ISU really needs a defensive upgrade

**CyCloned** · 11-15-2009, 07:33 AM

I love the fight and effort of the guys on the team, but after watching OSU play TTU last night it is pretty clear that even the usually horrible TTU defense is way more talented than ISUs defense. It looks like some of the commits for next year can really run, so there is some hope.

**Cyclonepride** · 11-15-2009, 07:35 AM

I'm not about to complain about our defense right now. They play with a ton of heart, and we wouldn't be talking about a bowl without that. I am looking forward to the future though.

**bos** · 11-15-2009, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

I'm not about to complain about our defense right now. They play with a ton of heart, and we wouldn't be talking about a bowl without that. I am looking forward to the future though.

I agree.

**CycloneErik** · 11-15-2009, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

I agree.

Me, too. Sure, we could use more speed, but that's on the way.

These guys play with heart, with intelligence, and with tons of heart. I also think they play with lots of heart.

**nickwc** · 11-15-2009, 08:03 AM

wally deserves an A on the year. I'm shocked at how much they have all improved from last year to this year. are we weak in areas? yes, but these guys give 100% so i will be behind these guys 100%. Great job yesterday. key stops in key moments of the game, can't ask much else from the defense.

The offense however needs to get their stuff together.

**d4nim4l** · 11-15-2009, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by CyCloned

I love the fight and effort of the guys on the team, but after watching OSU play TTU last night it is pretty clear that even the usually horrible TTU defense is way more talented than ISUs defense. It looks like some of the commits for next year can really run, so there is some hope.

The two games are an apples to oranges comparison. If we could have moved the ball with any consistency and kept OSU off the field our defense would have been fresher and less likely to breakdown.

Yes, Tech's defense is more athletic than ours, but ours showed a lot of fight against OSU despite all the time they spent on the field.

**CycloneErik** · 11-15-2009, 08:10 AM

Are we counting Rashawn Parker on next year's defense? His presence helps, too.......

**Omaha Cy** · 11-15-2009, 08:13 AM

I hope I'm wrong, but I feel it'll take a couple seasons(2010-11) if not more to breed an actual B12 caliber defense that ISU can rely against teams with great offensive talent.

The improvements over last year have been huge, but they still had no answer for KU and ATM. As good as the 1st half went vs OSU Clones still got a ton of yards dumped on them.. Holding virtually the same ATM squad to 35, down from 49....and OSU(minus Bryant) from 59 to 34 is a great step in the right direction.

Not trying to be a downtrodden Dan, but we have some good players on a bad defense that get replaced next fall, and there will be more growing pains down the road.

**Wesley** · 11-15-2009, 08:26 AM

Any time you only give up 35 or fewer points, you have a chance. Is this not the first year anyone can remember doing that?

This thread should be about why the offense cannot score 20 points with even having a placekicker.

**ISUAlum2002** · 11-15-2009, 08:44 AM

Better strap in, because next year's defensive project looks to be a huge challenge for Wally.

We're losing our entire starting linebacker corps to graduation. We're losing one starting safety and one starting corner (albeit a perpetually embattled corner), and half of the starting defensive line that was already weak to begin with. So, 7 of our 11 starting defensive players will be gone next year. I know people will yap about how it will be a great opportunity for other guys to show what they can do....but if those other guys were good enough to start, they'd be starting.

Hopefully our offense syncs up for next year because next year's defense is going to be reminiscent of the 2008 and 2003 defenses.

**pyrocyz** · 11-15-2009, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by ISUAlum2002

Better strap in, because next year's defensive project looks to be a huge challenge for Wally.

We're losing our entire starting linebacker corps to graduation. We're losing one starting safety and one starting corner (albeit a perpetually embattled corner), and half of the starting defensive line that was already weak to begin with. So, 7 of our 11 starting defensive players will be gone next year. I know people will yap about how it will be a great opportunity for other guys to show what they can do....but if those other guys were good enough to start, they'd be starting.

Hopefully our offense syncs up for next year because next year's defense is going to be reminiscent of the 2008 and 2003 defenses.

From the schemes that we have been using, we are really only losing 2 starting linebackers. Knott and Reeves were also in the game yesterday a lot when the game was on the line.

**ISUonthemove** · 11-15-2009, 08:53 AM

We're in desperate need of a pass rush, but other than that, they're playing MUCH better than expected. I think the talent level will be higher next year but we're going to be really young.

**Omaha Cy** · 11-15-2009, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by ISUonthemove

We're in desperate need of a pass rush, but other than that, they're playing MUCH better than expected. I think the talent level will be higher next year but we're going to be really young.

Ter'ran Benton has been a key loss. The front 4 doesnt create much of a push. Benton was able to get a sack or create some fast closing pressure from the nickel spot. Love to have him back for a bowl game.

**IsUaClone2** · 11-15-2009, 09:23 AM

I've found it interesting that just before the season started Tom Herman thought he was in better shape than Wally thought he was. I know that Tom got hit with more critical injuries than Wally (and adapted extraordinarily considering the available talent in the cupboard), but I thought at the time that Wally was really making more improvements than we were being led to believe. He is a cagy and very experienced coach. Tom is a very innovative and smart coach. Combining them with a very passionate and compassionate coach like Rhoads is producing amazing results. I couldn't be prouder of our coaching staff for their skill and dedication just as I couldn't be prouder of the players for their effort and teamwork. I am so proud!

**ISUFan22** · 11-15-2009, 09:43 AM

Our defense has been an asset this season, which is a complete liability from last season's defensive liability/debacle. It's been a huge change.

Further improvements are needed, but we do not even come close to having a chance to go bowling without the level of play from our defense this season.