MUST protect our QB against UT

**clonomaniac** · 09-26-2011, 08:45 AM

Steele Jantz is our MVP - even when you give the game ball to Lenz, Money or White. If it isn't for Jantz creating plays, we don't have any of these wins. Now, many of you will say that I am stating the obvious. QBs are always the player to protect. Here's why I wanted to make a new thread of protecting Steele.

We all saw what happened when Steele went down before the half at UCONN. You never want to see your QB hurting like that but we are lucky it happened to end the 1st half and Jantz had some time to evaluate the injury. We saw better decision making by Jantz during the second half, probably because he had to play wiser and our coaches told him a few things during the break.

The point is when Jantz went down and JB took the snap, we could all see that we no longer have a 3-0 team. If something happens to Jantz against Texas, it will get real ugly. Texas is very good against the pass play this year. We will have to run the ball a LOT.

The O Line must protect the QB better than the last three games. If Steele is down, we lose this game or any other BIG XII game in a hurry. Steele needs his fair share of time in the pocket to make educated throws. Protecting Steele Jantz is the main key to any victory if you are Iowa State. Comments?

**mcblogerson** · 09-26-2011, 08:58 AM

If you had read widerightnattylight, you'd know Steele Jantz doesn't need protection because he always pulls it out.

**cyrocksmypants** · 09-26-2011, 09:03 AM

We still need to roll the pocket with him, though. His best plays come when he's using his feet. You can't take away his greatest asset out of fear that he'll get hurt. That said, you can't break Steele, Steele breaks you.

**JUKEBOX** · 09-26-2011, 09:08 AM

You jinxed us.

**Frak** · 09-26-2011, 09:17 AM

I think that he's not nearly as effective when he isn't mobile. They need to move him around and keep Texas off balance.

**longtimeclone** · 09-26-2011, 09:20 AM

Other than blocking for him, I think we need to have a running game to not put too much pressure on him or at least have manageable 3rd downs.

**clonomaniac** · 09-26-2011, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by longtimeclone

Other than blocking for him, I think we need to have a running game to not put too much pressure on him or at least have manageable 3rd downs.

Agreed!!!

**VeloClone** · 09-26-2011, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by longtimeclone

Other than blocking for him, I think we need to have a running game to not put too much pressure on him or at least have manageable 3rd downs.

Yes. I haven't looked up the numbers but in my recollection the offense has had way too many 0, 1 & 2 yard runs so far this season. How many 3rd(or 4th) & 7+'s have we asked Steele to convert? Way too many.

**clonomaniac** · 09-26-2011, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by VeloClone

Yes. I haven't looked up the numbers but in my recollection the offense has had way too many 0, 1 & 2 yard runs so far this season. How many 3rd(or 4th) & 7+'s have we asked Steele to convert? Way too many.

And that's where we have a problem. We need to make his job easier by running with protection from the O Line.

**Clone9** · 09-26-2011, 10:12 AM

OL was amazing against Iowa, IMO. Steele definitely made a lot of plays with his feet, but overall he had great protection. If we can replicate that performance and keep the 3rd downs manageable, we will be ok.

**Clones21** · 09-26-2011, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Frak

I think that he's not nearly as effective when he isn't mobile. They need to move him around and keep Texas off balance.

This is true. I am very surprised he didn't get out of the pocket more against UCONN in the first half. I feel like thats why he couldn't make as many plays and was forcing throws. Let him get out and run. I hope Herman doesn't take away basically his best ability to make plays.

**FootballinTexas** · 09-26-2011, 10:34 AM

I agree with your statement that "we must protect our QB". However, I disagree with rest of your post. The OL has protected pretty good in the past games. No one wants to place any of the blame on Steele and the fact that he is not making the right reads and getting rid of the football on-time. Herman, his OC and position coach, however did place the blame on him in a recent interview. Also, you have to remember that Steele's play in the first 2-3 quarters have put this team in a serious bind. His turnovers ( 7 INT's and 3 Fumbles) are not something he has overcome by himself. The defense and special teams have kept the games close enough for him to make plays in the end. So, in the case of us being 3-0, let's give the MVP to defense and special teams. Lastly, what has JB done to deserve the statement that "if Jantz goes down we won't win any games". How do you know that we would would have been in those same situations. JB is a very good football player and fundamentally sound.

**CycoCyclone** · 09-26-2011, 10:39 AM

According to Cyclones.com, we've only given up 3 sacks in 3 games, I'd say that's pretty damned good.

SACKS BY-Yards 3-24

**VeloClone** · 09-26-2011, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by CycoCyclone

According to Cyclones.com, we've only given up 3 sacks in 3 games, I'd say that's pretty damned good.

SACKS BY-Yards 3-24

Isn't "Sacks by" the sacks the ISU defense has?

EDIT: ISU has given up 4 sacks for 23 yards. They have 3 sacks for 24 yards. They should have another for about 10 due to the intentional grounding in the UConn game.