Perspective and Reality Check

[Rural]

I disagree. For the most part, Dekkers has had adequate protection. Kansas he was the most harassed but later in the second half his protection was adequate. Some of his sacks are not seeing the blitz and getting rid of the ball, or holding onto the ball too long when he could pull down and take off.

It's the "to throw a 4 yard pass part" that's killing me.

 

[clonehome]

So essentially we're 5-15 in games Vegas expects to be close or we might be favored in. That sounds so much better than saying 5-15 in one score games. Essentially its all schematics and trying to put a dress on a pig.

1-3 so far
2-5 (2021)
4-2 (2020)
2 -4 (2019)
3-2 (2018)
3-4 (2017)
1-4 (2016)


Three of the last 4 years we've lost more one score games than we won.
Overall CMC is 16 and 24 in one score games. Not terrible but we're 3-8 in our last 11. Coming into last year we were 13-16 and close to .500.

For some reason both last year with a heavily experienced roster and now this year with a less experienced roster so there doesn't seem to be a common theme there - we are no longer doing the things needed to win close games.

Good research. This season and last season really skew it. Against FBS teams it’s 2-8 in that timespan. We’re just in a bad rut in close games right now which is concerning because most of the remaining games should be tight. The coaching staff and team need to get over that hump else we’ve become the new Scott Frost and Nebraska.

 

[Jer]

Good research. This season and last season really skew it. Against FBS teams it’s 2-8 in that timespan. We’re just in a bad rut in close games right now which is concerning because most of the remaining games should be tight. The coaching staff and team need to get over that hump else we’ve become the new Scott Frost and Nebraska.

Didn't we own the prior record of 1 score losses of like 8 in a row before Nebraska topped it with 9 in a row?

 

[t-noah]

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."

Nice SNL, Dana Carvey!

And satire is not too far off.

We are all frustrated.

Hopefully it will get better.

 

[LtRaczack]

Nice SNL, Dana Carvey!

And satire is not too far off.

We are all frustrated.

Hopefully it will get better.

I was just thinking the last press conference reminded me of that. I think just seeing a little something different will be good for all of us this weekend whether it’s a win or not.

I always will be a Cyclone through and through. CMC has provided some great games and memories. I am hoping he continues to do so for years to come.

 

[joefrog]

I was just thinking the last press conference reminded me of that. I think just seeing a little something different will be good for all of us this weekend whether it’s a win or not.

I always will be a Cyclone through and through. CMC has provided some great games and memories. I am hoping he continues to do so for years to come.

That would be my shared hope.

But if we come out running the same stuff, again, the same exact way, where does that leave us?

If your offense requires a top half NFL draft pick to operate effectively, I have some bad news for Cyclone fans.

 

[LtRaczack]

That would be my shared hope.

But if we come out running the same stuff, again, the same exact way, where does that leave us?

If your offense requires a top half NFL draft pick to operate effectively, I have some bad news for Cyclone fans.

That’s the most bizarre aspect about all of this. As though the entire organization is stuck in a giant recursion loop.

 

[joefrog]

That’s the most bizarre aspect about all of this. As though the entire organization is stuck in a giant recursion loop.

I can handle a rebuilding year now and then. Sure. But not when you just never adapt or try anything new during the season, or prepare well enough in the offseason. These problems were visible last year, and yet.....

 

[3TrueFans]

I can handle a rebuilding year now and then.

Your 5 day long meltdown suggests otherwise.

 

[t-noah]

That would be my shared hope.

But if we come out running the same stuff, again, the same exact way, where does that leave us?

If your offense requires a top half NFL draft pick to operate effectively, I have some bad news for Cyclone fans.

Agree. You voice things stronger than I do, but your sentiment is not singular.

If things remain the same, in terms of the offense. this will tell us that Campbell is very stubborn to a fault. It will tell us that he doesn't listen to CF and other social media, but most of us knew this already. It will tell us that he likely has a good deal of control in the offense and scheme, the conservative nature of it, and the predictability. And for whatever reason, he wants to stick with it, thinking that we/they are just a step away (very close) as he has said in the pressers.

I think he is able to change things if he wants, or if he feels the need. To me and to many of us, the need is apparent.

For these reasons alone, the remaining season will be quite interesting. I am of the belief that both the OL coach and the OC positions need to be changed at the end of the season. I could be wrong and we come back strong, either this year or next.

If coach isn't more forthcoming regarding his plan and feelings, that is up to him, and he has earned the good will and trust to continue as he wishes for a time. Unfortunately for him and ISU, our football continued success, even in the short term, is very imperative with conference realignment and a new media deal pending.

Being more open in how he plans to correct this 'damaged ship', both to the fans and to the coaches (expectations), would help us weather the results that we are seeing now. And I think it would help us to maintain our forward push in recruiting, etc. But we need to see some positives and some change soon.

Go Cyclones!

 

[Jer]

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!

Want to bump this and put in a bit more on the recruiting track as we start to look at how we can improve next year. Unfortunately, this won't sound like an overly positive adendum...

Here is my concern going into next year when you look at recruiting. Even though we currently have our highest rated class, it's a bit of a mirage when you take away a single player in Kohl...

