2-1 and 9 Games To Go

[BillyClone]

What has been learned:

1. No one left on our schedule is unbeatable. Texas is probably the best team we have left to face, but they are not the Texas of last year -- they have weaknesses. Neb, OU, Tex Tech have all looked only above average at best. Kansas, K-State, Colorado should be considered locks as they are just not good teams. Missouri has been impressive so far and we will get a better idea of how good they really are once conference play begins. In general, optimism should still be high in regards to our schedule.
2. We have the potential to play with top teams. Iowa is a top 15 team and we had them on the ropes at their place. The Cyclones have the pieces necessary to go head-to-head with just about anyone -- we are a very good team when we play up to our potential.

What needs to be answered:

1. Can the defense tighten up against the short passing game? All three opponents so far have used the short, dump-off passes with great success. You can bet that Texas, Neb, Tex Tech, and Mizz will be looking to do the same.
2. Can the offense keep moving and scoring throughout the entire game? Our points by quarter thru 3 games is: 14-27-12-3. That's 6 first-half TDs and 1 second-half TD. If we are going to keep winning, we need to keep scoring. This offense has too many weapons to not put up more second half points.

My non-professional outlook:

To me, it's simple. If we shore up the passing defense and kick the second-half offense into high gear, we will go 9-3 and win the North. If not, we go 6-6.

[ISUFan22]

Simple...yet a very good look at the future. Nice post.

[chuckd4735]

We also need to start putting more pressure on opposing QB's....we are giving them all the time in the world to do what they want to do.

[ISUFan22]

We also need to start putting more pressure on opposing QB's....we are giving them all the time in the world to do what they want to do.

I agree. Yet it seems apparent our 4 man rush is not going to get it done. Meaning...we'll need to send linebackers/safeties.

Right now our linebackers/safeties can't handle that...as we'll get eaten up in coverage.

[BillyClone]

We also need to start putting more pressure on opposing QB's....we are giving them all the time in the world to do what they want to do.

You are correct -- too much time for the QB just increases his chances of finding an open receiver. This is a part of the problem that this defense must solve or we will continue to get picked apart.