Cyclone Sports Journal

Thinking

2012-02-02T10:30:00.000-06:00

If you choose to play defense like it's a street fight, you shouldn't complain when the other team shoots lots of free throws.

Experiments

2012-01-29T08:10:00.000-06:00

Clearly, the Fred Experiment isn't working out. There's a reason you don't bring in a cast of refugees from other teams and make a team. The Land of Misfit Toys doesn't work well together.

But lacking a clear alternative, and without the cash for a buyout, we'll soldier on.

The above is sarcasm folks. Fred's great- the good times are back.

Big Ending

2012-01-22T10:50:00.001-06:00

Looking ahead, ISU needs to build up wins while it can. The B12 schedule ends at K State, at Mizzou, home to Baylor.

Wow.

Upside

2012-01-22T10:47:00.000-06:00

After thumping two inferior teams- on the road- it's clear Fred's boys are finding a rhythm. They are challenging the great teams and taking care of business when they need too.

While they are susceptible to taking teams lightly (cough- Okie State- cough) when focused and on task they run the gameplan, find the open man, and win. I think this team can be as good as it wants to be.

While two games with Baylor and one each with KU and Mizzou remain- This could be fun.

Finishing

2012-01-07T21:03:00.000-06:00

The most impressive part of the win over a$m wasn't the first half scoring spree- it was finishing the dang game. Up 19 at half, they Cyclones never let it get closer than 15 in the entire second half, and ended up winning by 24. They increased their margin even after bringing in subs. Awesome.

It was fun watching a team continue to run its stuff the whole way, playing aggressive defense, making the extra pass, doing all of the same things that built the big lead. If ISU backed off on anything it was giving up easy shots after offensive rebounds- no point in adding a free throw and giving the Aggies a bit of momentum.

So now ISU sits at 2-0 with a road win. They two best teams in the league are next week, but given their play against UT and a$m at least you can say "Why the heck not?"

Charts

2011-12-13T14:36:00.000-06:00

Click on over to Black Heart Gold Pants for this epicly awesome chart. Inspired work, fellas.

It's always interesting to read the view of a game from the other side. They bring stats, too.

Hammer

2011-12-11T18:01:00.000-06:00

It was delicious fun watching the Cyclones positively hammer the over-matched Hawkeyes (or GoBlas for you old- timers) in a game that was over well before halftime. For those of us who hadn't seen much of the season so far (thanks, Mediacom) we now understand what the fuss has been about. When these guys are on they can play.

The down side is that there is no team in the Big 12 as bad as Iowa- although Tech is close. That kind of effort will be needed every night to even approach .500. Something that approaches a point guard would help, too, as they Cyclones looked like lost children when Iowa broke out the half-court trap. Good teams don't give up 10+ points in the last 2:00 minutes.

But Friday gave us a peek at what could be- and that peek was damn fun.

Nails

2011-12-04T19:17:00.000-06:00

They didn't finish the job against the Wildcats, but I will follow a Cyclone team that gives their opponent everything they want. That's all I ask- be the team nobody wants to play.

And now we get to play Rutgers in Yankee Stadium. A Rutgers team that got crushed by the UCONN club that ISU beat back in September. Sure beats Shreveport.

This is Iowa State's chance not to just win, but to make a statement.

Hard Hat

2011-11-19T14:50:00.000-06:00

I love the fact that Iowa State's winning drive against Okie State relied on the fullback. No trick plays, no Hail Mary's, no FG tries from 57 yards away. A "We're going to run for the TD and you can't stop us" attitude, which paid off with the rumbling of a 240 pound back with both hands on the ball. All of the beauty of a beer truck plowing through a snowdrift. Money.

If any play symbolized the mental makeup of the Cyclones, it was the winning TD.

Tough Outs

2011-11-18T23:17:00.000-06:00

Iowa State will never challenge for a league title with the smallest football budget. My only hope is that our Cyclones can become the team that everyone dreads playing- especially in Ames.

Tonight was a heck of a first step.

Cowboy Mission

2011-11-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

I would love to drink the Kool-Aid and predict a stunning, program defining upset of the Cowboys on ESPN- but I think OSU is on a mission to get to the BCS title game. Only ISU and OU stand in the way.

ISU gets the same as what Tech got last week: OSU 56, ISU 21.

Just Win Baby

2011-11-05T19:19:00.000-05:00

The Russian judge hated it, but 13-10 counts the same as 41-7. Three turnovers in the red zone will ugly up an otherwise decent yardage total.

