ISU second half defense this year.

[mj4cy]

Also we had only ONE penalty the whole game. When was the last time that happened let alone in a conference game

and it was a great penalty...saved a possible TD

 

[NorthCyd]

I've literally never heard anyone say this.

I have. Think it was CW on a pre season pod. It's not a big deal. Trying to decipher the other teams signals is perfectly legit.

 

[MTCyclone43]

Also we had only ONE penalty the whole game. When was the last time that happened let alone in a conference game

Iowa State is "Winning in the margins" this season.

 

[bawbie]

Iowa State is "Winning in the margins" this season.

Exactly this - I thought it after the Iowa game (that if Campbell drew up the "ideal" game for him, it would be the Iowa game), but it's really continued and expanded:
- few penalties
- win the turnover battle
- out physical in the trenches
- plus special teams play (at least make FGs and don't give up returns)

And then when the game is on the line and you need 2 yards, you line up with 3 FB/TEs and hand off the ball and bully the other team.

It is the perfect Matt Campbell team

 

[cycub51]

I've literally never heard anyone say this.

There has been talk about how good heacock and crew are good at learning a teams signs and using that to their advantage. Not Michigan level cheating but learning them throughout a game.

 

[Yaz]

There has been talk about how good heacock and crew are good at learning a teams signs and using that to their advantage. Not Michigan level cheating but learning them throughout a game.

Good. Everyone else is too. I'll add that was one of the reason we changed sidelines at JT because is was easy for the other team to get our signs from the press box.

 

[flycy]

There has been talk about how good heacock and crew are good at learning a teams signs and using that to their advantage. Not Michigan level cheating but learning them throughout a game.

Far more likely they have always studied a team's tendencies without tipping their own. Its why few adjustments are made until the other team has gone through their scripted plays. Scripted plays are designed to feel out a defense and dictates the offensive adjustments and play calling for the game. Heacock generally doesn't show his cards until there is no time to make adjustments.

 

[jdoggivjc]

Iowa State is "Winning in the margins" this season.

which is funny because I see it so often mocked, especially earlier this season.

 

[Erik4Cy]

Matt Campbell might want to keep this Jon Heacock D coordinator guy around. He seems like he might be pretty good.

In all seriousness, what a great staff. Hank Poteat was a wonderful get. Bringing alumni in like Deon Broomfield, smart. Eli Rasheed? What's not to love there. And how about Colby Kratch? Find me a LB coach in America that has been dealt a more difficult hand than him in terms of injuries.

 

[CycloneErik]

Well said. EVERY game I am beside myself watching the opposing team march down field scoring a touchdown. Watching the 3 man front get carved up and pissing and moaning about not playing more 4 man front. Then watching the professor start bringing linebackers and safeties up and shutting the opposing offense down. I don’t even say anything anymore.

I shrug off that first touchdown. Seems like we're giving them something to hang onto while we grind their hopes to nothing.

 

[bluestarcyclone]

I observed the facial expressions and body language of the WVU QB throughout the game. Started out looking very confident, like, we've got this one. By 4Q he was looking beat-up and bemused, constantly staring at video boards to see what the heck just happened / went wrong!

Our guys steadily ground WVU down. And we did it at their place! Impressive.

Parallels to the basketball team the last few years.

 

[BCClone]

Looking at the last few games, it almost seems like we are just trying to make sure we don’t give up a big pass play on the first drive. Going soft on the run and letting them have that. Then when they think they can game plan to run against us for the game, we switch it up and work hard to stop the run. At that point the other OC is confused and is trying to guess what we are leaning into. If you are dictating changes for the other team, you usually are going to win.