I don't even know where to start.... but its clear this team, a team full of seniors - does not seem able to be able to play under expectations. They didn't play well till expectations were eased after a 2-2 start.... and then expectations returned ... and we play horribly. This team isn't last years team. I don't know if its the leadership of guys like Jaquan, Dylan and Kene or what.... but we have not looked comfortable at all playing like a favored team. the only time we have looked good is when no one expected us to do much after losing to Baylor and Iowa.
The offensive line, tauted as a strength all off-season? Struggles.
A very deservedly loved coaching staff h as struggled at times to make adjustments.
For all of the love given our strength staff - we have been pushed around in most short yardage situations, especially offensively.
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IDK. This is as-disheartened as I've been in some time as a fan - maybe since Campbell took over. More than after Iowa. We were out-athleted, out coached, out executed and worst of all...
we lacked the ability to match their effort. A veteran team and staff with a lot to play for just had a game where really - outside of what - 8 plays (Brock's two scrambles, Hummels pick 6, Breece's two long runs) and maybe 1-2 more were basically owned by West Virginia the entire game.
For all the depth we supposedly have - no one other than Purdy , X and Breece carried the ball. We have no pass rush but we don't rotate any of the younger kids at end even in obvious pass situations where if they aren't ready for 1st and 10 run fits you'd think they could maybe have fresh legs on 3rd and long. We leave Datrone Young out there - love the kid. Glad he's healthy enough to play - but man he was a liability today and not that he was the only one. We randomly decide Corey Dunn's going to punt again - and yes, he had one good one but I still don't understand that logic unless Mevis was hurt -
I don't see us beating Texas - or Oklahoma. And TCU - Tech are not give mes.
And I know i had said a while back I thought Rose was the most important player on the team but for a veteran team there's no way that you can allow that to have such a huge impact on the defense. A young team losing your best player - sure. But not for as veteran a team as Iowa State do I find that to be a valid excuse.
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Sorry for being Debbie Downer but that was as lifeless and disheartening performance as I have seen in a while. And I just... IDK. All the excitement that this year might finally be the year is gone obviously. And now I'm wondering how long Campbell stays because if this team can't do it... IDK.
I'm going to step away soon because I know I'm in a super negative head space area right now but I do think that there are some valid points in this post so I'll post this and I'll bid all of you a good evening hopefully and an early Happy Halloween