I'm sorry to say it, but there needs to be some questions on Herman as OC

[ahaselhu]

So two years ago we lost to OU by 14 points but we have now gotten to point where we lose by 52 points…there is a bigger issue.

We also lost to Texas by 53 the week before that, and lost to UNI and Toledo that year. I think the OU game that year was more the exception than the rule.

[GMackey32]

We also lost to Texas by 53 the week before that, and lost to UNI and Toledo that year. I think the OU game that year was more the exception than the rule.

+1

[RedBlooded]

look at what he has to work with. as soon as the staff starts getting there own guys we will be fine. plus winning doesn't happen over night.

[Arkansas]

Most of our current players were recruited to run a different offensive system. That's a really big part of it.

That said, I'd like to see Herman play to the strengths of the guys we have a little more. Arnaud is a much better passer out of the play action, and rolling to his right (just like Stanzi), but we don't do a lot of it. A-Rob is great in space, but we almost never throw him screens. We have an ex-QB @ WR in Reynolds, and not once have we attempted a reverse pass with him this year.

I feel every week like Herman leaves something on the table, but we shouldn't be calling for his head until he fails with his own players.

spot on

[arganbright2]

I agree that ISU isn't playing with the right type of players (talent and 'system' wise)

Herman has said that he wants leaner lineman that are extremely mobile in the 6'5" or 6'6" region weighing no more than 300 lbs. Burris is the only one that fits that mold.

Arnaud and Tiller are dual threat quarterbacks, hence the predictable read plays all the time and lack of passing ability.

Herman needs speedy possession receivers---ISU has alot of players that fit that mold of a possession receiver (Darks, Lenz, Williams, etc.) but they all lack speed

Franklin is the only TE that should see the field for the team otherwise run a true 5 receiver set.

Overall, based on what Herman did at Rice, there are <5 players on the offense that match up with the system he used

[cyatheart]

While I think he is limited with talent at skill positions and at the Quarterback position, our offense was poor last year and even worse this year. I would hope in year two of his system we would be showing progress. I think if anything we've taken steps back this year. I really think some questions need to be asked on his skills as an OC.

We got a great lesson on how to run an up tempo style of offense last weekend. OU got to the ball and before ISU got set defensively, Jones had thrown the ball and the WR was running down field. None of this pausing and checking with the sideline for whatever they're doing there, none of a bunch of song and dance for a 4 yard out pass to Franklin, etc. We absolutely have no rythym to our offense, our QB play is poor to say the least, and I'm not sure we always put our players in position to be successful.

I know alot of you will say we need a new QB, and put all of our miscues on offense on AA's shoulders, but I am suggesting some questions/blame need to be put on Herman's skills as an OC.

I have no idea if Herman is any good or not, in my book he has 3 more years to show if he is or not. But to say we should try to run a fastbreak offense like OU is crazy. Have you seen our defense? Our offense needs to use as much clock as possible and let them rest. We go 3 and out fast enough without picking up the pace more.

[InCytful]

We also lost to Texas by 53 the week before that, and lost to UNI and Toledo that year. I think the OU game that year was more the exception than the rule.

You are correct. Good post. People forget that we only won 5 games under Chizik's staff (2 in year 2, yes only 2). And yes, the offense wasn't too bad, but not great then, certainly not good enough to cover the 35 pts/game that we gave up going 0-8 against Big XII competition. 2 or 3 bad weeks in a row doesn't end the season necessarily. We've got a game in 2 weeks that'll tell you about the team's progression.

[cyatheart]

Even if he sucks now, my hope is he will figure it out and in a couple years he will be a better OC than he is now. I don't think anyone should think he is a finished product, they guy is like 34 after all. He is still learning and there have been games where I felt the offense did pretty well. I do think he is a smart guy so I am not too worried about it. As many others have said, we simply cannot afford to keep switching schemes, we have been doing that for 30 years and has gotten us nowhere. Herman has to be given as much time as humanely possible to get this going.If Herman doesn't work out and has to be fired, PR's time here will be almost over.

I also think we did play to our strengths last year so I feel like last year Herman did fine. We ran the ball very well, and that was the strength with Reggie, AA and AROB.

[Palmer]

So two years ago we lost to OU by 14 points but we have now gotten to point where we lose by 52 points…there is a bigger issue.

you are so wrong in that comparison...but I will let others point it out.

good luck!

[InCytful]

I have no idea if Herman is any good or not, in my book he has 3 more years to show if he is or not. But to say we should try to run a fastbreak offense like OU is crazy. Have you seen our defense? Our offense needs to use as much clock as possible and let them rest. We go 3 and out fast enough without picking up the pace more.

