Smith: Cyclone defense answers the call

[ahaselhu]

I'm not trying to be a downer here, but I've heard this excuse every year in the 30+ years I've been a fan of this team. In a few cases, it was true, but most cases it was ISU doing what they could with what they have. ISU is going to have to find a way to defend a more balanced attack. Where I don't find Stanzi to be the world beater that the Hawkeye faithful think he is, he's definitely going to be better than we saw last night. Most importantly, as I said in my previous post, ISU is going to have to find a way to get pressure on opponents QBs. As well as playing a more disciplined game. Dumb mistakes cost the cyclones quite a few points last night.

All in all though, I was actually impressed with what I saw last night. You can always look at the what ifs and say the outcome could have been a lot different. Hell, it's been the story of my life as a fan of this team. Bottom line is, ISU was in control of the game from the first posession. A few mistakes got them out of their rhythm, but when it counted, they put their nose to the grindstone and took control back. IMO, this is one of the best season openers I've seen ISU play in quite some time. Things were clicking and players were doing their jobs.

I agree. It will be interesting to see how they do next week. I'm not expecting a win, but I do expect it to be at least close going to the 4th quarter. At that point, our lack of depth may hurt us.

[cycloneman003]

I'm very positive after last night's game. We all in all played very well defensively. NIU is a very good rushing team and we held them in check for the most part. Grady hurt us a few times, but that doesnt scare me for next week because although Stanzi is a mobile quarterback, he isnt as fast as Grady and isnt going to kill us with his feet. I dont think we'll get beat up in the run game. We didnt give up any big plays out there so that was good. Secondary looked okay, but they did well enough. I was really happy with the number of deflected passes. DL and LB's did a good job of getting their hands up and that created a few of the turnovers. Over all, we are a very well coached bunch and we did a hell of a job without our best defensive player, Sims. I think we'll be okay next week.

I think next week comes down to the O-Line. If they play well, we've got a shot. It'll be low scoring, but i think we have a chance in this game.

[CyValley]

. . . the one thing that disappointed me still though was our pass rush. We've got to find a way to get more pressure.

Are there ways, or are physical limitations too much to overcome?

I worry that it will require new bodies -- via recruiting -- before this element of the defense develops much more. You fellas who were at the game, you agree? Or, do you believe the current cast of DL Cyclones can improve? The DEs are the key here, or are the interior guys not quite there yet, too?

BTW, how did the four interior DL guys look? Promising? Dutch and McD? Did JBlack play? (I'm not ignoring Bailey J, it's just that he's a senior.)