Recruiting rankings:

2020 was 48 with a transfer rank of 131.
2021 was 60 with a transfer rank of 76.
2022 was 50 with a transfer rank of 111.
2023 is currently 33 with a transfer rank of 91.

2023 currently ranks 7th in the Big 12 but is closer to 9th than 6th. We have only one player in the Top 600. Only 2 offensive linemen and no running backs. We usually get more top 600 guys. If you take out Kohl, our class drops drastically.

Some promising kids but we have a long ways to go to say recruiting is "great".

With that said, we really need to hope we can keep developing Norton, Noel, Sanders, Gaines, Essex, Dean, etc. They're the ones that are going to determine how quick this rebuild happens.

With a very weak WR room, no o-line (despite being mostly RS Juniors) or decent recruits, and a step back on several key positions in the recruiting class, we're lacking a lot of hope right now.

We're going to have to hit the portal like never before - at a time when we're going to be competing against big NIL money for decent talent.

 

[BigLame]

Don't give a damn on all of these excuses. KU is a much more disciplined team & executed far better in offense than we have this season (& maybe for a couple). Their coaching staff is kicking our ass on the offensive side of the ball. Special teams - known entity, too. We are getting the players, but development & execution in certain areas lacks. Address those certain areas & get the best possible to do so, including & especially outside of the program. Swallow your pride & get it done.

 

[Spanky]

 

[StPaulCyclone]

Want to bump this and put in a bit more on the recruiting track as we start to look at how we can improve next year. Unfortunately, this won't sound like an overly positive adendum...

Here is my concern going into next year when you look at recruiting. Even though we currently have our highest rated class, it's a bit of a mirage when you take away a single player in Kohl...

Recruiting rankings:

2020 was 48 with a transfer rank of 131.
2021 was 60 with a transfer rank of 76.
2022 was 50 with a transfer rank of 111.
2023 is currently 33 with a transfer rank of 91.

2023 currently ranks 7th in the Big 12 but is closer to 9th than 6th. We have only one player in the Top 600. Only 2 offensive linemen and no running backs. We usually get more top 600 guys. If you take out Kohl, our class drops drastically.

Some promising kids but we have a long ways to go to say recruiting is "great".

With that said, we really need to hope we can keep developing Norton, Noel, Sanders, Gaines, Essex, Dean, etc. They're the ones that are going to determine how quick this rebuild happens.

With a very weak WR room, no o-line (despite being mostly RS Juniors) or decent recruits, and a step back on several key positions in the recruiting class, we're lacking a lot of hope right now.

We're going to have to hit the portal like never before - at a time when we're going to be competing against big NIL money for decent talent.

We have overachieved the last few years and are regressing to the mean. Donations, recruiting, facilities, and now coaching and execution are all last or close to last in the conference. Many want change, but what does that mean?

Three rounds of realignment, left for dead several times, ESPN tries to kill the league and none of that has caused fans outside 6K donors and 30K CFB season ticket holders to help support the program. B12 Champ Game, NY6 Bowl win caused a temporary lift in support, but it wasn’t sustained. Not to mention the success of the basketball programs hasn‘t been enough for some fans to get behind the program.

I’m ready for staff changes too, but who’s going to write the check to get them and keep them. Based on decisions inside my employer and the pandemic; I’m looking at year three of reduced income. I am an out of state Cyclone a club member, a Grid Iron Club member and a FB season ticket holder. I planned to give to the we will collective, but am going to have to get creative based on household economic trajectory. I’m tapped out and I know many others donors are too. Jamie knows he’s hit a ceiling, so we get CyTown.

what’s the answer as we face a very challenging time in ISU’s windshield?

 

[Pope]

I wish the CF servers would regularly crash for at least 48 hours after every loss.

 

[jbhtexas]

We're going to have to hit the portal like never before - at a time when we're going to be competing against big NIL money for decent talent.

The scary thing is...what offensive players of the caliber you are suggesting that ISU needs are going to want to transfer into ISU's dysfunctional offensive nightmare? I'm sure these kids can see what is going on.

 

[simply1]

Nebraska got Palmer to transfer into a situation where frost was most certainly being fired, with a new OC and qb, so it’s possible.

The scary thing is...what offensive players of the caliber you are suggesting that ISU needs are going to want to transfer into ISU's dysfunctional offensive nightmare? I'm sure these kids can see what is going on.

 

[madguy30]

I think the reality is there's a pretty big question mark about where the football program really is right now.

 

[Pope]

I think the reality is there's a pretty big question mark about where the football program really is right now.

I'll tell you where the program is right now. We're an incredibly young team who lost several players who are now in the NFL, and we returned the least amount of experience in the country. What we're going through is a complete rebuild which requires patience and perseverance, something many of our fans lack.

 

[madguy30]

I'll tell you where the program is right now. We're an incredibly young team who lost several players who are now in the NFL, and we returned the least amount of experience in the country. What we're going through is a complete rebuild which requires patience and perseverance, something many of our fans lack.

How many from last year's O and D line are on NFL rosters and has there been much growth in ISU's performance since ISU beat OSU last season?

I'd give CMC at least 2 more seasons (many won't) to get things turned around but to see a young team keep sputtering after a highly experienced and talented team sputtered for much of last season is worth questioning.