Perspective and Reality Check

[Aduhbolu15]

Wonder if people still think Dekkers is getting six figure offers from SEC teams after this year.

Isheem young said he would be “one and done”.

 

[HFCS]

Football powerhouses like Wyoming, Rutgers, Boise State, Boston College, Cal, Central Michigan, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Memphis, Maryland, Nebraska (not currently good), Oregon State, Stanford, Temple and Western Michigan all have more players in the NFL than we currently do.

Look back at Hall game by game. Look at our our offense with and without his big plays.

Lots of game we were sucking on offense and he'd have a 70 yard run or something to break the game open.

It's almost nonsensical to look at our offense without considering how much he might have covered for some of these struggles the past two years. Purdy and the tight ends to an extent, but you're talking about a guy who was the best college back in 2020, then splitting hairs if we was the best college back in 2021. You can evaluate that whether he ever played in the NFL or not, but the fact that he had 200 yards today does bring it to the top of our minds.

 

[Nococy]

What I don’t get is I thought the line played well in the latter half of the 2020 season, and that we were set up to finally see development there. For whatever reason, it never happened.

I think my thoughts on Manning are well documented, but I agree that we lack a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically, TE play has been poor and WRs (including Hutch at times) have struggled as well.

I think you can give a lot of the credit to our 3 tight end set that year. They were a 3 headed monster and very unique in the college game

 

[LtRaczack]

Not sure where to put this, but I think it sums up the season.

Next CMC press conference:

"We just need to stay the course. We have faced some inconsistencies on offense but things are really going well overall. A thousand points of light, trust the process. Unfortunately, in a multiple question format such as this press conference it makes it hard to spell out in detail of what we are working to accomplish to improve these inconsistencies. I do not have the time to lay out our approach and unfortunately I see my time is up."

"Uh Coach you still have a minute and twenty seconds left."

"What? Well, no I must have spoken for at least two minutes. Thank you"

"No, no you just spoke for 40 seconds Coach."

"Really? Well, I must have used up that time just in talking about it right now."

"No, no Coach it's not being counted against you."

"Well, I just wouldn't want to take up some of Randy Peterson's time."

"It won't, it will come out in the next register article."

'Do you think that's a good idea?"

"You still have a minute and twenty seconds Coach."

"Well sure more has to be done to address these inconsistencies on offense but the program is in place. Make no mistake we are doing the job, we are on track, trust the process, stay the course."

"You still have fifty seconds left Coach."

"Well, let me sum up: Inconsistencies on offense, new players, we are in the flow then we are out of the flow, program is in place, on track, trust the process, a thousand points of light, stay the course, trust the process."

 

[madguy30]

What I don’t get is I thought the line played well in the latter half of the 2020 season, and that we were set up to finally see development there. For whatever reason, it never happened.

I think my thoughts on Manning are well documented, but I agree that we lack a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically, TE play has been poor and WRs (including Hutch at times) have struggled as well.

At times last year they looked decent too including the bowl game. Hall's game opening TD run at KSU last year was, sure, due to his skills, but it was also really well blocked.

 

[cyclones500]

Norton is day to day, so in other words he’s probably out for the year.

I was going to post something similar. I don't expect him to see action again this season. Although if Brock continues to have "nagging" injury ... eh, who knows.

 

[JUKEBOX]

I think the schematics and details can be corrected enough this year to become bowl eligible (i.e. better play-calling, Dekkers progressing through reads better, etc.).

Also possible that it won't be enough, and Campbell will have to address in the off season.

 

[jdoggivjc]

1) I haven't read anyone recognize there were two teams on the field yesterday. KSU is a very good defensive team. There are problems with our offense, no doubt, but this was a tough game to get well.
2) It's ridiculous to blame Dekkers. Very few quarterbacks can carry an offense by themselves, especially when we're trying to run a conservative, ball-control offense. We absolutely need a running game.
3) I don't believe the lack of a running game is primarily the fault of the backs. If the ball carrier is hit at or behind the line of scrimmage every play, it's going to be a long day for all but the most exceptional backs.
4) In my opinion, it's not the offensive linemen's fault either. An effective coach can create a running attack with schemes and technique.
5) That leaves the offensive coaches. I think we'll get it figured out, or at least better. I'm likely all alone on this, but I thought we showed some improvement over last week, considering we were playing against a much better defense.
6) We are a very well-respected team around the league. We were a big game for KSU and KU. It's different being the hunted.

