Quarterback Situation

[Section110]

You state that ISU's season tickets "aren't near as expensive as Iowa's", yet you have season tickets to Iowa Football while professing to be a diehard Cyclone fan. LOL. That is a good one. I also find it comical that you somehow think that gas money getting to a game and money spent for food at concessions somehow amounts to a "donation". It is not.

You can talk to Jamie Pollard about how much your opinion matters. Because the truth is, it is the ones who make the donations and buy the tickets are the ones whose opinion will likely be listened to. Some Hawkeye season ticket holder who always has a ticket available to him when he wants it (and probably does not pay for it), is likely to not be listened to much. After all, WHICH team would you wish to be MORE successful if it was your choice to make and there could only be one?

The general perception is that the ISU football team is very young, yet has some talent. And the analysis of recruiting classes indicates that the ISU football team is getting better recruits each year. That indicates improvement in the program overall even though last year's record is not indicative of it.

I said Hawkeye Season Tickets aside... by saying that I meant let's assume we aren't talking about me here. Like let's assume we're talking about a diehard Cyclone fan who can't afford season tickets. Because what you're saying is your opinion matters more than a fan who doesn't donate or attend the games. I realize the way I said it may have been confusing. I'm not a diehard Cyclone fan. Won't pretend to be. I certainly enjoy watching the games and cheering for them though.

The truth is, Jamie Pollard isn't going to listen to any random fan's advice. Whether that's me or you or anyone else. Unless that fan donates millions he doesn't care. Besides, as I said before, the accountability I was talking about was with the fan base. I don't understand why so many Cyclone fans still seem to worship the guy.

Everything in your last paragraph is an opinion. You're entitled to it just as I am entitled to mine. I'm sure there is some young talent on the Cyclone squad. The question is how much talent compared to the competition? I see the potential for a pretty good offense in the future. The combination of Lanning or DLC at QB, Lazard out wide, and Campos leading the way up front sounds like it could be promising. The biggest questions I have are on the defensive side of the ball.

Finally, I disagree about the recruiting aspect you mentioned. I don't see any significant reason to believe the quality of the recruiting is changing. Lazard was a good pick-up but he was a legacy. Right now there's only one current commitment for next year's class. I don't think there's any reason to panic at this point, but if this season doesn't start off well then it's going to be tough sledding trying to convince good players to join this class.

 

[Section110]

YES!!!! A season ticket holders opinion is more important than a fan sitting at home not spending money on the program (or in your case sitting in Iowa's stadium spending your money there).

In my racing I have people that pay me to advertise on my racecar, if they have something to say I listen. If someone who doesn't contribute to me has something to say I could care less what they have to say.

Fair enough. I respect that opinion. I certainly understand you have an obligation to prioritize your advertiser's opinion. I would say your advertiser's are a lot like the big donors instead of being like the average Joe fan.

It's just not a very adequate comparison to football. Chances are if the football fans at home want a coach to be fired then the majority of the ones in the stadium probably share the same sentiment. Because if it has reached that point there is a reason for it. Plus there are thousands and thousands of football fans. Pollard would be wasting his time trying to please all of them. Like I said, he'll pay attention to the big donors just like you pay attention to your sponsors. The average football fan doesn't have a say here whether they have season tickets or not.

 

[Stormin]

I said Hawkeye Season Tickets aside... by saying that I meant let's assume we aren't talking about me here. Like let's assume we're talking about a diehard Cyclone fan who can't afford season tickets. Because what you're saying is your opinion matters more than a fan who doesn't donate or attend the games. I realize the way I said it may have been confusing. I'm not a diehard Cyclone fan. Won't pretend to be. I certainly enjoy watching the games and cheering for them though.

The truth is, Jamie Pollard isn't going to listen to any random fan's advice. Whether that's me or you or anyone else. Unless that fan donates millions he doesn't care. Besides, as I said before, the accountability I was talking about was with the fan base. I don't understand why so many Cyclone fans still seem to worship the guy.

Everything in your last paragraph is an opinion. You're entitled to it just as I am entitled to mine. I'm sure there is some young talent on the Cyclone squad. The question is how much talent compared to the competition? I see the potential for a pretty good offense in the future. The combination of Lanning or DLC at QB, Lazard out wide, and Campos leading the way up front sounds like it could be promising. The biggest questions I have are on the defensive side of the ball.

Finally, I disagree about the recruiting aspect you mentioned. I don't see any significant reason to believe the quality of the recruiting is changing. Lazard was a good pick-up but he was a legacy. Right now there's only one current commitment for next year's class. I don't think there's any reason to panic at this point, but if this season doesn't start off well then it's going to be tough sledding trying to convince good players to join this class.

Yes. But since you admit that you are NOT a die-hard Cyclone fan, then WHY would we even listen to your suggestion that we fire Rhoads if we do not have a real successful season this year?

