Anyone more worried about the Offense than the Defense?

**isuno1fan** · 08-16-2009, 10:29 AM

Maybe it is just me, but I'm just not convinced that we won't struggle on offense this year. From what I've seen, I haven't been overly impressed so far in execution. Additionally, there have been tons of turnovers (mostly interceptions). I remember Arnaud threw 3 or 4 picks in the Spring game (Tiller also had 1 or 2) and I know there were plenty of picks thrown in practice on Thurs/Fri, as well as in the scrimmage yesterday.

Perhaps it is the new system, but I haven't seen anything resembling fluidity and comfort on the Offensive side of the ball YET. I do believe we have the talent there and maybe it is more of the new system and reps to get it clicking, but I am somewhat concerned at this point. The idea we are going to put up 30-40pts per game in the B12 seems like a stretch right now.

On the other hand, I really think the D is going to surprise so long as the O doesn't go 3 and out too often.

Have to see what the games actually produce I guess as it is hard to tell from practices/scrimmages I suppose.

**Bobber** · 08-16-2009, 10:32 AM

It's a new system and it will take a while to learn. We have the tools, just need time to work out the kinks.

The defense is also learning a new system, but I think it's a little less steep learning curve.

I'm sure hoping for good things, but will not be surprised to see some struggles on the field this year.

**ripvdub** · 08-16-2009, 10:34 AM

Coach Herman seems to never have many good things to say about how things are going, but I think Coach Herman is probably a perfectionist and won't be happy until things are clicking on all cylinders. Which won't be for some time. Maybe a few games into the season if not much much longer.

**ajk4st8** · 08-16-2009, 10:35 AM

Depends what you mean by worried.

Do I think the offense could be really not so hot this year? Of course, check the last 3 years. Until we have an offense that puts up huge numbers on the scoreboard and not just in the yardage column. We need someone to come close to being Todd Blythe good for this offense to be good this year, until we can bring in a load of more competent WRs.

I dont know where you got 30-40 points per game in the Big 12. That would put us up there with there with some of the best offenses in the conf.

With that said, I really dont think the D will be better than the O. Too thin and slow in the front 7. No experience at safety.

I really dont want to come across as being overly negative because this team will be the best ISU team since 2005 IMO. There are just a lot of young guys that will need to develop.

I guess there isn't much you dont need to worry about on a team predicted to have 3-4 wins

**Tornado man** · 08-16-2009, 10:38 AM

After watching the scrimmage yesterday, yes I am more concerned about the offense. Burnham has made a huge impact on the D, but remember he is more of a proven coach.

**Psyclone Brian** · 08-16-2009, 10:40 AM

I agree. This is the 1st time (in my experience) that the offense has gone to a continuous "no huddle" O. I think there are going to be some serious and sometimes costly issues with that. (thus the interceptions and turnovers) I just hope that's experimental mishaps that we've been seeing, and "pray" that we're really not looking into these scimmages and the Spring-game all that too seriously. I'm sure the coaching staff doesn't want to share to much with the public, but I to am concerned... I guess we'll just have to wait and see what developes. Go Cyclones!

**isuno1fan** · 08-16-2009, 10:43 AM

I just could see a situation where the D greatly exceeds expectations (i.e. is at least serviceable) and the O wildly underachieves expectations.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

**cmoore_23** · 08-16-2009, 10:45 AM

im not worried.. its just a scrimmage.. i think there will be struggles but they can only get better

**BryceC** · 08-16-2009, 10:47 AM

I am a little concerned about the offense, but there still a little while to work out some kinks. Plus I haven't seen them play yet so I won't be overly concerned until I get to see a game and they look subpar.

**Clonehomer** · 08-16-2009, 11:00 AM

Well they have only been practicing this fall for a short time. They have 2-1/2 weeks until they need to have it worked out. It seems that Herman's system is the type to take some time to figure out, but once you do, it can be tough for defenses to contain. Also remember that Coach Burham(sp?) was considered great at defending the spread, so he may have a lot to do with all of those interceptions. Hopefully the team will get used to playing against a good pass D and it'll be easier when we get to the season.

**ajk4st8** · 08-16-2009, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by BryceC

I am a little concerned about the offense, but there still a little while to work out some kinks. Plus I haven't seen them play yet so I won't be overly concerned until I get to see a game and they look subpar.

They should be clicking a lot better 2 months from now by the time the Big 12 season rolls around.

**cyclonestate** · 08-16-2009, 11:13 AM

I've observed a number of practices and scrimmages and, yes, I think we'll go through some growing pains as we implement this new offense. But the positives will far outweigh the negatives.

Our rushing game will dramatically improve. No longer will we see defenses with 8 or 9 in the box completely stuffing our running backs like they have for the last several years. When A-Rob and company only have to beat one or two defenders, you'll see our average yards per carry go up significantly.

Our red zone efficiency will greatly improve. Why? Because one of the greatest aspects of this offense is that it employs so many different weapons. That means defenses cannot plan on defending just a few tendencies (i.e., they can't afford to cheat any direction - they have to play straight up, honest defense).

I could keep going, but I believe the bottom line is that this offense allows you to take a group of athletes who may not have the most stars next to their names (e.g., look at the Rice roster) and turn them into a very formidable offense that can move the ball and score points.

**Cydkar** · 08-16-2009, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Tornado man

After watching the scrimmage yesterday, yes I am more concerned about the offense. Burnham has made a huge impact on the D, but remember he is more of a proven coach.

I think the defense SHOULD be ahead of the offense right now. If not, I'd be worried.

**isuno1fan** · 08-16-2009, 11:30 AM

Good comments and I'm not criticizing the offensive scheme we are implementing. I'm just concerned about our ability to execute at this moment.
Additionally, any improvement that is there on the D side of the ball will quickly go away if they are on the field too often.
I do have faith though!

**Aclone** · 08-16-2009, 11:40 AM

Worried? No. Not in the first scrimmage of the year. Besides, those mistakes are going to give the coaches something to hammer the offensive players on all week in practice.