1) Yes, K-State is a very good defensive team... but Kansas is not. And yet we made Kansas look like they had one of the best defenses in the Big 12 outside of 1.5 drives.

2) It's not ridiculous to blame Dekkers for some things. He stares down receivers - especially X - and on broken plays he stays in the pocket way too long.

5) I'm not sure what these "improvements" on offense from KU week to K-State week you're talking about. It was the same running the ball into brick walls and 5-yard crossing and out routes on 3rd and long both weeks. Playing a better defense doesn't excuse incompetence, especially when it was the same offense that perhaps the worst defense in the Big 12 completely shut down the week before.

 

[JimmyChitwood]

Isheem young said he would be “one and done”.

Ain't happening. He needs to learn different defensive formations.
He can be good but this is his first year as a starter.
2 years from now, look out.

 

[stewart092284]

It's been a long time since I've done a long-form article so thought I'd take the time...

I think I've said on here after every basketball or football game for 15 years that people always overreact to a win or a loss. Hybe builds exponentially when we look good in a game, and the doom and gloom breaks out when we struggle for a game - let alone a stretch of them. Likewise, people listen to all the offseason hype - building expectations that aren't usually founded in the reality of what our team looks like at each position. The reality is always somewhere in the middle.

Perspective:

A lot of fans are rightfully frustrated over the past several weeks. While emotions are natural, the program is still in a better place than it's ever been...

• We have our best coach in history.
• Our longest stretch of success.
• Are largely well respected throughout the country.
• Recruiting continues to trend in the right direction.
• Defense is playing as well as it ever has.
• Just graduated the best players we've arguably ever had at QB, WR, and TE.
• Are getting players into the NFL at a good clip.
• Have a few strong studs currently committed.

With that said, there are also some areas of concern...

• While better, our recruiting still ranks at the bottom of the Big 12.
• Our league is tougher than ever with even Kansas improving.
• We have a ton of youth throughout the two-deeps on both sides of the ball.
• Our o-line hasn't improved at all over the past number of years.
• Multi-year struggles inside the opponent's 30.
• Inconsistency in the special teams unit.
• There is a national narrative that maybe CMC has hit his ceiling in Ames.
• 80% of our passing runs through one receiver.

Reality Check:

This all leads to a little bit of a reality check...

Recruiting:

Iowa State is still a developmental and fundamentals program. We will never be above average in recruiting or ranked above 1/3rd to 1/2 of our league given various reasons. If we don't play fundamental football and develop our 2 and 3 star players into consistent winners, we're going to struggle. Fundamentals have been lacking in various ways and really need to be a focus. For all the talk of winning in the margins, we need to double down on the small things. We've lost more games on a lack of fundamentals and mistakes than anything over the past 5-7 years.

So I agree with everything but here is my reason for concern - I don't see development on offense. Defense there is for sure development going on - heck, look at the Defensive line. We lose Bailey, McDonald turns into an elite sack master. We lose Enyi - we have an elite rush defense despite not having a huge seasoned monster. We lose Rose etc...

Offensively... not so much. Our offensive line - we see no young players. We see maybe Ross but that's it. Despite Hufford consistently being beat inside, despite Simmons and his mental errors, etc... We don't see anyone.

Same at receiver. Bitter - great game vs. Iowa, essentially has not been seen since. Gaines - big recruit - being redshirted I imagine? Etc, etc...

Like when I look at the development the defense does compared to the offense, its striking. They have the same strength and conditioning coach etc, so I don't know what the difference is but man, we seem to almost be able to plug and play so far defensively while offensively... not as much.







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I will say this in defense for the offensive line again. I think even with Breece, we've had schematic and play calling issues - Breece just was a mistake eraser.

I would almost bet my life that if you took Georgia's offensive line to this team - yes, we'd be better up front. But even they wouldn't look amazing. They are not excelling - of that there is no doubt - but they also have been given zero help.

They're asked to pass block and barely run block and then people complain about a lack of run blocking prowess. That's hard to do as an offensive linemen, its not as simple as people think about kick stepping 65-75% of the time and then trying to fire out low on 3rd and 2. Yes, if we mashed people and were gaining 6 yards a pop maybe we'd stick with the run but we come out throwing so much I think its hard for them to get into a rhtym and mindsight of firing out . Its a real thing for linemen

 

[madguy30]

Look back at Hall game by game. Look at our our offense with and without his big plays.