The rankings of our last few recruiting classes have steadily improved. The latest class is the highest we have had. That is a trend that I like. It takes time to develop a program at ISU. Announcements like the Jack Trice Stadium South End Zone Expansion and the accompanying renditions are great selling points to recruits. I am not fearful of our recruiting prospects as I keep up with a lot of information that I am not privy to reveal.

Iowa State Athletics are improving. Our facilities are improving. Our program is improving. Last thing we need in Cyclone Nation is some Hawkeye fan trying to sow the seeds of discontent.

 

[CycloneErik]

Yes. But since you admit that you are NOT a die-hard Cyclone fan, then WHY would we even listen to your suggestion that we fire Rhoads if we do not have a real successful season this year?

The rankings of our last few recruiting classes have steadily improved. The latest class is the highest we have had. That is a trend that I like. It takes time to develop a program at ISU. Announcements like the Jack Trice Stadium South End Zone Expansion and the accompanying renditions are great selling points to recruits. I am not fearful of our recruiting prospects as I keep up with a lot of information that I am not privy to reveal.

Iowa State Athletics are improving. Our facilities are improving. Our program is improving. Last thing we need in Cyclone Nation is some Hawkeye fan trying to sow the seeds of discontent.

What are you so angry about? The guy hasn't even said anything confrontational.
The records haven't been improving. That's a pretty simple observation to make. Shouldn't get a rise out of anyone for having it pointed out.

 

[Stormin]

What are you so angry about? The guy hasn't even said anything confrontational.
The records haven't been improving. That's a pretty simple observation to make. Shouldn't get a rise out of anyone for having it pointed out.

My issue is that he states that Rhoads should be fired if he doesn't reach at least X number of wins. I disagree with that assessment. We have a young team and almost an entirely new offensive staff. Now is not the time to exercise impatience.

 

[CycloneErik]

My issue is that he states that Rhoads should be fired if he doesn't reach at least X number of wins. I disagree with that assessment. We have a young team and almost an entirely new offensive staff. Now is not the time to exercise impatience.

It would have to be a consideration. You don't go into a season guaranteeing anyone that consecutive 3 win seasons is fine. The assertion that most fanbases would insist on that is pretty fair.
Whether it's the right thing to do or not would be a good discussion. Jumping someone's opinion solely because they're an Iowa fan isn't very worthwhile.

 

[Stormin]

It would have to be a consideration. You don't go into a season guaranteeing anyone that consecutive 3 win seasons is fine. The assertion that most fanbases would insist on that is pretty fair.
Whether it's the right thing to do or not would be a good discussion. Jumping someone's opinion solely because they're an Iowa fan isn't very worthwhile.

No one is suggesting that consecutive 3 win seasons would be fine.

I disagree with his assessment that Rhoads should be on the Hot Seat. And we are not like most fan bases at Iowa State. And to suggest that Rhoads should be on the Hot Seat undermines our program and recruiting process.

 

[Rabbuk]

That trendline would be pretty much flat, FWIW

Why would you include a year he didn't coach. in the 2-10

 

[CycloneErik]

Why would you include a year he didn't coach. in the 2-10

Someone accdentally had CPR at 6 seasons already. That led to some pointed discussion, and now we have Chiz's 2-10 on the board.

 

[Stormin]

Why would you include a year he didn't coach. in the 2-10

Maybe it gives some context as to where the Iowa State program was the year before Rhoads came. Certainly shows that we have been lower than this last season just the year prior to Rhoads coming.

 

[Rabbuk]

Someone accdentally had CPR at 6 seasons already. That led to some pointed discussion, and now we have Chiz's 2-10 on the board.

If you take out the 2-10 I'll let you all think about what happens to the trend line.

 

[SerenityNow]

Back on the QB topic - regardless of who it is, I really hope someone takes control and it's not even close for number 2. It seems when the QBs are all close and it's a tossup, it usually means we have a lot of mediocrity.

 

[Stormin]

If you take out the 2-10 I'll let you all think about what happens to the trend line.

From Athlon Sports:

49. Paul Rhoads, Iowa State
Record at Iowa State: 27-36 (5 years)
Career Record: 27-36 (5 years)
Iowa State’s Program Rank: No. 9 in the Big 12, No. 64 nationally

Rhoads is a good example why records are often deceiving when ranking coaches. On the surface, 27 wins isn’t impressive. However, Iowa State is one of the toughest jobs among BCS programs and ranks No. 9 in the Big 12. Winning big is tough in Ames, and Rhoads has three bowl appearances in five years. Additionally, the Cyclones have only one season of fewer than five wins. Just how difficult is it to win at Iowa State? The program has only two seasons of more than eight wins and only four of the Cyclones’ bowl appearances came before 2000. So while Rhoads may not have the best winning total, he’s keeping Iowa State competitive and in the mix for bowl games. And at a job like Iowa State, some would consider that overachieving.
- See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-foo...ge-football-coaches-2014#sthash.ADmN9i57.dpuf

 

[clonedude]

Back on the QB topic - regardless of who it is, I really hope someone takes control and it's not even close for number 2. It seems when the QBs are all close and it's a tossup, it usually means we have a lot of mediocrity.

