Please Don't Give Up On The Program Yet!

**EZpickins** · 10-19-2008, 08:10 PM

IMO its in the trenches where our problems begin. I think we have play makers on offense (i.e. Sed Johnson, AA, A-Rob & JJ) and on defense (i.e. LJ), but its the o-line that needs to block for these guys to make plays. AA needs some more time to run through his receivers to make a play, and it would help the running game to open holes for these backs to run through. On D we need to pressure the QB and I saw none of that at the Neb. game. If our d-line can get pressure that causes QBs to make mistakes and help out our D. I agree with the fact that GC has talented players, but maybe some experience as well to help turn the corner.

**CY ST8T** · 10-19-2008, 08:11 PM

Plain and simple fellas. It all comes down to the trenches. We have talent, but they aren't so unbelievably talented that they can overcome that. Our O Line looked Horrible as our RB was getting hit 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage. One breakdown on a long run helped our running game, but honestly our line is not Big XII caliber. Then the D line although not as bad still is not getting the pressure we need.

**CY ST8T** · 10-19-2008, 08:12 PM

if that isn't two people thinking alike

**EZpickins** · 10-19-2008, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by CY ST8T

if that isn't two people thinking alike

Haha! Great minds!

**CyCloned** · 10-19-2008, 08:44 PM

There are a lot of problems with the OL and it is not going to get better soon. It is amazing how many times defenders get into the back field untouched. The best solution may be to simplify the running game and maybe move away from the zone blocking. Even putting the two best run blockers on the right side and running right would be better than what is going on now. Also, it would be nice to see the FB get a carry on a quick hitter just one time.

One other thing that has been very clear the last 2 games is that the WRs are just not physical enough. Baylor and NU just manhandled the ISU receivers at the line and really disrupted the timing on the pass routes.

**kingcy** · 10-19-2008, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by cycloneman003

to turn the offense around it will require AA to no longer be the starting quarterback. i have nothing against AA, because right now he is the best player at that position but i really dont see him on the field being a leader in the huddle, he just goes out and runs the plays, the rest of the team doesnt really get energized by him.

next season i expect JT to win the job, and theres not much that can add energy to an offense like a confident young quaterback that can make bigtime plays with his feet and his huge arm

AA is not the problem. When he has time he can make plays. Recently he has been hasnt had time to hand off let alone make a good pass. There are a lot of other problems with the O besides the QB.
Its funny how the RS fresh QB is always better than the starter. AA was suppose to be a huge upgrade from BM. Bates was suppose to be better than AA. In IC JC was suppose to be a big time player, hows that going now. We are always told wait till you see so and so play. Most of the time so and so is nothing special. That is why I am not going to get excited about a player until he sees the field in a game.
As for giving up, I wont on the Cyclones I am a fan and always think there is a chance. I am just tierd of hearing wait till next year, we have been waiting for next year since 2002 and this team always falls short.

**mike4cy** · 10-19-2008, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by SmokinH2O

I think we should just see more output from the O. We have more talent but the O coordinator calls a very conservative game.

Bubble screens don't seem to work well for us. Saw that 6 or more times today and nothing but we kept trying them. I think we could do better if we opened things up and moved AA around the pocket like we did in the 2nd half. He can't just stand in the pocket like Mizzou or KU. O line needs to create some holes.

Gotta take shots downfield, that is the problem right now. WAY to conservative. I understand that it would help if the O line was worth 2 craps and plays could develop...but come on. TAKE A SHOT OR TWO!!

**ISUFan22** · 10-19-2008, 08:59 PM

I haven't lost that lovin' feeling, but I have made some called to see if Tom Cruise is available if I do...

**ISUAlum2002** · 10-19-2008, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by mike4cy

Gotta take shots downfield, that is the problem right now. WAY to conservative. I understand that it would help if the O line was worth 2 craps and plays could develop...but come on. TAKE A SHOT OR TWO!!

I agree. The reason it looks like guys are getting into our backfield untouched the instant the ball is snapped is because there are so many of them in the box attacking our line as they don't respect our passing game. They don't respect our passing game because we don't throw anything downfield.

This team is the prototype team for having to use the pass to set up the run, not vice versa.

**Cy Heavy** · 10-19-2008, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by kingcy

AA is not the problem. When he has time he can make plays. Recently he has been hasnt had time to hand off let alone make a good pass. There are a lot of other problems with the O besides the QB.
Its funny how the RS fresh QB is always better than the starter. AA was suppose to be a huge upgrade from BM. Bates was suppose to be better than AA. In IC JC was suppose to be a big time player, hows that going now. We are always told wait till you see so and so play. Most of the time so and so is nothing special. That is why I am not going to get excited about a player until he sees the field in a game.
As for giving up, I wont on the Cyclones I am a fan and always think there is a chance. I am just tierd of hearing wait till next year, we have been waiting for next year since 2002 and this team always falls short.

Well said. The annual "don't give up on the team" discussion is getting old. I won't give up on the team, but it sucks waiting til next year every year.

**Clonefan94** · 10-19-2008, 09:55 PM

I really didn't choose to be an Iowa State fan, I just am. If it were just as easy as picking to root for a team, I wouldn't have been around this long. That being said, It's getting difficult to watch this team. Iowa State is not losing a fan in me and they never will. I'm just not sure I can continue to watch. Call it fairweather if you will, but it's just becoming waaaay too painful to tune in and hope. I say this now, but don't worry, I know I'll be there cheering for them Saturday. I guess what I would like is to see some effort. I've heard a lot, coaching staff, lack of talent, inexperience, young team, etc. It's all viable. The problem is, when you've been a fan as long as I have, it's like listening to a broken record that just keeps skipping and playing the same phrase over and over. Am I quitting on the team, no, it's just nice to get here and vent a bit. You can only get kicked in the head so many times before you have to tell someone, "Hey, I keep getting kicked in the head and it pisses me off."

**Psyclone** · 10-19-2008, 09:57 PM

Our game day atmosphere has helped us land recruits needed to get this program turned around. If fans abandon the games, our turnaround will made much more difficult.

Make sure and get to the game Saturday. And let everyone know you are there, by cheering on this team for the next to last time this year.

**Bigguns** · 10-19-2008, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Psyclone

Our game day atmosphere has helped us land recruits needed to get this program turned around. If fans abandon the games, our turnaround will made much more difficult.

Make sure and get to the game Saturday. And let everyone know you are there, by cheering on this team for the next to last time this year.

EXACTLY!!

**Erik4Cy** · 10-19-2008, 10:23 PM

I am through with the Cyclone football program...until Saturday

Do I like where our football team is at? Hell no. I am a Cyclone fan until the end of time? Yep.

See ya in the tailgates for HOMECOMING! ALL of saturday to play bags, drink and eat some good food.

**dmclone** · 10-20-2008, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by ISUAlum2002

No kidding, I was moving toward the neg rep button on that one also.

Anyone know what Steve Loney is doing nowadays?

IMO JP made a major error when he told Steve Loney that he would interview him for the HC'ing job and then Loney never got a call. He was a big reason (if not the biggest) for our success when he was here. Loney is also an alumni of ISU and IMO was treated very badily. Even if you already had someone else in mind, Loney deserved a call.