SPECIAL TEAMS ARE ACTUALLY SPECIAL!!

**GoClones123** · 09-16-2011, 11:18 PM

Alot of talk about the Offense and Defence play, but I think the big seperation in all the games has been our special teams, just check out the stats for the team over the last three games. We are about dead even (Due to close games) in offensive production and defensive output, but look at the HUGE advantage our punting, returns (both kickoff and punt), and our coverage, I think overall our opponents are netting NEGETIVE 1 yards on punt returns.

Vanderkamp (SP) and Lenz, shaky and the coverage teams have been lights out so far.

**BigM** · 09-16-2011, 11:20 PM

its vanderkamp, vanderbeken played basketball

**GoClones123** · 09-16-2011, 11:21 PM

Sorry It's like a Pella phone book at times, thanks for the correction.

**CySmitty** · 09-16-2011, 11:33 PM

Kirby is ******* awesome but at points the kick off coverage looked a little rough tonight.

**cstrunk** · 09-16-2011, 11:35 PM

Special teams was solid tonight. Great job.

**cycfan1** · 09-16-2011, 11:36 PM

Thank goodness that punt did not get blocked... only shaky part of special teams....

**isunorth** · 09-16-2011, 11:45 PM

Our punter is fantastic. Nothing more to say. Impact will be underestimated by casual fans all year, but will be a quiet difference maker in every game.

**GoClones123** · 09-16-2011, 11:57 PM

And anyone else notice that we run like a center wedge on kick offs, seems to be working great. Lenz is consistantly getting close to the 40 yard line. They ran this against Iowa with alot of success, and UCONN tonight the same.

**Clonefan94** · 09-16-2011, 11:59 PM

We are definitely changing field position with ST this year. That's the key to football. I remember telling a Hawkey friend of mine last week. "The big difference in the game this year, is that ISU is the one getting big ST plays." Changing field position is key to any game.

**cyclone87** · 09-17-2011, 12:00 AM

I don't think I would take any other punter in the country over Vanderkamp

**1100011CS** · 09-17-2011, 12:03 AM

Other than field goal kicking, I agree. Kick coverage was a little suspect early this game but made some great plays later.

**cyclones500** · 09-17-2011, 12:36 AM

That's one of the pleasant developments. Yes, FG-kicking is driving me a little nuts, but consider the positives: perfect on PAT's; punting has been near-excellent — no shanks, ability to boom it or pooch, depending on field position; impressive punt coverage; solid returns (both kickoff and punts).

If you throw in the fact Rhoads isn't afraid to mix in fake punts & non-essential onside kicks ... I'm liking it.

I don't remember Iowa State having any kind of consistency or identity with special teams. There have been great kickers, good returners, yes, but not a full package.

**zwclones51** · 09-17-2011, 12:44 AM

I thought tonight was the night we would get a kickoff return for a TD and man were we close on a couple of them! This year it seems like every kickoff could be taken back while in years past it never was like that. There is always HUGE lanes this year and we will bust one.