Is this years' team better than we thought?

[Cyched]

I think this Houston game was a little weird being a night road game. Won't have that problem at home.

Didn’t seem like there was a lot of juice in the crowd beyond their students.

Next week will be electric. Campbell finally gets through September undefeated and Rocctober starts now.

I do hope Rocco can get healthy - seems like he’s struggled out of the gate and taken a quarter to get settled in. I’m not too worried about him though.

Between our defense, depth on offense and the way Campbell plays we’ll be in a lot of close games. We’ll have to keep making plays and finish games.

 

[SolterraCyclone]

The Big 12 will get 2 in. I’ve fought this battle and will continue to fight it. Until proven wrong.

I’m not of the opinion the Big 12 will never get 2 in. I think more often than not we actually will.

However, that Utah loss and K-State drubbing by BYU hurt our chances this year. The Big 10 has 5 undefeated teams still, the SEC has 4, the ACC has 3, and the Big 12 has 2. And the Big 12 teams with the potential for a CFP berths with 1 loss have pretty bad losses (CU’s ass kicking by Nebraska, K-State got Molly whooped by BYU, UCF drubbed at home by CU, Utah lost at home to Arizona, albeit without their starting QB).

Lot of season left, but I’d say it’s not trending in the right direction

 

[ExCyment]

Minnesota has lost 5 Big 10 games in a row and 6 out of 8 dating back to last year. I wouldn't give Iowa too much credit for beating them.

Row the boat.

 

[ExCyment]

Which is why I explicitly said he wasn't going to be that. I'm not sure, though, where this idea that Breece was some sort of yard grinding power back came from because that was never what made him great. He had adequate strength and ability when needed but that's not what he was...ever. He operated with very much the same style as Sama in that they want to elude and get to space. There's a reason the Jets went out and got Braelon Allen who is truly and one-cut downhill runner. The attributes of Breece and Sama are very much similar in that they are elusive and have home run capability with elite hands out of the backfield. That isn't to mean those attributes are equal in quality. That's to say they want to do the same things. Also, Breece operated with one of the best QBs in the NFL right now which is a distinct advantage, especially compared to what Sama was doing last year. The idea that he's somehow on the cusp of being replaced after 1 game against Iowa and 12 carries against poor teams is just ridiculous.

Breece set up his blockers, Sama in contrast misses holes. They are not at all the same style, Sama showed improvement in the Houston game, but is still too reliant on just his speed. I think he will get there, but he is still unlearning bad habits from what he could get away with in high school because he was so much faster than the defenders.

 

[ExCyment]

4-0 feels pretty damn good, but there are A LOT of things to fix and fast. So far we haven't played anyone tough. North Dakota is a good FCS team, but they're an FCS team. Iowa is not bad, but not all that good either. Arkansas State and Houston suck big time. We could end up getting spanked by a few teams that have looked much better than us.

Our pass defense has been impressive, allowing just 102.5 yards per game with 1 TD and 7 INTs. Our opponents are completing less than 50% of their passes (!) and are averaging just over 8 yards per completion. Per COMPLETION, not per attempt. Again, we haven't played anyone tough, and the teams we have played all have a terrible passing game, but still... those defensive numbers are insane!

The defense overall is giving up 7.25 points per game, 255.3 total yards per game, and has allowed only 3 TDs. They have 10 takeaways and 9 sacks.

Offense is more concerning. The o-line has been average at best. Take away that long run by Sama and he really hasn't looked good this year. Rocco has struggled with accuracy in every game. Play calling has been less than impressive as well, but that's nothing new.

Special teams has been average. Our punters kinda suck.

What has been unimpressive about play calling. I think it has been very good.

 

[AppleCornCy]

I’m not of the opinion the Big 12 will never get 2 in. I think more often than not we actually will.

However, that Utah loss and K-State drubbing by BYU hurt our chances this year. The Big 10 has 5 undefeated teams still, the SEC has 4, the ACC has 3, and the Big 12 has 2. And the Big 12 teams with the potential for a CFP berths with 1 loss have pretty bad losses (CU’s ass kicking by Nebraska, K-State got Molly whooped by BYU, UCF drubbed at home by CU, Utah lost at home to Arizona, albeit without their starting QB).

Lot of season left, but I’d say it’s not trending in the right direction

Until we actually see Rising come back and play a few games, I’m done with the “Utah didn’t have their starting QB, they’re going to be so good when he comes back” narrative. The guy has played one full game since 2022, and his passing stats that year were remarkably similar to Rocco Becht’s stats last year (though Rising is a better runner).

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

I actually take it as a positive this team isn't quite clicking yet. They have room to improve and that's a really exciting potential. This league is WIDE OPEN after Utah lost last night. Gonna be a fun season.

 

[Aclone]

Between our defense, depth on offense and the way Campbell plays we’ll be in a lot of close games. We’ll have to keep making plays and finish games.

In case you didn’t notice, “the way Campbell plays” isn’t the way Campbell plays any more.

The only reason we didn’t score forty yesterday was a lack of execution (Rocco was off), and UH has a reasonably decent defense.

It could have been a tad bit of hangover from the euphoria of scoring 52. I don’t expect that to be an issue against Baylor.

 

[RagingCloner]

While Baylor is a lot better than Houston. I'm not overly worried about next week. It's at home, and Jamie is going all out trying to make this a sell out (I think it will sell out). Crowd should be electric.

