ISU-Kent State Postgame thread

[Stumpy]

I'm looking forward to hearing some comments from those who were able to go to the game. It's obvious that our defense (particularly on the ground) needs to step it up, but it's hard to identify what is going wrong without seeing it.

It sounded like Bates and Arnaud both had great games (outside of the early mistakes from Arnaud). I know they've stated they want to find the guy, but I see nothing wrong with going with the QB combination we've seen up to this point. They bring very unique skill sets to the table, and utilizing both will keep defenses on their toes.

The running game needs lots of help. Coming into the season, I looked at RB as one of our greatest strengths, but this game brings that into question. You cannot challenge Scales' character, but he had a really rough night getting anything. Good on him for picking up two touchdowns, but we need a back that can get rolling. I feel part of this was also due to playcalling, as it seemed in the second half we were largely running the clock and weren't willing to air it out as much. It's obviously a lot easier for the defense to make stops when they know the run up the middle is coming.

Finally, special teams was great, and has made monumental steps forward from last year. Johnson was electric on returns. Kick coverage was great. Mahoney's showing he's got what it takes, not just on field goals but also on kickoffs. The 48-yarder was definitely a surprise, as I wasn't sure he had that range in him.

 

[everyyard]

2-0... is a bowl game possible? we have a weak conf schedule

as weak as the big 12 is anyway. lets hope not too many of them have qb's and rb's as good as kent state.

 

[demoncore1031]

yes RJ was awesome but what is up with hamilton??

 

[CyCloned]

Well, that was an ugly win. I bet we got outgained by 100 yards. I think a lot of the lack of production was because GC just wanted to run the ball. It sounded like Kent State was run blitzing on almost every down. The passing numbers were quite good, but once, again the inability to gain 1 yard to keed the chains moving made this game way closer than it should have been. The play of Bass was a little disapointing. I though he would be the lightning in the bottle the running game is missing.

I just hope that we don't see a lot of scrambling QBs this year. That was insane to listen to. Probably worse to see.

 

[CyRocket]

South Dakota State beat Youngstown State 40-7. "The" Ohio State only beat Youngstown 43-3. I know you cant compare them but I think it says something about SDSU.

Kent State gave a good BC team a game and held them to 21 point.

What does this all mean???

Nothing, but I think we might be a little hard on our guys. We might be a little better then we appear?

Excellent point. We have to take note of great special teams. Hopefully Our D will improve and I feel it will. The O has so much potential that you can't help be excited about it. Get A-Rod back and open up the playbook and next week will be very interesting.

 

[SpokaneCY]

I'm looking forward to hearing some comments from those who were able to go to the game. It's obvious that our defense (particularly on the ground) needs to step it up, but it's hard to identify what is going wrong without seeing it.

It sounded like Bates and Arnaud both had great games (outside of the early mistakes from Arnaud). I know they've stated they want to find the guy, but I see nothing wrong with going with the QB combination we've seen up to this point. They bring very unique skill sets to the table, and utilizing both will keep defenses on their toes.

The running game needs lots of help. Coming into the season, I looked at RB as one of our greatest strengths, but this game brings that into question. You cannot challenge Scales' character, but he had a really rough night getting anything. Good on him for picking up two touchdowns, but we need a back that can get rolling. I feel part of this was also due to playcalling, as it seemed in the second half we were largely running the clock and weren't willing to air it out as much. It's obviously a lot easier for the defense to make stops when they know the run up the middle is coming.

Finally, special teams was great, and has made monumental steps forward from last year. Johnson was electric on returns. Kick coverage was great. Mahoney's showing he's got what it takes, not just on field goals but also on kickoffs. The 48-yarder was definitely a surprise, as I wasn't sure he had that range in him.

Is it the RBs or the OL?

 

[CyValley]

Arnaud 77% passing completion . . .

rate in two games . . . iirc: 8-11 sdsu, 12-15 ksu.

20-26 = 76.9%

That's pretty effective.

 

[demoncore1031]

i wanted to see jason harris play

 

[ISUFan22]

Re: Arnaud 77% passing completion . . .

rate in two games . . . iirc: 8-11 sdsu, 12-15 ksu.

20-26 = 76.9%

That's pretty effective.

And on the flip side...

33/59 = 55.9%

MUCH better pass defense when compared to the last 2 years.

 

[CyRocket]

Debbie Downer! Come on man, we WON the game!

I have a hard time putting any value in his comments. Someone who has such a strong opinion based on text messages he received from someone at the game while he is located 1000 miles away.

 

[Wx4Cy]

What percentage of Kent State's offense came on 3rd down plays where we had the QB/RB trapped in the backfield?

 

[C.John]

I'm a bit unsettled about the run game, because it's clear that without A-Rob, this running unit is pretty ineffective. .

Just got back into town, missed the entire game:skeptical:..What happened to A-Rob?

 

[ISUFan22]

I have a hard time putting any value in his comments. Someone who has such a strong opinion based on text messages he received from someone at the game while he is located 1000 miles away.

+1

 

[ISUFan22]

Just got back into town, missed the entire game:skeptical:..What happened to A-Rob?

He never played, supposedly he's a little dinged up and will be ready next week.

 

[Arkansas Cyclone]

not sure...from what we understand he's banged up so I'm guessing they held him out to get healthy for Iowa.

 

[SpokaneCY]

He never played, supposedly he's a little dinged up and will be ready next week.

Thigh bruise was the unofficial report...

 

[CyinCo]

I listened to the game on the radio. I can't see why we can't run the ball but I have to suspect the line and not the RBs. I did hear a couple times where blocks were blown by the RBs. But running the ball really comes down to the Oline.

Edit: Wow, ignore all spelling. Too many beers.

 

[Irresponsible]

In the radio background we could hear the crowd chanting, "Beat the Hawks. Beat the Hawks." Eric Heft jokingly said, "Oh, do we have a game with them coming up?" Classic.

 

[C.John]

Thanks guys! I was away from the inter-webs all day/evening and missed everything. Thanks for the info.

 

[Dryburn]

My 2 cents.

Defensive line is not good. Too many rushing yards, but also only a couple of sacks and a couple of hurries on qb. Need a better rush on qb. Gave up too many big plays, both in pass plays and runs.

Not sure what is wrong with running game. (No tv) Seems we run up the middle a lot. Maybe our backs are too slow to get to the outside? Or is our line that bad? Won't run up the middle against Iowa from what I have seen of them so far. That is a concern.

Passing game seems adequate.

Kicking game was good. Surprised at 48 yarder. When was last time ISU kicked one from there? Or am I forgetting. Punter landed 3 of 4 inside the 20. That's great.

Special teams were great. Kickoff returns....averaged almost 30 yards per return. That's good anywhere. Johnson will break one before too long.

Iowa will be tough. Our lines versus theirs scares me a little. But, Bates can absolutely drive them nuts. That Iowa line doesn't like a quarterback who runs around.

Biggest problem is the game is in Iowa City. First road game. Not good, but you never know right?

Ok. I'm done.