Monday Musings: Nov. 26, 2012 Edition

**ChrisMWilliams** · 11-26-2012, 10:17 AM

Monday Musings: Nov. 26, 2012 Edition | News | Football | Cyclone Fanatic

**MNCyGuy** · 11-26-2012, 10:32 AM

Have to agree with keeping the game on the last Friday. Outside of the student situation (which I agree, will improve every year this team keeps winning) having the Black Friday Riot on ABC would be a solid annual tradition for both schools.

**Wesley** · 11-26-2012, 10:34 AM

2:30 is the warmest part of the day. Better than the cold, blustery 11:00 Iowa Neb start.

**CyValley** · 11-26-2012, 10:41 AM

What is the length of CPR's contract? (I've forgotten. . . .) Double it. It's ugly, hard work, toiling to construct a sound foundation. But without it, how do you build a superstructure to last? Tough era, rugged conference, perennial doormat program. CPR and staff are doing a fabulous job, a Herculean job. What must we fans do? Continue to build support for this staff and program, and be patient. Better things will come in time.

**ThatllDoCy** · 11-26-2012, 10:41 AM

I agree with you Chris, Paul Rhoads is taking a workman like attitude to building this program. Defense and fundamentals first. We recruit a couple of playmakers and more wins are easy to find. The depth of the Big 12 right now makes what he is doing more difficult and remarkable. Also, a nod should be given to Jamie Pollard and the Bergstroms for the construction of the Football Facility.

**CycloneErik** · 11-26-2012, 10:49 AM

We're making good progress. I'm satisfied while wanting more. It's a strange feeling, but a good place to be with our football history.

Regarding Baylor and inconsistency, isn't this their year for that? Don't they tend to go "big year, yo-yo year" back and forth? With their Elite 8 last year, this year has to be their crazy ride year.

**CyFan61** · 11-26-2012, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by CyValley

What is the length of CPR's contract? (I've forgotten. . . .)

Rhoads' current contract goes through the 2021 season... I think

His original contract went through 2013, but he signed a new 10-year deal after last season, and I'm not sure if that reset the clock or was tacked on to the end of the original one.

**bawbie** · 11-26-2012, 10:56 AM

6-6 is status quo for this program, and that is a good thing. As Chris said, there aren't many times in our history that has been the case. If we'd beat WVU, we had the chance to take the next step upward, and we'll get that chance again next year.

Even though the program "stayed the course" this year in regards to the record, I think there were two major "steps forward" taken this year:

- First, obviously, is the new facility. That is big time, and is a HUGE step forward for the program.
- Second is the fact that every freshman was redshirted. That is unheard of and a big step toward building depth in the program. It will pay huge dividends in the future.

**Wesley** · 11-26-2012, 10:59 AM

Just no more Gene Chizik 3 and 2 win seasons. How embarrassing was that?

**IcSyU** · 11-26-2012, 11:01 AM

I can't remember the last time our WORST loss of the season was only 26. That's, in my opinion, the biggest step we took foward. We actually even scored more points than we gave up. Also a giant step.

**CyValley** · 11-26-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by CyFan61

Rhoads' current contract goes through the 2021 season... I think. His original contract went through 2013, but he signed a new 10-year deal after last season, and I'm not sure if that reset the clock or was tacked on to the end of the original one.

Thank you, CyFan61. I had forgotten the 10-year extension, though with your comment I now recall it. I guess we're good, contract-wise, for a little while. <g>

**MNCyGuy** · 11-26-2012, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by bawbie

6-6 is status quo for this program, and that is a good thing. As Chris said, there aren't many times in our history that has been the case. If we'd beat WVU, we had the chance to take the next step upward, and we'll get that chance again next year.

Even though the program "stayed the course" this year in regards to the record, I think there were two major "steps forward" taken this year:

- First, obviously, is the new facility. That is big time, and is a HUGE step forward for the program.
- Second is the fact that every freshman was redshirted. That is unheard of and a big step toward building depth in the program. It will pay huge dividends in the future.

Well put. The aggravating thing about this year was not the record, it was sitting in the individual games and seeing how close we were to putting it all together and being able to have concrete proof of progress being made. I still think those extra wins are coming sooner than later, but where Rhoads has really succeeded is shoring up the bottom level of this program. The blowouts are getting minimized and 6-6 is starting to feel like a baseline we can depend on.

**CyFan61** · 11-26-2012, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

I can't remember the last time our WORST loss of the season was only 26. That's, in my opinion, the biggest step we took foward. We actually even scored more points than we gave up. Also a giant step.

I was curious, so I looked it up. The last time Iowa State has had a season with a worst loss of less than 26 points was in 2005, when the worst loss was 10 points against Baylor.

I guess I had forgotten how close that '05 team was to greatness. They finished 7-4 in the regular season. Other than that Baylor loss, all three of the other losses were in overtime.

**erikbj** · 11-26-2012, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by CyValley

What is the length of CPR's contract? (I've forgotten. . . .) Double it. It's ugly, hard work, toiling to construct a sound foundation. But without it, how do you build a superstructure to last? Tough era, rugged conference, perennial doormat program. CPR and staff are doing a fabulous job, a Herculean job. What must we fans do? Continue to build support for this staff and program, and be patient. Better things will come in time.

Who are you? Gary Barta? I think a 20 year contract is a bit lengthy, even for the great CPR

**cyhiphopp** · 11-26-2012, 11:12 AM

So CW, who was your wise old sage? I figured you would let us know at the end of your story but you left us hanging.

CPR is doing things the right way. If you want to build a real program you have to start from the ground up. We now have a good foundation and we can go from there.

You can have some success without building a foundation, but it usually doesn't last. Case in point, Auburn. Chizik didn't build a damn thing. He got a Heisman QB handed to him and was luck not to coach himself out of a championship. He lost his coordinators and had to win with his own recruits and everything went in the crapper.

I like the way CPR is doing it better. We may not get a NC win, but we will get higher than ISU has been before in my opinion.