ISU offense vs. Kent State defense matchups.

**JCloned** · 08-24-2007, 04:30 PM

Look for a back and forth battle between a surprisingly strong Kent State defense and ISU's offense. Kent State sent 3 defenders to the NFL in this springs draft and expect to continue to be strong defensively.

I posted a full write up of my assessment of the matchups and what will happen when ISU has the ball on my blog. I also recently added the breakdowns on ISU offensive line starters and 2 deeps. For the Kent State analysis I will add special teams this weekend followed by ISU defense vs. Kent State offense.

Blog Link

**JCloned** · 08-24-2007, 06:27 PM

Update: Kent State coach on the radio today describe Jack Williams their cornerback as better and more talented than Young who graduated last spring and was picked in the third round by the saints. I updated my assesment. Should be a fun match up to watch with Blythe

**CLONE2THEBONE** · 08-24-2007, 08:00 PM

I really think that Blythe is going to have an all-american type season and if their db is as good as their coach says, this will be a good measuring stick.

Who knows, the new coaching staff may just run a play or two especially for him. Novel idea for arguably the most talented receiver we've had in a decade.

I also heard that Scales got a little dinged in practice. Anyone hear anything?

**lennon3** · 08-24-2007, 08:02 PM

That could explain why they didn't have scales down as a starter in that last update from the ISU Daily!

**ISU_Alum_2000** · 08-24-2007, 08:04 PM

The middle linebacker is Derek Burrell, a 5-11 186 lb. junior.

If that's the case, I recommend pounding the ball up the middle all night.

**Cyclone62** · 08-24-2007, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by lennon3

That could explain why they didn't have scales down as a starter in that last update from the ISU Daily!

First, the ISU Daily is about as accurate as the weathermen on the news. Second, they hire untrained monkeys to "research" and "interview" for that scrap paper.

**JCloned** · 08-25-2007, 12:17 PM

I think we can move the ball some in the middle. It is the most powerful part of our line, but they do have decent size in the d-line. I really think the oline will be much improved in terms of capability. On plays they all are on the same page we will open holes and protect well. With youth, inexperience and lack of snaps together as a unit I think especially early in the season there will be our fair share of blown assignments. So while in principle we should be able to run, it may not be as consistent as we would like.

**JCloned** · 08-25-2007, 03:00 PM

Special Teams breakdown is now up as well. It may be a huge swing point in the game Thursday.

**FunkmasterFlash** · 08-28-2007, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by JCloned

Special Teams breakdown is now up as well. It may be a huge swing point in the game Thursday.

That's what I'm most worried about. KSU's kicking game has sucked donkey balls the past 3 years, probably cost us Bowl bids in '04 and '06.

**JCloned** · 08-29-2007, 03:03 PM

Never tried donkey balls myself, any balls for that matter, but it is hard to argue that as least last year it didn't keep you out of a bowl game. B'tn the kicking game and Edelman getting dinged up last year they probably kept you from being the Mac favorite this year as well.

**Cyphor** · 08-29-2007, 03:18 PM

I think we are going to have a lot of trouble running the ball against this team. Our only real advantage may be our receiver speed. We need to get the ball to guys like Messiah, Sumrall , and Franklin in open space and see what they can do. Otherwise it may be a very long night for the offense.

**bos** · 08-29-2007, 03:36 PM

First off, for the donkey balls, dont make me fire up my thread about strange things you have eaten. 2nd, I am looking forward to a clash. I hope we win but I hope its a battle. It will give our new line guys a fresh look at whats coming against them as far as talent. This may be their only chance to have a stick to measure where they are and where they need to be.

**JCloned** · 08-29-2007, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

First off, for the donkey balls, dont make me fire up my thread about strange things you have eaten. 2nd, I am looking forward to a clash. I hope we win but I hope its a battle. It will give our new line guys a fresh look at whats coming against them as far as talent. This may be their only chance to have a stick to measure where they are and where they need to be.

While as a fanatic I want to blow them out having to do battle throughout the game and then get a satisfying win, probably does more to develop our team for the year. That said I don't want to see a Toledo triple overtime either.

And lets not restart the strange things you have eaten, nor any donkey threads.

**borc4cy** · 08-29-2007, 04:58 PM

Anybdoy have any idea how Mack Brown, and Bob Stoops did for their first games as head coach?

**JCloned** · 08-29-2007, 05:19 PM

Stoops went 7-5 his first year and 13-0 second year.
Brown went 9-3 each of his first two years.

In his first game Stoops Sooners beat Indianna State 49-0. Stoops started 3-0 before losing 2 in a row.
Mack Brown beat New Mexico State 66-36...Mack was 1-2 in his first three games.