Climb the ladder, exceed your budget.

Respect

2011-11-04T21:55:00.000-05:00

This sounds counter-intuitive, but to earn the respect of the football public, Iowa State needs to take the wood to Kansas. A workman-like covering of the spread at the minimum.

Struggling with the Jayhawks (like they did last year) will scream "Not Ready To Be Taken Seriously".

Throw that drowning Jayhawk an anchor, dammit. Win 34-10 or something.

Slobber knocker

2011-10-30T12:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday was exhibit A of why I don't bet on sports.

SUI was a 15 point favorite at Minnesota, and lost.

ISU was a 15 point dog in Lubbock and won. By 34.

I'm not sure which is more surprising- the win or the margin. The Cyclones simply manhandled Tech in every way. It was the kind of performance that we aren't used to seeing, sadly. It would be fun if it became the norm rather than the exception.

Now Iowa State prepares for a Kansas team that mustered only 41 yards in 36 plays against Texas. 41 on 36. I've never seen that before. The hardest part of the week will be getting the Cyclones to bring the same focus they had in Lubbock to bear on the Jayhawks. Being back in the bowl chase should do that.

Smaller, Slower, Weaker

2011-10-23T21:01:00.000-05:00

Iowa State is all of the above, and yet made a$m sweat a bit. It was the kind of effort that will keep fans coming back, especially when the weather is spectacular.

The five-games-without-drawing-a-holding-penalty-streak is just sick, yet a symptom of being smaller, slower, and weaker on the DL than everyone else. Other teams don't get flagged because they don't have to hold (much) to get the job done.

Unfortunately my eyes are not trained enough to tell if ISU is getting better over time, if CPR recruits are an upgrade over Danny Mac or Chiz recruits. I do know that the schedule is getting better, er, tougher.

Heck, I think this team could beat this year's Utah, Colorado and maybe Nebraska. So it goes. FWIW- ISU has lost to 4 of the Sagarin Top 30. Iowa is 0-1. That's a huge difference.

Keep grinding- hopefully the corner is nearby.

Deja Vu

2011-10-20T14:21:00.000-05:00

This is exactly the situation where CPR has led ISU to gigantic upsets. In a way, beating A$M would be less surprising than beating Nebraska in '09- our starting quarterback will be suiting up.

Not saying it will happen, but the conditions are exactly the same as the Nebraska and Texas wins. This time we're at home.

Peter

Gulf

2011-10-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

Ah, September was a fine month, wasn't it Cyclone fans?

October has reminded us of two things:

A. Iowa State can beat teams in the bottom half of Div. I and even the best of Div. II
B. There is still a giant gulf between Iowa State and the Top 50. Talent, depth, everything.

It's no accident that you can pull a random Top 25 from each decade and 15 of the names are in every single poll. Good football requires momentum- once you have it its much easier to maintain than it is to build it, and most importantly it pulls you over the dips.

Whatever momentum Iowa State had on October 1 has been sucked away by those with big budgets, big talent, and momentum.

Subtle

2011-10-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sometimes improvement isn't obvious.Go read this review of the defense's work against Baylor. We can watch the game and think that Baylor just gashed us- but in reality they gash everybody. In fact, Iowa State made them work for their points more than usual, and equal to K State.Perspective is key.I made bowl projects in the past by looking at how much differential a defense had on opposing teams compared to the opponents average output. The ranking against all schools only tells half the story. Get the offense to put more points on the board and we may be on to something.

Turning Point

2011-10-09T19:20:00.000-05:00

I suspect CPR is pitching this week's game against Mizzou as a key moment in the season. Either Iowa State stops killing itself with bad penalties, turnovers and anemic offense, or they limp home with a 1-8 finish after a 3-0 start. Mizzou is in a similar spot. Two losses to ranked teams have them in last with ISU, and statistically they are twins- good at the same things, bad at the same things.This game looks a lot more winnable than it did in July, but the Cyclones are going to need their first complete game of the season to pull it off. That's a big maybe.

Changes

2011-10-09T19:09:00.003-05:00

I'm old enough to remember a time when Iowa State would only fumble once a year or so.

Bounceback

2011-10-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

It seems CPR has spent this week building up everyone's spirits after the loss to Texa$. "We played with Texa$- it was the mistakes that killed us." A look at the stats shows good drives, with failures when things got close.

Next up is a Baylor squad that is more Arena League than Texa$ League. They score points in bunches, and give up points in bunches, too. Can ISU score in the Red Zone rather than miss field goals? Can the defense get enough stops to be close in the 4th?

