Some things to look for in 2008

clonehome · 04-08-2008, 09:20 PM

Here are a few reasons why I'm excited about 2008

1. We use the running backs in the passing game, and have the backs to do it. (especially that throwback screen to Robinson that was a gold mine against KState's pursuit)

2. Maybe a tight end that can run and catch passes farther down field in Collin Franklin. I like Catlett but I'm hoping Franklin can run as advertised) Mike Banks was a very good player but we haven't had a real receiving threat at TE since Mike Busch 20 yrs ago.

3. Depth at RB

4. Tight coverage on the corner, with an athlete who can do it in Allen Bell and an experienced Chris Singleton. The days of 10 yard cushions are over.

5. I expect a Big XII caliber Oline. we really haven't had that since the Loney teams in 2000, 2001.

6. ever improving drinking establishments in Ames. that brew pub on Main St is great if you've never been, and I like Dublin Bay or whatever that Irish Pub is called on SE 16th St. much better than any of the previous establishments at that locale. please share any other relatively new haunts.

cyfan964 · 04-08-2008, 09:24 PM

Downtown is a new place called DG's Taphouse. It is above the Corner Pocket.... has upwards of 55 beers ON TAP.

cyclonez7 · 04-08-2008, 09:24 PM

Don't forget the new uniforms. I can't wait to see those.

LindenCy · 04-08-2008, 09:27 PM

Don't tell anyone about Dublin Bay. It is great, and we wouldn't want it to start getting crowded. :)

Cyclone711 · 04-08-2008, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by LindenCy

Don't tell anyone about Dublin Bay. It is great, and we wouldn't want it to start getting crowded. :)

ajsp · 04-08-2008, 09:38 PM

Nothing against Meyer, but I am looking forward to having a quarterback who can put some zip on the ball.

Aclone · 04-09-2008, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by clonehome

5. I expect a Big XII caliber Oline. we really haven't had that since the Loney teams in 2000, 2001.

I'll expect a quality Big 12 line by mid or late season, with all of the newcomers. It takes time to meld, and I hope people don't forget that. It the blend sooner, I'll be pleasantly surprised.

I've loved Dublin Bay since it opened. That location was a death trap for restaurants for years before they opened.

CycloneErik · 04-09-2008, 10:54 AM

Can't underestimate the importance of depth at running back, either. That's a really exciting development. We have a chance to wear out a defense or two, instead of being one hit away from disaster.

ISUFan22 · 04-09-2008, 10:57 AM

Um, I think the biggest thing we can expect for this season, is our team not to look completely inept to start the season. Seeing some clips of us playing those early games in '07 this past weekend at the coaching clinic reminded me just how horrible we were in those early games.

We won't be anything close to that this fall.

CycloneErik · 04-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Um, I think the biggest thing we can expect for this season, is our team not to look completely inept to start the season. Seeing some clips of us playing those early games in '07 this past weekend at the coaching clinic reminded me just how horrible we were in those early games.

We won't be anything close to that this fall.

I've tried to forget Kent State and UNI. I remember explaining to my wife just how important the offensive line is. and how scary it was to watch them get beaten so badly.

ISUFan22 · 04-09-2008, 11:00 AM

Can't put that all on our offensive line. Every single position looked horrid early last season...top to bottom.

CycloneErik · 04-09-2008, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Can't put that all on our offensive line. Every single position looked horrid early last season...top to bottom.

Very true. I remember the day when it seemed like Meyer could complete any pass, as long as the jersey he threw to was white. Good thing Iowa wore black that day