Lots of game we were sucking on offense and he'd have a 70 yard run or something to break the game open.

It's almost nonsensical to look at our offense without considering how much he might have covered for some of these struggles the past two years. Purdy and the tight ends to an extent, but you're talking about a guy who was the best college back in 2020, then splitting hairs if we was the best college back in 2021. You can evaluate that whether he ever played in the NFL or not, but the fact that he had 200 yards today does bring it to the top of our minds.

Put Montgomery and to a lesser extent Butler in this type of convo.

DM was a leader in broken tackles and a whole bunch of those weren't exactly on the second level of the defense.

And 2017 with the receivers available is kind of tragic for how they really weren't utilized for the best.

 

[madguy30]

Isheem young said he would be “one and done”.

Ain't happening. He needs to learn different defensive formations.
He can be good but this is his first year as a starter.
2 years from now, look out.

I'm taking this as IY saying Dekkers would be in Ames for this year as the starter and head out.

 

[JimmyChitwood]

I'm taking this as IY saying Dekkers would be in Ames for this year as the starter and head out.

I'm saying Dekkers hasn't matured enough to be an NFL qb.
Does he have the talent? Yes. He needs to start recognizing defenses and openings for the receivers.
He does have talent to make it.

 

[madguy30]

I'm saying Dekkers hasn't matured enough to be an NFL qb.
Does he have the talent? Yes. He needs to start recognizing defenses and openings for the receivers.
He does have talent to make it.

Ah got it. Thought you were talking about IY's prospects.

I keep waiting for Dekkers to catch up to the speed of the game which seems to cause him to push the panic button.

 

[Big_Sill]

My concern is that next year is our bottom out of the “re-build”.

 

[madguy30]

My concern is that next year is our bottom out of the “re-build”.

The Chicago Bears approach.

They were freaking 6-11 last season and are now in a 'rebuild'.

 

[goody2012]

Of course its all about wins and losses. Acknowledged. But we've lost 3 games by 11 points total. We're a play or two in every game away from a win. I dont ever expect us to be blowing teams out. Sometimes we'll make that play, sometimes we won't, but let's not act like we're miles off from where we want to be.

 

[NebrClone]

It's been a long time since I've done a long-form article so thought I'd take the time...

I think I've said on here after every basketball or football game for 15 years that people always overreact to a win or a loss. Hybe builds exponentially when we look good in a game, and the doom and gloom breaks out when we struggle for a game - let alone a stretch of them. Likewise, people listen to all the offseason hype - building expectations that aren't usually founded in the reality of what our team looks like at each position. The reality is always somewhere in the middle.

Perspective:

A lot of fans are rightfully frustrated over the past several weeks. While emotions are natural, the program is still in a better place than it's ever been...

• We have our best coach in history.
• Our longest stretch of success.
• Are largely well respected throughout the country.
• Recruiting continues to trend in the right direction.
• Defense is playing as well as it ever has.
• Just graduated the best players we've arguably ever had at QB, WR, and TE.
• Are getting players into the NFL at a good clip.
• Have a few strong studs currently committed.

With that said, there are also some areas of concern...

• While better, our recruiting still ranks at the bottom of the Big 12.
• Our league is tougher than ever with even Kansas improving.
• We have a ton of youth throughout the two-deeps on both sides of the ball.
• Our o-line hasn't improved at all over the past number of years.
• Multi-year struggles inside the opponent's 30.
• Inconsistency in the special teams unit.
• There is a national narrative that maybe CMC has hit his ceiling in Ames.
• 80% of our passing runs through one receiver.

Reality Check:

This all leads to a little bit of a reality check...

Recruiting:

Iowa State is still a developmental and fundamentals program. We will never be above average in recruiting or ranked above 1/3rd to 1/2 of our league given various reasons. If we don't play fundamental football and develop our 2 and 3 star players into consistent winners, we're going to struggle. Fundamentals have been lacking in various ways and really need to be a focus. For all the talk of winning in the margins, we need to double down on the small things. We've lost more games on a lack of fundamentals and mistakes than anything over the past 5-7 years.

