Poll: What is your top storyline for spring football?

**ChrisMWilliams** · 03-21-2010, 06:18 PM

Just an FYI --- I'll be hosting a Spring Football chat on our front page Monday night at 7 p.m. Hope to see you all there! Spring ball starts on Tuesday afternoon. Coach Rhoads will have a Tuesday morning press conference to kick everything off.

**ChrisMWilliams** · 03-22-2010, 11:00 AM

After you vote, feel free to leave a response as to why you went that direction. Don't forget, I'll be chatting about spring football on our front page tonight at 7.

**bos** · 03-22-2010, 11:02 AM

Getting pressure on the quarterback

Because it really hasnt been done. I think once we solve this issue, we will win more games. Sure our offense has some sputters, but if the D cant put pressure on higher caliber opposing offenses, the upsets wont happen.

**nickwc** · 03-22-2010, 11:05 AM

other

how much can AA improve this year? this year is his legacy at Iowa State. He needs to have a good year, not only for himself, but for the team to have any chance at reaching the same level as success as last year.

**Cyclonepride** · 03-22-2010, 11:06 AM

Either "pressure on the qb" or "young linebackers". I went with pressure on the qb, because that will help to take pressure off the linebackers in the passing game.

**heitclone** · 03-22-2010, 11:07 AM

Consistent QB play was my "other", mainly because while I like the strides the defense made last year it is still going to struggle. On the other hand the offense is talented enough to win us ball games, we just need to see it play up to its potential. That starts with the QB.

**mizouse87** · 03-22-2010, 11:08 AM

pressure on the QB. This is vital for any successful defense. Watch out for Aaron Moore. He could be a "sleeper" at the DE position.

**CycoCyclone** · 03-22-2010, 11:10 AM

QB controversy. I think Arnaud needs the pressure to keep him sharper. Did not like the decisions he made down the stretch

**Clone9** · 03-22-2010, 11:10 AM

Young LBs. Pressuring the QB was a problem last year, but we managed...and have many players back on the DL. The LBs are all new with limited playing time....big question mark IMO.

**clone4good** · 03-22-2010, 11:13 AM

Defensive line. Playing pass happy teams this year, i feel we already have a very good secondary that has speed, but you can put that to side if we cant get pressure on the qb.

**Al_4_State** · 03-22-2010, 11:14 AM

Depth at RB.

I think QB play is going to pick up, because these guys aren't learning anything. Herman's year 2 at Rice was a LOT better than year 1. Arnaud played fine in his 2nd year under McFarland, and I think he'll be better this year than last. The guy got injured, mid season, while playing under a new offense.

Depth at RB, however, is a bigger unknown for our offense. Losing A-Rob this year definitely hurt us, because our next guy wasn't anywhere near as effective. Developing depth at RB does 3 things. First, it doesn't require us to grind A-Rob into the ground, secondly it allows us to use him in the passing game more (where he looked very effective), and third if he DOES get injured, we're in a better position to continue effectively on offense.

**Clonegrad07** · 03-22-2010, 11:21 AM

I think our offense will go a far as our defense will allow. We have a lot of experience and solid athletes on the offensive side of the ball who have proven at one time or another that they can play in this league. Our defense was our achillies heal last year and we lost player, so we need to see what our D can do to shut down a Big 12 football team. (and Iowa and Utah)

So with that being said, getting pressure on the ball and I'd also vote for CREATING TURNOVERS!

**Al_4_State** · 03-22-2010, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Clonegrad07

I think our offense will go a far as our defense will allow. We have a lot of experience and solid athletes on the offensive side of the ball who have proven at one time or another that they can play in this league. Our defense was our achillies heal last year and we lost player, so we need to see what our D can do to shut down a Big 12 football team. (and Iowa and Utah)

So with that being said, getting pressure on the ball and I'd also vote for CREATING TURNOVERS!

Our defense did a good job of that last year.

**Clonegrad07** · 03-22-2010, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Al_4_State

Our defense did a good job of that last year.

And they need to again next year for our team to be successful.

**CykoAGR** · 03-22-2010, 11:54 AM

Pressure on the QB-

This did not happen much last year and while our D did a pretty good job of creating TO's to get off of the field we had 16 sacks in 13 games. If we can increase this #, it will take pressure off of the LB's and Secondary on passing downs. Winning FB games starts in the Trenches and we have lost this battle on the defensive side of the ball in most Big XII games.