Let's go with another 36-35 loss for Baylor. Stranger things have happened.

Uppity

2011-10-02T07:37:00.002-05:00

The Lonhorns set the tone early when they went for it on 4th and short inside the 20 on their opening drive:

We're here to grind you into the ground, punk.

Grind they did.

Texas didn't want to just beat Iowa State- they wanted to remind Iowa State and everyone else in the Texas League that they are in charge, they call the shots, and everyone else is in the Texas League by their blessing. We crush you in football, and you cash some of our TV check. At the end of the game your line is:

Thank you sir, may I please have another?

Texas reminds we Cyclones not to forget our seat on the football bus, and to act accordingly.

Corners

2011-09-29T10:34:00.004-05:00

The optimistic side of me is really, really excited to witness in person Cyclone football turning the proverbial corner when they beat Texa$ again. After so many false starts over the years we are due to side at the Big Boys Table for a while.

But being the long-suffering Cyclone fan that I am, I keep looking for the other shoe to drop. I've lost count of the number of times we have walked into Trice expecting The Moment, only to have the opponent smack our Cyclones around like an eight-year-old with a pinata. We all have our list- I'll leave you for a moment to suffer at your personal memories.

This is the kind of game where I want one of two scenarios: Either Texas takes a big early lead and coasts to the victory, or ISU wins. Don't be the tease, giving us hope into the fourth quarter only to find a way to lose.

If you take us for a ride into the second half, finish the deal. Every one of your disappointments takes a few months off of our lives. Give us a few successes to make it worth while, please.

But if you really want to sit at the Big Boys Table, you start to earn your chair Saturday.

Bottom

2011-09-27T10:01:00.003-05:00

I can understand why Texa$ considers their loss to Iowa State the low point of their 2010 season. The Horns bounced back from terrible losses to UCLA and OU with a stunning win in Lincoln, so everything should have been good again, right?

Wrong.

A home loss to a doormat, bringing back all of the pain from earlier in the season, told the locals that there was plenty of dry rot in the infrastructure.

Hopefully the 2.5 Stars can dump the 4.9 Stars on their well-padded rumps again.

Near Miss

2011-09-25T07:47:00.001-05:00

While the Chiz era was a big slice of No Fun Football, at least we weren't saddled with the football genius of Tim Brewster. Its going to take the Gophers years to recover from him.

We're damn lucky he was too good to be ISU's coach.

Attendance

2011-09-25T07:42:00.001-05:00

Interesting numbers from the Cyclone Stat Geek- since the opening of what we now call Jack Trice ISU has averaged 43K across 245 home games.

I would love to see a month-by-month breakdown. Huge September crowds are often replaced by disappointment and cold weather in November, bringing down the averages.

Here's hoping folks still have reason to show up Nov. 18 against Okie State.

Woulda, Coulda

2011-09-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

Naturally, UCONN thinks they should have won. And they are right. Not having one QB they can depend on did them in- and QB play is why ISU won.

Moxie Again

2011-09-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

It's hard not to admire the grit of this Cyclone football team. It seems that no amount of horrible play will knock them down emotionally. In a typical year, ISU would have found themselves down 28-7 in the first quarter and would have coasted to a routine 42-14 loss. Instead they salvaged a 10-7 halftime deficit, then muscled the game away from UCONN in the second half. It takes deep courage to fight yourself off the edge of the cliff.Now 3-0, ISU has played a tougher schedule than everyone in the league save OU and has jumped 32 spots in the Sagarin rankings (from 75 to 43). KU and KSU are now in the "should win" category, and wins against Mizzou, Tech and Baylor all plausible. Lots of opportunity ahead.This last spin through the B12 schedule could be very interesting- at this point I'm not putting anything past our Cyclones. Playing more games against UCONN seems like our best remaining option.

Fighting Instinct

2011-09-16T13:23:00.003-05:00

Jaded Cyclone fans assume that UCONN will steamroll their team tonight, as the solid football play is left in the central time zone.I'm going with the moxie I saw in both their games this year- enough mistakes were made against both UNI and Iowa to have earned losses, yet the team found ways top win. Normal Cyclone teams would have lost, often in shiv-twisting ways. (Missed FG as time expires? Amateur. Try missing a tying Extra Point in the closing minutes.)Somehow, some way our Clonies find themselves at 3-0. Crazy.