I think this Houston game was a little weird being a night road game. Won't have that problem at home.

Baylor will be one of those teams where if we can get a lead, they'll probably quit. They've had too much disappointment already this year.

Honestly, Baylor has had trouble playing full games also. This is the same team ISU beat handily last year, and this year is at home. The B12 is ******* weird this year, but I still feel like we win by 10

 

[Cyched]

In case you didn’t notice, “the way Campbell plays” isn’t the way Campbell plays any more.

The only reason we didn’t score forty yesterday was a lack of execution (Rocco was off), and UH has a reasonably decent defense.

It could have been a tad bit of hangover from the euphoria of scoring 52. I don’t expect that to be an issue against Baylor.

Do we know how much Rocco's shoulder is dinged up? It felt like some of the play calling was a little muted, and I'm wondering if it wasn't because Rocco couldn't push it as much. A lot of throwing short of the sticks - Higgins and Noel made some good plays to get 1st downs.

At the same time, the TD to Higgins that got called back and the 1 on 1 TD were good throws.

I have more confidence with our RB depth - Hansen and Jackson have been especially good when the offense can get into 2nd/3rd and short. Feels like that's been missing some years.

 

[Aclone]

I have absolutely no idea what to expect this week. I think Baylor is a quite a bit better team than Houston is, but I think we're capable of playing a LOT better too than we did this week. I feel like it's going to come down to the last few plays unfortunately... I hate the nail biters!!

Looking at the updated conference stats, Houston and Baylor are literally right next to each other in both total offense and total defense.

Baylor #15 to Houston’s #16 in total offense, and #6 to Houston’s #5 in total defense.

And Baylor hasn’t played the league’s leading defense yet. Unlike Houston.

Plus, the game is at the Jack.

Folks, please stop hyping up an opponent that’s mediocre at best. Aranda may not have a job this time next week.

 

[NoCreativity]

Row the boat.

6 straight Big 10 losses now for them.

 

[2speedy1]

According to ESPN matchup predictor, it now predicts us to win out.

This is a change this week as before today it had us losing a few games.

Take that for what its worth, its not a perfect predictor as we all have seen, but it is interesting.

 

[Aclone]

Offense is more concerning. The o-line has been average at best. Take away that long run by Sama and he really hasn't looked good this year. Rocco has struggled with accuracy in every game. Play calling has been less than impressive as well, but that's nothing new.

Special teams has been average. Our punters kinda suck.

Where to start? Okay, so one at a time, from up front.

OL: On the post game show, Colin Newell was actually gleeful about the OL play yesterday. I’ll be watching fur what Bruns says later, but I think you’re trumped.

Two things…One, we’re working in guys who missed the first two games. And two, Houston actually has a reasonably decent defense—including on DE everyone seems impressed with.

Play calling — I’m at a total loss how you call it “less than impressive”, my friend. Mouser has been a revelation. Rocco being off hasn’t helped, but that won’t stay that way.

Rocco? Specifically against Arkansas State, he only “struggled with accuracy” for a half. Before yesterday, the other games were similar.

Special Teams — yeah, we missed a FG yesterday. Other than that, I have zero complaints about kickoffs, field goals, coverage or returns.

The kick return unit simply isn’t getting much opportunity, is it? I’m okay with that.

None of that makes the unit “average”.

And Perkins seems to be trying too hard in limited opportunities, since Gilbert is pouch kicking. He’ll be fine.

 

[CascadeClone]

ISU, K-State, Arizona, BYU and Utah should all be ranked when the next poll comes out.

And none of them in the Top 10, which is reserved for the P2.

At least we can have the table in the back, by the kitchen.

 

[ISUCyclone06]

Most people had this team slated at 9-10 wins or Bust, and got a lot of **** for it due to never having a 10 win season….. but here we are a quarter of the way through with that still likely.

 

[12191987]

Most people had this team slated at 9-10 wins or Bust, and got a lot of **** for it due to never having a 10 win season….. but here we are a quarter of the way through with that still likely.

This season could not set up better for the Cyclones.

Not only will they achieve success never before seen in Ames, but this won’t be the program’s zenith.

No doubt Campbell’s stock will be at an all-time high, but there is no chance he leaves.

He will have one very important milestone not reached at season’s end.

He isn’t walking away with his ISU win total at 68.

 

[rosshm16]

Remaining games and our odds of winning according to ESPN Matchup Predictor:

Baylor 76.5%
@West Virginia 60.1%
UCF 65.8%
Texas Tech 75.1%
"@"Kansas 56.1%
Cincinnati 72.1%
@utah 50.8%
Kansas State 53.0%

 

[StLouisClone]

If the season ended today, I think these would be the 12 teams in the CFP. You can ignore the AP poll. It doesn't mean much.

SEC: Alabama, Texas, Tenn, GA, Mizzou
B10: Ohio St, Oregon, Penn State
B12: ISU, BYU
ACC: Miami
G5: Boise State

 

[ClubCy]

If the season ended today, I think these would be the 12 teams in the CFP. You can ignore the AP poll. It doesn't mean much.

SEC: Alabama, Texas, Tenn, GA, Mizzou
B10: Ohio St, Oregon, Penn State
B12: ISU, BYU
ACC: Miami
G5: Boise State

Clemson would get in before BYU.