Does Hawkins getting fired hurt or help ISU?

[Arkansas]

We should win and do so convincingly - no excuses.

Our motivation should be higher than theirs, as a win puts us into a bowl. They have to win three straight conference games to do so - and they currently have won zero.

A loss is inexcusable and should reflect poorly on the staff regarding getting players prepared for a game. I have not seen this as an issue so I have no doubt our guys will be ready and we win the game.

If the ISU football program wants to become one and take the next step - this is a game they simply do not lose. Programs on the rise win this game in a business-as-usual mantra and move on - period.

I completely agree with this. If this team has indeed 'turned the corner' then it's these games that we should expect to win. Our mentality on winning needs to 'turn the corner' as well instead of threads about 'what if we lose?'

[ISU4ME]

Amazingly enough, this team should be 7-3 currently, with a chance to go 8-3 this weekend, potentially finish 9-3 and play for a Big 12 title. Not a single rational person outside Ames, IA would have thought that was even possible - but it ended up being very possible.

When you are that close to such an accomplishment, you don't lose to a pathetic Colorado program. Not unless we're back in '04 and '05. Not unless you are sulking because of what could have been rather than looking forward to what could still be.

That coach is gone and the new one plays to win.

Exactly. At some point our fan base has to realize we can beat anyone on any given day and that we should expect to win certain games regarldess of what the team is going through. This is a game you win if you want to be a top 30 program. No excuses (NU hangover, CU firing coach, injuries, etc.)

Our team expects to win and our fan base needs to adopt the same mentality of no excuses.

[ISUCLONES15]

I could see where Cody Hawkins might feel pressured to go out and try and have a huge game, somewhat in honor of his dad. I think that would be great for ISU as I think we are going to be able to put pressure on him and force him into making some bad decisions. I see a big plus day for ISU on the turnover side.

[tccoach]

I have no idea how motivated the CU team will be on Saturday, but the fans sure sound relieved to have Hawkins gone...they will be out in full force Saturday to support this team and program. Many were planning on not attending in order to send a message to fire Hawkins...now that it is done, they are ready to get back on board. Should be fun, we have a better football team, we should win this game...I hope we get it done.

[UNIGuy4Cy]

I could see where Cody Hawkins might feel pressured to go out and try and have a huge game, somewhat in honor of his dad. I think that would be great for ISU as I think we are going to be able to put pressure on him and force him into making some bad decisions. I see a big plus day for ISU on the turnover side.

This, our dline, against NU on passing downs just tore it up. And NU may be one of the best olines we have faced all season. CU cant compare. This dline has made a 180 degree change over the season. The only thing that worries me in this game in Rodney Stewart, the kid is alot like ARob.

[ruxCYtable]

This, our dline, against NU on passing downs just tore it up. And NU may be one of the best olines we have faced all season. CU cant compare. This dline has made a 180 degree change over the season. The only thing that worries me in this game in Rodney Stewart, the kid is alot like ARob.

Nonsense. I have it on good authority that Rod Stewart has, indeed, lost a step.

[IMG]file:///C:/TEMP/moz-screenshot-3.png[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/TEMP/moz-screenshot-4.png[/IMG]

[tazclone]

CU has been awful for 5 years now, just fired an awful coach, their starting QB was injured and is out for the remainder of the season, their new starting QB is Cody "Pick 6" Hawkins, and they are coming off of one of the all-time greatest 4th quarter meltdowns in NCAA D-1 history in a loss to Kansas (Yes..... the same Kansas that might be one of the worst D-1 teams this year).

ISU has been solid for 2 years now, just hired a young and determined coach, our starting QB is not injured but does have a tendency for a pick 6 here and there, and we are coming off playing a fantastic game on both sides of the ball against #9 Nebraska.

ISU has been playing pretty damn good on both sides of the ball with the lone exception being the first half against Kansas. ISU played 1 solid quarter of football and beat up on KU..... a feat which Colorado couldn't even achieve.

Colorado has absolutely no business even being in this game from a competitive standpoint. There will be no Nebraska game hangover. ISU is going to show up in a bad mood and unfortunately poor Colorado is going to be playing the role of whipping boy this Saturday.

FWIW- We beat that same team at home last year by just a TD. And if I remember right, that idiot coach went for it on 4th and 1 instead of kicking a field goal and they missed a field goal.

My point is , it was a close game last year and it was in our house. this year, they won't have an idiot coach and they are playing at home.