ISU vs. Northern Iowa what to watch for

'Clones Fan · 09-01-2007, 03:49 PM

After a tough loss on Thursday we must bounce back strong against a in-state opponent.

I like the commitment to run to a certain extent, but establish the run and then focus on a more balanced attack. We will have to run the ball in Big 12 play, but in crunch time you need to pass to get down the field.

I would also like to see the Defensive Line be a bit more aggressive. I felt that there were a few plays in which a lineman or two was more focused on containment rather than going strong at the ball carrier or quarterback.

Obviously, I would like the kicking game to make a couple of field goals to gain some confidence for Shaggy.

Go Clones!

mjones34 · 09-01-2007, 03:50 PM

I'll be JUST as pumped next Saturday for cyclone football as I was Thursday. As much as winning is important to me, having a good time in cyclone country is just as important. And as long as I'm enjoying the games, I'll be there pumped ready to go

AirWalke · 09-01-2007, 05:33 PM

A pass rush will do wonders for this team. Rashawn Parker was the only guy of note that really did anything versus Kent State, I was expecting Kurtis Taylor to do a lot more than he did.

If Parker and Taylor start living up to their billings, the run defense will just come naturally.

I also agree that there needs to be more of a focus on the passing game in practice. I like that we finally have a running back who we can establish the running game with. We need to be able to throw the ball, though, otherwise we'll get stuck in ruts when time is running out, like it did vs. Kent State.

'Clones Fan · 09-01-2007, 06:24 PM

It will be interesting to see what units make the biggest strides from game 1 - game 2. Hopefully Chizik and make some tweaks scheme wise to help with some of it, but much will be on individaul players.

In the secondary the juco Allen Bell looked solid as a corner. He also had a great kick return and seems to have some explosion to him. I wonder why he doesnt get a crack at punts.

ketelmeister · 09-02-2007, 01:51 PM

I agree Clones Fan...we'll see if coaching can help our players move up a notch in play. If we don't get a better pass rush, it will be ugly in the Big 12, and Meyer has to show his leadership this week, or he will probably be watching from the bench. With Arnad and Bates in the wings, the hook may come fast.

jbhtexas · 09-02-2007, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by ketelmeister

Meyer has to show his leadership this week, or he will probably be watching from the bench. With Arnad and Bates in the wings, the hook may come fast.

I agree about the hook coming fast for Meyer. He'll either hit the open receivers, or hit the bench. ISU needs sustained drives on offense to take some pressure off the defense. For that to happen, the QB has to find the open receivers.

Nedrick · 09-02-2007, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by jbhtexas

I agree about the hook coming fast for Meyer. He'll either hit the open receivers, or hit the bench. ISU needs sustained drives on offense to take some pressure off the defense. For that to happen, the QB has to find the open receivers.

For me, it's not as much about Meyer hitting open receivers as it is him locking them in before releasing the ball. I really wish the coaching staff could get him out of the habit of NOT checking down receivers -- esp. when he has the time.

I know, I know...

cstrunk · 09-02-2007, 06:04 PM

I would like to see more hustle, especially when getting to the line of scrimmage. I want to see our defensive front get better containment against the run, and not let opposing quarterbacks scramble for a bunch of yards. I also want to see Meyer like he was as a sophomore (or better).

ripvdub · 09-02-2007, 06:12 PM

Anyone else remember during Bret's 1st couple years he had no hesitation on throwing the ball away rather than force a throw? I remember caused it pissed me off a lot. But now i appreciate it. 3 and outs are better than turnovers.

I think the UNI game will rest upon the shoulders of the D. UNI couldnt stop us last year, we constantly shot ourselves in the foot. If we didnt turn it over or have apenalty, we could drive the field in 2 minutes. We couldnt really stop UNI last year either.

I think UNI wil probably run about the same ***** *** plays that Kent St. ran. So well see what lessons were learned from last week and how good our coaches are.

CycloneSA1911 · 09-02-2007, 06:57 PM

Anyone have 4 tickets available??? Thanks! cyclonesa1911@hotmail.com

ketelmeister · 09-02-2007, 09:47 PM

I hope we come out lite-up.

DaddyMac · 09-02-2007, 10:08 PM

These are the things I forget to take note of during the game.....

But how did the size of Kent St's O-line look to everyone else? I didn't really notice. But given that aside from a few notable exceptions, we got almost nothing resembling pressure on the Kent St QB. Do anyone know -were these guy's good, experienced, big?

I fear that being they are a MAC team, they aren't particularly large or especially talented. Not of the likes of Texas, OU, NU or even iowa anyway.

AirWalke · 09-02-2007, 10:12 PM

My impression was that they were rather large, and you don't allow that many rushing yards without knowing what you're doing. I'll have to look them up to double check, but they looked pretty experienced.

Cyclonepride · 09-02-2007, 10:24 PM

I really think cohesion overcame our talent level for Kent St. I think cohesion will come after a few games. The problem is, UNI probably has it as much as anyone. UNI can play at the level of an Appalachian St., so a loss isn't going to be as huge of an upset as people might think. If we improve as much as I think we can, we should win the game.

Wesley · 09-02-2007, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by Nedrick

For me, it's not as much about Meyer hitting open receivers as it is him locking them in before releasing the ball. I really wish the coaching staff could get him out of the habit of NOT checking down receivers -- esp. when he has the time.

I know, I know...

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM CHANGE THE PLAY AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. hE IS A SENIOR.