Zero

2011-09-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

UCONN managed to almost beat Vandy on the road despite not scoring an offensive TD.That's doing it the hard way. Granted, they turned a blocked punt and a fumble into scores, but that's not exactly how the coaches drew up the game plan.UCONN's offensive possessions yielded only three drives of over 30 yards: 30, 36 and 72 yards, for a combined total of only 3 points.If the Cyclone defense can maintain those struggles, ISU should be in good shape.

Collapse

2011-09-10T20:29:00.001-05:00

A casual cruise through the black and gold corners of the interwebs has revealed a shocking surprise:Losing to a team you view as a perennial punching bag reveals only changes to your team, but none about your opponent. Said punchingbag is a constant, frozen in time and space. Losing to them can only mean one thing: you are now a punching bag, too.I though the Hawkeyes would win because they would be a notch better than the Cyclones- I stand corrected. The Cyclones are still lousy; the change is that Iowa is now lousy too.Welcome to mediocrity, Hawkeyes!

The Usual

2011-09-09T12:15:00.002-05:00

Iowa will graciously allow Iowa State to hang around Saturday, giving Cyclone fans hope and Hawkeye fans acid reflux. But a critical ISU mistake- Pick-6, punt return for TD, giving up 45+ yard TD run- will put the game out of reach. So it goes.Win or Lose, I have the Seneca game from 2000 on the Tivo. Thank you ESPN Classic.

Karma

2011-09-04T07:54:00.002-05:00

I'm going to take the long view on the winning debacle against UNI.Given the number of games Iowa State has lost over the last hundred years despite outplaying the opponent, perhaps winning a game they were so undeserving to get represents a small shift in universal football karma towards our Cyclones. Another 40 or 50 wins despite lackluster, uninspired efforts and we'll be close to even.Without a giant step up in performance, the win against UNI could be the only win of the year. Pathetic.

Season

2011-08-30T20:23:00.000-05:00

First off, longtime readers know I try to keep my sports expectations, especially in football, reasonable. When you have the smallest budget in your league you can't expect a whole lot.

So based on who Iowa State should beat based on budget, we're looking at 2-10. Only UConn and UNI spend less than our Clonies. (And UConn is certainly within a few cases of athletic tape of ISU- a good accountant could make either school the pauper.)

My annual over/under for football is a modest 4-8, so anything above that is big-time gravy. Beating a school with a larger budget is a double bonus.

With that, my guess at the wins for the year:

UNI
SUI
UConn
Tech
Kansas
KSU

A win in the Pinstipe Bowl over Cincinnati to finish at 7-6.

For entertainment purposes only.

Diss

2011-08-30T20:08:00.000-05:00

So Adrian Clayborn, former Iowa DL, dissed Iowa State on Twitter:

@AJaClay That Pitt game should be a good one! All the others will be cake! I mean we are the only university in the state!

The snarky fan would ask if that was the same Clayborn who was seen on the sidelines gasping for air in the fourth quarter as his defense gave up two TD's in a loss to Northwestern, but we aren't that clever.

But part of me says, fine, he never lost to Iowa State, so why shouldn't he make fun of the Cyclones? It's not like he needed to play in the fourth quarter of those games, so congrats! He has scoreboard.

Snarky fan asks if it's the same scoreboard Northwestern has over Iowa.

The only way to earn the respect of opponents is to start beating people. Dumping Iowa would be a good start.

Best Take of a Bad Trophy

2011-08-20T11:25:00.002-05:00

Deadspin, of course.

Loser gets stuck with it, right?

Expectations

2011-08-18T19:18:00.002-05:00

This isn't the way to keep expectations at a reasonable level.

Wishes

2011-08-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

I'm a simple fan, and long time readers know that I have low expectations for ISU athletics. It's all about the dollars, and the smallest budget in a league can't be expected to challenge the big boys each and every year.

But here are my simple hopes for ISU football this fall:

1. Stop getting rolled. There were three games last year we all knew were essentially over at halftime, and at least the Utah game was entertaining for a quarter. Good programs don't multiple games by 20+, let alone 40+.

2. To achieve #1, the offense has to stop putting the defense in lousy situations. Make the other team earn their points by going 65+ yards each drive, not 40.

3. Somehow, some way, get a bowl bid. That will keep the program moving forward in everyone's eyes, and perceptions are reality.

4. Beat SUI. They are going to dump the ISU series the first chance they get- like when the Big Ten goes to a nine game conference schedule- so gets your licks in now while you can. It won't be around forever.

That's all. Now get busy.

Odd School Out

2011-08-04T12:18:00.000-05:00

We Cyclones should do our best to become tight friends with Kansas State and Baylor, because when the next big shakeup comes ISU, KSU and BU are going to be without a chair when the music stops.