My thoughts as well.

When we don't have a clear #1 guy, we usually don't have jack squat. That's why it ticks me off that it's still a 3 man battle. If nobody can separate from anyone else, we're likely in deep trouble. Same thing, different year. The beat goes on.

 

[Section110]

Yes. But since you admit that you are NOT a die-hard Cyclone fan, then WHY would we even listen to your suggestion that we fire Rhoads if we do not have a real successful season this year?

The rankings of our last few recruiting classes have steadily improved. The latest class is the highest we have had. That is a trend that I like. It takes time to develop a program at ISU. Announcements like the Jack Trice Stadium South End Zone Expansion and the accompanying renditions are great selling points to recruits. I am not fearful of our recruiting prospects as I keep up with a lot of information that I am not privy to reveal.

Iowa State Athletics are improving. Our facilities are improving. Our program is improving. Last thing we need in Cyclone Nation is some Hawkeye fan trying to sow the seeds of discontent.

I didn't suggest anything. I just said in my opinion if another awful season unfolds then letting him go has got to be a consideration. There are very very few places a head coach can get away with multiple 3 or 4 win seasons at this level of college football. It is tough to win at Iowa State. The Athlon article you sited was a good write-up.

One of the main reasons I say letting him go should be considered if things don't turn around is recruiting. We'll see how this class ends up, but if you back up a 3 win season with another 3 or 4 win season what kind of recruits do you think you are going to get? At some point you have got to show things are moving up. I don't know how long you can allow things to slide.

I will add that the SEZ pictures look pretty sweet.

 

[clonedude]

I didn't suggest anything. I just said in my opinion if another awful season unfolds then letting him go has got to be a consideration. There are very very few places a head coach can get away with multiple 3 or 4 win seasons at this level of college football. It is tough to win at Iowa State. The Athlon article you sited was a good write-up.

One of the main reasons I say letting him go should be considered if things don't turn around is recruiting. We'll see how this class ends up, but if you back up a 3 win season with another 3 or 4 win season what kind of recruits do you think you are going to get? At some point you have got to show things are moving up. I don't know how long you can allow things to slide.

I will add that the SEZ pictures look pretty sweet.

I think Rhoads will get 2 more years at least. Even if ISU wins only 3 games again this year, which could happen.

But in 2 years, if things haven't gotten better, then I think they should let him go and hire Mangino.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

I thought this was a thread about the QBs?

This will probably make me sound like a Rohach basher, but it is what it is.

If Grant really is the #1, then I expect the worst this year. I'll take Richardson's toughness and poise or Joel's size and athletic ability over what we have seen from Grant. He is the smallest, has the lowest ball velocity, throws the ugliest ball and has really happy feet. He's also the slowest of the three. I really hope that I'm eating crow if Grant really does win the position, but he does not impress me.

 

[clonedude]

I thought this was a thread about the QBs?

This will probably make me sound like a Rohach basher, but it is what it is.

If Grant really is the #1, then I expect the worst this year. I'll take Richardson's toughness and poise or Joel's size and athletic ability over what we have seen from Grant. He is the smallest, has the lowest ball velocity, throws the ugliest ball and has really happy feet. He's also the slowest of the three. I really hope that I'm eating crow if Grant really does win the position, but he does not impress me.

He doesn't have happier feet than Richardson, that's for sure. Richardson never stands in there and hits the 2nd or 3rd option. He stares down option 1, and then runs if it isn't there.

All 3 guys have some major weaknesses. Not sure how many games we can win with any of them right now? If Lanning is really still in the running, that means neither Grant or Sam have gotten any better IMO, and that is downright scary.

 

[Stormin]

I thought this was a thread about the QBs?

This will probably make me sound like a Rohach basher, but it is what it is.

If Grant really is the #1, then I expect the worst this year. I'll take Richardson's toughness and poise or Joel's size and athletic ability over what we have seen from Grant. He is the smallest, has the lowest ball velocity, throws the ugliest ball and has really happy feet. He's also the slowest of the three. I really hope that I'm eating crow if Grant really does win the position, but he does not impress me.

I was not a Rohach fan last year as he struggled. But the last 2 games he did improve a lot. He made some good plays. I actually like the competition that is taking place. Not sure whether the info is accurate concerning Lanning being the #2 QB. IMO, Rohach is likely the #1. But if Rohach goes down during a game, I would bet that Richardson would likely get the nod because of his previous experience playing as a starter.

 

[Stormin]

I think Rhoads will get 2 more years at least. Even if ISU wins only 3 games again this year, which could happen.

But in 2 years, if things haven't gotten better, then I think they should let him go and hire Mangino.

If we only win 3 games with Mangino as OC then WHY would we promote Mangino to HC?