggressive with nickel and a single high safety in cover 1 robber in single gap scheme and dare them to beat us deep or with out/corner routes outside the numbers. I really feel Park is not an NFL guy with his lack of arm strength and poor accuracy and ball placement. We gave him a lot of easy throws all game. Teams in the Big 12 will play that style and win a lot against ISU considering that they will also not get a huge emotional edge either in another game this season. I predict 5-7 only because the Big 12 is way down this year.

For us, we have some mostly positive things to glean from this performance. Nate Stanley is so far everything I've ever dreamed about as a Hawkeye QB. All the physical tools, the calmness, leadership, and guts of a top QB. He's already as a true sophomore started to fulfill his massive potential. Count ourselves lucky as hell.

Before the season I mentioned several prospects that if they were able to fulfill their athletic potential this year, could result in a truly special season. Stanley, Alaric Jackson, AJ Epenesa, and Brandon Smith. Well, considering 3 of them are playing at a star level and Ihmir Smith Marsette is a star in the making at WR, we're pretty much there offensively. Lets hope AJ gets some more snaps and Phil uses this as a learning opportunity schematically.

 

[Dauminator]

Actually I was kidding. History says this game doesn't mean a lot going forward. Iowa will win 5-6 games in a mediocre West division. ISU should have at least a 6-6 record. Hint, OU isn't the 2nd best team in the country. The OSU is not a juggernaut. Maybe third best team in the East. Their QB is really average.

My look at history says something different. Under Ferentz, when Iowa wins this game, they average 8.2 wins a season. When they lose, they average 5.6 (?-it's close to that if not exact). When Iowa wins in Ames, they average 10 wins. You would expect some kind of correlation in that direction and that it would go both ways. But the numbers for ISU do not work out like that. In fact, average-for-their-history ISU teams do better against Iowa than above average ones. Go figure.

My thoughts 48 hours removed:
-I think the officials had a number of terrible calls and I do not want to see them working any other Iowa games. However, I do not believe they had an impact on the outcome of the game.

-I think the best and most fair result for this game would have been a tie. It's harsh to force OT just to punish someone with a loss when they played very well. I'm just relieved it wasn't us that was punished.

-I am very encouraged for Iowa State's prospects this year. Park just needs a little more consistency, which will come with more starts. Montgomery is legit and was, IMO, the third best performer of the day (after Stanley and Wadley for us). What year is he? I don't look forward to watching the Hawks try and stop him in the future. I think they will have one of the better offenses in their conference and will turn heads in the B12. I fully expect them to reach a bowl game. The biggest thing to me is the fight they showed. When Iowa went up 21-10, with the run game really moving, past ISU teams would have been demoralized and IA would have cruised from there. But they responded in a big way. Yes, they ultimately fell short and that trend needs to be overcome for the turnaround to happen. It showed me enough to think that these Cyclones have a sharper mental edge and can leap that hurdle this season.

-For Iowa, are there defensive concerns? Absolutely. No doubt, and the player quotes confirm they know they have work to do. By year's end, I think we'll look back on this game as an anomoly. ISU has one of the best passing attacks we'll see all season. Traditionally, we know the defense will be there. I focus more on the fact that our passing game is clicking early. Stanley is a good'un, folks. He's been very accurate and effective throwing the ball. Best of all, he showed a great deal of poise Saturday. Expectations were for him to struggle as a young player making his first road start in a snakepit. He passed with flying colors. And I love not only how ISM bounced back, but that the coaches gave him the chance to bounce back.

In 2014, the worst part about losing to ISU was I knew it would be a bad State team. Neither side was good that year and the CyHawk game was an omen. This year, I come away thinking both teams will be competitive. I think both make bowl games, and my summer prediction of 9-3 for Iowa is looking really good.

-Lastly, LC, I don't often agree with you, but I appreciate having sensible non-Iowa fans present.

 

[K OKeefe]

I believe you're thinking of the defensive pass interference called on Manny Rugamba. Matt Vandeberg was never called for offensive pass interference.

You are correct, thanks for the memory jog.

 

[Carolina Hawk]

Iowa State IS NOT a good football team. Iowa played as poorly defensively as they will play all season long. The Cyclones will be fortunate to win (5) games this season.
at Akron--W
vs Texas--L
at Oklahoma---L
vs Kansas--W
at Texas Tech---Toss-up
vs TCU--L
at West Virginia---L
vs Oklahoma St--L
at Baylor---W
at Kansas St---.L


.

Texas is terrible, ISU wins that game by 2 TDs.

 

[Lone Clone]

I really feel Park is not an NFL guy with his lack of arm strength and poor accuracy and ball placement. .

Have you seen Park play? Did you watch Saturday's game?

 

[kceasthawk]

tOSU was exposed week one by Indiana now teams will rush three and drop 8. OU did the same but they are the lone team in the B12 that plays defense.

Regarding ISU, I was wrong and admit it. Their O is damn good and they will win 7-8 games if they play like they did Saturday and can get some stops on D. Worse case, 6-6. I see them beating Akron bad Saturday, upset and pissed of like Texas was after getting beat at home by Maryland.

Iowa will go 9-3, 8-4 worse case scenario. I see a PSU lose due to their juggernaut of an O, and every game from there is a possible win but see them losing to W, tOSU and that's it. They could lose to NW but don't see it happening. Nebby is always circled by KF after the first year beat down as he loves to beat the crap out of them on both sides of the ball.

Thats the thing though, they most likely won't play like they did Saturday, every game. Overall Park had a very good game, but I could certainly see him having a bad game or two where he's missing WR or turning the ball over. I don't think the Clones are good enough to beat a good team without an excellent offensive output like Saturday.

 

[MikeyHawk]

Have you seen Park play? Did you watch Saturday's game?

Sure. Why did Saturday's game show anything different than what was stated?

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

Well, can't disagree with much outside of your thoughts LC except on the officiating. I guess you disagree with the ONE flag (not counting the delay penalty that was taken on purpose) against ISU. Or you think the dozen thrown against Iowa were not enough. I just rewatched to see if my black and gold sunglasses were distorting my vision. NOPE, If it's the pass interference on Vandeberg you're crying about the ball landed 8 yards out of bounds! UNCATCHABLE! Although you're right they did call defensive PI on an UNCATCHABLE ball that went against Iowa.

 

[WadeLookingbill]

(1) Sensible posts as usual by LC; (2) I read every one of his posts in Garrison Keillor's voice.

 

[Lone Clone]

(1) Sensible posts as usual by LC; (2) I read every one of his posts in Garrison Keillor's voice.

You really know how to hurt a guy.

 

[Lone Clone]

Sure. Why did Saturday's game show anything different than what was stated?

He showed arm strength, accuracy and good ball placement. Other than that, nothing, I guess.

 

[fleming24]

Most ISU fan predictions that I've read have them around 5-6 wins, which is probably what I would predict if I was them. Texas and Baylor have looked bad so far so unless those teams make a lot of improvement they could easily be wins. Obviously Akron and KU are probable wins. I agree, Texas Tech is probably a toss up given its an away game. And as many others have said, if ISU plays like they did Saturday the rest of the year then there are a lot of winnable games on the schedule. Obviously the jury is still out on this year but personally I don't think this is going to be another of those years where ISU plays great against us and then lays an egg the rest of the year.

Texas is terrible, ISU wins that game by 2 TDs.

ISU may not win another game other than Kansas. They are DREADFUL, and now NO PARK. Big trouble in Ames. Maybe basketball, wrestling or gymnastics. Bottom line---the Clones athletic programs are tanking and I'm loving it. GO HAWKS!!!!