With that said, we do need another increase in recruiting as we have a lot of gaps that just don't have an established pipeline or team parity. A good example is o-line; our recruiting continues to struggle and despite a string of good QB and RB recruits/commits, they're never going to reach their potential without protection and blocking. We will struggle in the red zone when defenses lock down because we can't dictate anything.

Unfortunately, I do think we have less dynamic, speed-oriented talent at several positions. This is sometimes confused with schematic issues and play-calling because the players can't do what the plays need. Example - while there is talent at RB, each of the players have a unique style but all require fairly decent holes. Brock isn't the type of back Montgomery or Hall were where they could make something out of nothing. Sanders isn't strong enough to go inside. Silas is a wrecking ball but needs a bit of a head start. Brock is the only one in the 4-deep that looks like an every-down back, and even he will struggle because of other positions.

Schematics:

Defense is playing lights out, even with a lot of youth. Enough said.

Offense continues to struggle in the same places year-over-year. I don't know the root cause, but this needs to be the biggest focus area immediately and long-term. One could make a great case for schematics, and even the announcers the past 2 weeks have expressed bewilderment at many of the routes and play calling. While we've clearly had our best offense over the past 5 years, we've also had elite and dynamic talent at key positions that could mask any issues. Without that, our play calling doesn't appear to be sufficient. Running 3-yard routes on 3rd or 4th and long is becoming a national joke and identity. Running inside 3 straight plays for no gain isn't going to get it done. Those worked when we had dynamic players with great yards after contact/catch, but it hasn't adapted to current personnel.

Offensive rankings after 6 games;

• 110th for yards per play
• 114th for yards per point
• 123rd for yards per completion
• 190th for scoring offense
• 38th for plays per game
• 116th for rushing offense
• 115th for yards per run at 3.0 (down from 5.4 last year)
• 105th for rushing attempts per game.

Now, when you look at talent, experience, and schematics, I think they create a perfect storm for what we're seeing. While people will use anything to justify their opinions or agenda, I don't think there is any one thing that is at fault, but rather a whole lot of things. We're young, we're predictable, we're not tough up front, and we lack speed. The play book gets pretty small when those things converge. Unfortunately, I don't think that is a quick fix either. It's not all doom and gloom, but there are some rough patches ahead.

So where do we go? I think we need to buckle in for a rough remainder of the year. I said in the offseason I thought this looked like a rebuilding year with 6-7 wins and we're probably looking at 5 or 6 wins realistically unless something big happens. What I want to see though is a change in schematics, a focus on fundamentals, and an urgency to improve. We need to find an identity and double down. I want to see coaches speak more about the issues instead of deflecting. If we don't, a lot can be undone in one season.

Some of the talent committed will fit nicely with older versions of the current roster. Coaching can improve and new ideas can be mixed in. We have a solid defense to build around and some good young players throughout.

We need to show our 5-star culture if we're going to be ready to compete in the new Big 12 and keep recruiting on an upward trajectory.

Go Cyclones!

Good write up. Before the season we heard comments like how great the team speed was. Dekkers was the real thing and a one and done. The coaches were going to adapt the offense to the players abilities. I see none of it on the field.

 

[Jer]

I don't think anybody questions Dekker's arm talent. I think the outstanding question is if he can get the intangibles down. Reading the different levels quickly, making the right throw, putting the right touch on passes, and knowing when to scramble when allowed. For some players (Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Ewers) those come quickly and/or naturally. Dekkers may just need more game time and development.

 

[Cyclonepride]

It's been a long time since I've done a long-form article so thought I'd take the time...

I think I've said on here after every basketball or football game for 15 years that people always overreact to a win or a loss. Hybe builds exponentially when we look good in a game, and the doom and gloom breaks out when we struggle for a game - let alone a stretch of them. Likewise, people listen to all the offseason hype - building expectations that aren't usually founded in the reality of what our team looks like at each position. The reality is always somewhere in the middle.

Perspective:

A lot of fans are rightfully frustrated over the past several weeks. While emotions are natural, the program is still in a better place than it's ever been...

• We have our best coach in history.
• Our longest stretch of success.
• Are largely well respected throughout the country.
• Recruiting continues to trend in the right direction.
• Defense is playing as well as it ever has.
• Just graduated the best players we've arguably ever had at QB, WR, and TE.
• Are getting players into the NFL at a good clip.
• Have a few strong studs currently committed.