Exactly. More screens, draws, and zone reads. Stuff that keeps the clock running and kills those teams that get a good rush or blitz in on AA. Heck, if the other teams are that close to our WR's that we can't get separation, we ought to be able to block them on screens. I know it still comes down to AA being able to hit 15 yd outs or other mid-deep throws occasionally, but in the meantime run some clock with as much ball control as we can do to keep the D off the field. Our D plays a lot better if they're off the field more than 3 plays (and a punt) at a time...

[Tornado man]

Hey,

start writing DMac/Chiz giving them thanks for the ****** leftovers.....or follow a different team.

not too difficult.

Hmmm...last year's team featured lots of Mac-recruited starters: we go to a bowl!
This year's team has fewer Mac players...and the team isn't as good.
Not too difficult to figure out...

[CyCloned]

Herman could do a lot better and he has really been schooled by several teams this year and last, but he is also very limited in what he can try to do with the quality and play of the OL and QBs in place. AA really tries hard and fought for everything he did last week. but he is still not a good passer and missed some guys at OU, and threw a couple passes down field out of bounds. Everything in Herman's offense is based on a very accurate passer that can complete short routes in tight coverage and then make the over the top passes when the defense moves up. Right now, noone is afraid of ISU getting behind them, so they have 9 defenders within 8 yards of the LOS. That makes it tough for any offense to go.

[JUKEBOX]

Hmmm...last year's team featured lots of Mac-recruited starters: we go to a bowl!
This year's team has fewer Mac players...and the team isn't as good.
Not too difficult to figure out...

Last year was an easier schedule.

[ahaselhu]

Here is a link to statistics Football Statistics - Iowa State University Athletics Official Web Site - www.CYCLONES.com - The home of Iowa State Cyclone Sports

I am posting yardage and points only the rest are available via the link.

2007 Points/game 18.2 yards/game 326.9
2008 Points/game 25.3 yards/game 386.8
2009 Points/game 20.5 yards/game 364.7
2010 Points/game 22.9 yards/game 307.6

Draw your own conclusions...if any.

Let's keep in mind the level of competition difference between year 2 of McFarland (2008) and year 2 of Herman (2010).


2008 was a year of inflated offensive statistics across the board in the Big XII. Oklahoma (#3), Texas Tech (#4), Oklahoma State (#6), Missouri (#8), Texas (#9), Nebraska (#12), and Kansas (#21) were all in the top 25 nationally in total offense. There wasn't a single Big XII team in the top 25 in total defense. The highest rated defense was #51 Texas. There was likely many bad defenses in the Big XII that year.

The best team we played was 9-4 Iowa or 10-4 Missouri. We faced 5 bowl-eligible teams.

2008:
South Dakota State
Kent (4-8)
@Iowa (9-4)
@UNLV (5-7)
Kansas (8-5)
@Baylor (4-8)
Nebraska (9-4)
TAMU (4-8)
@OSU (9-4)
@Colorado (5-7)
Missouri (10-4)
@KSU (5-7)


In 2010, offenses in the Big XII aren't nearly as prolific. Oklahoma State (#2), Baylor (#8), Oklahoma (#17), TAMU (#18), and Nebraska (#24) rank in the top 25 nationally in total offense. There are currently 2 defenses in the top 25 nationally in total defense. Texas (#4) and Nebraska (#9).

We have only played one team that currently has a losing record (UNI), and I think the 6 FBS teams we've played will all make a bowl game this year, as will at least 3 of the remaining 5, for 9 or 10 bowl teams this year. We are playing 4 teams that potentially could make a BCS bowl (Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Utah).

2010:
Northern Illinois (5-2) [probable finish 9-3 or 10-2]
@Iowa (5-1) [10-2 or 11-1]
KSU (5-1) [7-5 or 8-4]
UNI
Texas Tech (3-3) [6-6 or 7-5]
Utah (6-0) [11-1 or 12-0]
@Oklahoma (6-0) [11-1 or 12-0]
@Texas (4-2) [8-4 or 9-3]
Kansas (2-4) [2-10 or 3-9]
Nebraska (5-1) [9-3 or 10-2]
@Colorado (3-3) [5-7 or 6-6]
Missouri (6-0) [9-3 or 10-2]


IMO, our offensive production under Herman has not been good, but probably about what should be anticipated to this point given the level of competition we've faced.

[RustShack]

I'm looking forward to seeing him next year... Capello at QB(or hopefully at least Barnett). Shontrel Johnson at RB should be really exciting to watch. If Capello is the QB then we might actually see some good stuff from Darks and Johnson at WR with someone who actually has the arm to be a good throwing QB. We should be seeing guys like Gary and West in the slot who are the quick explosive types you want in a Herman offense.