Follow this link to a proposed 16-team based SuperConference structure, then scroll down for a peek at who ISU will have to pick up scraps with. Roadies to East Carolina and Central Florida, anyone?

"Hilariously Crummy"

2011-07-25T09:11:00.002-05:00

Student newspapers are always good for some bulletin board material.

Timing

2011-07-21T18:36:00.000-05:00

Lest we forget, Cyclone football can't get relevant fast enough.

The next conference shake up won't be kind to Iowa State if 4-8 is still the norm. If we want to be invited to the future SuperLeague, 8-4 is the baseline.

Peter

Niners

2011-07-21T13:21:00.000-05:00

CPR should be posting the number "9" on every surface a football player comes in contact with, as a reminder of what the football world thinks of them.

I'm sure sports psychologists would discourage that, preferring a more affirmational message like "1" everywhere.

But Iowa State needs to play every down with a gigantic chip on their shoulder to overcome the advantages on the other sideline. They need to go through the season seriously ticked off, because nobody is going to respect Iowa State until they beat people on a regular basis.

Might as well start now, Niners.

Peter

Quality Info Mixed With Humor

2011-07-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

Clone Chronicles Nails It.

Comebacks

2011-06-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

I forgot I saw this one in person.

Fine Nebraska Snark

2011-06-05T09:04:00.002-05:00

Thanks for everything, Huskers.

Hopin'

2011-05-30T20:26:00.000-05:00

Here's hoping THE Ohio State University doesn't come sniffing around CPR now that they have another coach resign in disgrace.

One poaching every hundred years, thanks.

Peter

Win-Win

2011-05-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

I love to see Fred make scheduling moves like this.

A quality home-home each year, along with the SUI/UNI/Drake trifecta, helps build a quality noncon for the RPI. It's also nice to have a hint of how good the team is before league play starts.

I think ISU gets more out of this than Michigan. Recruiting exposure in Michigan helps ISU more than Iowa exposure helps UM. As a bonus, each team will view the games as winnable, which is nice.

Perhaps Fred can build a habit of road scheduling for seniors on the team like Duke does. So while Will Clyburn gets to play in front of his Detroit friends, and Korie and Chris get a return to the state of Michigan, we still need a game in Wisconsin for Scottie (Korie gets to play the hometown card on that one, too) and a trip to Georgia for Chris Allen. A home-home with Georgia tech would suit me.

Peter

Unthinkable

2011-05-17T11:37:00.001-05:00

For a big chunk of my life, the idea that Iowa State was SUI's biggest rival was laughable. But now we are. Shocking.

The author gets in the usual "It's all about Iowa and Nebraska" dig, but rivalries have an ebb and flow. Ask SUI fan about Minnesota and Northwestern switching their roles. Beat good Mizzou teams a few times and it's on.

I'm just glad that Cyclone football has elevated itself to the point of being a threat in SUI fan's eyes. That's where you want to be.

Peter

Go Big

2011-05-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

I echo the sentiments of CrossCyed that JP has pushed ISU athletics into new territory. He asked for input, and here's mine:

1. Become consistently relevant in football.
2. Achieve financial independence.

Since #2 is dependent on #1, it's all about football.

As we saw a year ago, football drives everything when it comes to the big picture. Win and you have options. Lose and you are at the mercy of others. While winning basketball is fun, and important to ISU fans, it will be immaterial the next time conferences start realigning. (Ask Kansas how much cache their hoops program has when push comes to shove.)

We're at an important turning point in athletics, and the only serious play is to go All In. There's no other guarantee it will work, either, but not going big has a definite path towards (continued) irrelevance.

Any other move will result in a lack of options down the line. Go Big, JP, Go Big.

Peter

$2

2011-04-21T15:05:00.000-05:00

If you assume this new toy will last 10 seasons, at 6 home games per year, and 45,000 per game, about $2 of each ticket will fund it.

$5M/(10*6*45K)

Assuming they put something interesting on it, that's a pretty cheap cost on improving fan's impression of Trice.

Peter

Ramping Up

2011-04-19T14:08:00.000-05:00

I agree with both Fred's strategy and the analysis of it: ISU hoops needs to get good fast to attract the top level talent to stay good. It's a chicken/egg situation, but one with precedent.

Back in the 90's both Tim and Larry used JUCOs to fill holes and help raise and maintain performance, which brought in solid HS talent. If you aren't winning, recruiting becomes a tougher sell.