With that said, there are also some areas of concern...

• While better, our recruiting still ranks at the bottom of the Big 12.
• Our league is tougher than ever with even Kansas improving.
• We have a ton of youth throughout the two-deeps on both sides of the ball.
• Our o-line hasn't improved at all over the past number of years.
• Multi-year struggles inside the opponent's 30.
• Inconsistency in the special teams unit.
• There is a national narrative that maybe CMC has hit his ceiling in Ames.
• 80% of our passing runs through one receiver.

Reality Check:

This all leads to a little bit of a reality check...

Recruiting:

Iowa State is still a developmental and fundamentals program. We will never be above average in recruiting or ranked above 1/3rd to 1/2 of our league given various reasons. If we don't play fundamental football and develop our 2 and 3 star players into consistent winners, we're going to struggle. Fundamentals have been lacking in various ways and really need to be a focus. For all the talk of winning in the margins, we need to double down on the small things. We've lost more games on a lack of fundamentals and mistakes than anything over the past 5-7 years.

With that said, we do need another increase in recruiting as we have a lot of gaps that just don't have an established pipeline or team parity. A good example is o-line; our recruiting continues to struggle and despite a string of good QB and RB recruits/commits, they're never going to reach their potential without protection and blocking. We will struggle in the red zone when defenses lock down because we can't dictate anything.

Unfortunately, I do think we have less dynamic, speed-oriented talent at several positions. This is sometimes confused with schematic issues and play-calling because the players can't do what the plays need. Example - while there is talent at RB, each of the players have a unique style but all require fairly decent holes. Brock isn't the type of back Montgomery or Hall were where they could make something out of nothing. Sanders isn't strong enough to go inside. Silas is a wrecking ball but needs a bit of a head start. Brock is the only one in the 4-deep that looks like an every-down back, and even he will struggle because of other positions.

Schematics:

Defense is playing lights out, even with a lot of youth. Enough said.

Offense continues to struggle in the same places year-over-year. I don't know the root cause, but this needs to be the biggest focus area immediately and long-term. One could make a great case for schematics, and even the announcers the past 2 weeks have expressed bewilderment at many of the routes and play calling. While we've clearly had our best offense over the past 5 years, we've also had elite and dynamic talent at key positions that could mask any issues. Without that, our play calling doesn't appear to be sufficient. Running 3-yard routes on 3rd or 4th and long is becoming a national joke and identity. Running inside 3 straight plays for no gain isn't going to get it done. Those worked when we had dynamic players with great yards after contact/catch, but it hasn't adapted to current personnel.

Offensive rankings after 6 games;

• 110th for yards per play
• 114th for yards per point
• 123rd for yards per completion
• 190th for scoring offense
• 38th for plays per game
• 116th for rushing offense
• 115th for yards per run at 3.0 (down from 5.4 last year)
• 105th for rushing attempts per game.

Now, when you look at talent, experience, and schematics, I think they create a perfect storm for what we're seeing. While people will use anything to justify their opinions or agenda, I don't think there is any one thing that is at fault, but rather a whole lot of things. We're young, we're predictable, we're not tough up front, and we lack speed. The play book gets pretty small when those things converge. Unfortunately, I don't think that is a quick fix either. It's not all doom and gloom, but there are some rough patches ahead.

So where do we go? I think we need to buckle in for a rough remainder of the year. I said in the offseason I thought this looked like a rebuilding year with 6-7 wins and we're probably looking at 5 or 6 wins realistically unless something big happens. What I want to see though is a change in schematics, a focus on fundamentals, and an urgency to improve. We need to find an identity and double down. I want to see coaches speak more about the issues instead of deflecting. If we don't, a lot can be undone in one season.

Some of the talent committed will fit nicely with older versions of the current roster. Coaching can improve and new ideas can be mixed in. We have a solid defense to build around and some good young players throughout.

We need to show our 5-star culture if we're going to be ready to compete in the new Big 12 and keep recruiting on an upward trajectory.

Go Cyclones!

I think we still get to 6 wins (potentially 7 with the bowl game). We could be at 6 already if not for a couple plays in each of the last 3 games.

This team should continue to get better as the year goes on. I think we underestimated the amount of experience lost from last year's team, and we were hoping that our better recruiting could make up for it. I think it still may in time (but maybe not this year).