This time next year we'll know if the Refugee Strategy has paid off.

Peter

Enthusiasm

2011-04-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

I wish the Kool-Aid had the same effect on me as it does the Internet Poll Taking Population.

Not that I don't want success, I just have tempered expectations for the Smallest Football Budget in the Big 1210.

Peter

Non-Story Story

2011-04-02T18:27:00.000-05:00

There are two ingredients for the "Bill to Wisconsin" Non-Story to emerge: Success and Status.

Bill definitely has the success. And Wisconsin views its coaching job as a step up, even though it hasn't been to the NCAA Tourney '02. This was probably a reporter or blogger putting his/her finger in the air and saying "Here's a list of coaches UW could probably poach from some school that's beneath us" and Bill was on the list.

Now, Wisconsin would be stupid not to call and gauge interest. And Bill would be stupid not to listen. UW is a better job for two reasons: he may be able to wrangle a bigger paycheck and its a much easier place to win because of the Big 10/11/12.

According to Real Time RPI, The Big 10 ended the year with 4 teams int he top 50. The Big 12 had 7, with 4 in the Top 25. While this may have been a down year for the B10, I suspect it was a typical year in the B12. Life would be easier in Madison.

But I suspect Bill is happy in Ames. Expectations are reasonable. Fan support is crazy. He may not be interested in another rebuild. Sometimes when things fit, you don't mess with it.

Peter

Sage

2011-04-02T08:15:00.000-05:00

My late Grandpa Ed claimed that he made the first phone call to Danny Mac about Sage.

Don't know if that's true, but its a good story about a good kid.

Peter

Parting Gifts, The Sequel

2011-03-03T17:55:00.000-06:00

A nice turnaround over a team that pasted Iowa State in Boulder, but more importantly firmly pushes the Buffs off the NCAA bubble.

The result is Saturday's Nebraska/Colorado game in Boulder is essentially a play-in game, in the sense that the winner still has a chance. The loser is done.

The CSJ staff notes that all three of Iowa State's conference wins came against teams currently sitting on the outside looking in.

Heh.

Peter

Good News

2011-03-02T16:02:00.000-06:00

While this is good news, I hope we didn't get in a bidding war with Baylor for his services.

I want to win, but not that way.

Peter

Filthy

2011-03-02T09:18:00.000-06:00

If you have the filthy skills needed to reverse a previous opponent by 50 points, you need to learn how to impose your will on the road.

Bill's team has put together a better season than I expected- but road losses to KU and CU are really going to hurt their seeding in the B12 and NCAA tourneys.

Peter

Parting Gifts

2011-02-27T16:42:00.000-06:00

If the OT loss to Nebraska essentially bumped Iowa State from a bowl, at least we returned the favor by essentially ending the Husker's hopes of making the NCAA tournament since forever.

Not that Nebraska fan cares a lick about basketball, but still.

But good golly was that painful to watch. The Cyclones chocked that game hard and are fortunate that Nebraska wasn't good enough to take advantage.

Mission one for the staff in the off season: Throw out the pages of the gameplan involving End Of Games, and try something else. I think the sample size is big enough to conclude that the current plan is not going to work.

Now, burst CU's bubble as a parting gift.

Peter

Big Boy Pants

2011-02-09T21:02:00.002-06:00

I agree with this completely.

I've made fun of the Bowling In The Endzone fetish many Cyclone fans have, but new and improved facilities often sell themselves. Attendance jumped when the Jack was built compared to Clyde Williams. I witnessed the same thing happen when Des Moines rebuilt Sec Taylor Stadium in the 90's.

The plan to build a football facility and use the roof for seating is the best design, and is what sold me on the deal. I love that kind of design.

Put on the Big Boy Pants, boys.

Peter

Edit- corrected link

Lost Decade

2011-02-09T20:38:00.000-06:00

Blum gets it right.

I will always remember how LE would, on the post-game show after a big win, remind everyone to cherish the win, cherish the ride they were on. He was psychic.

May that ride come again.

Peter

Awkward

2011-01-30T16:04:00.000-06:00

The only thing more awkward than watching a team repeatedly come from ahead to lose is being out there on the floor trying to make the play that wins the game- or rather, not make the play that doesn't win the game.

Winning and losing build momentum. Fred's boys have a whole bunch of the wrong kind. I assume the scout team is taking careful notes on what they have to do with the rock next year.

Then again, they're that close. I'll take their situation over what is going on in Iowa City, consistently losing but 10+.

Peter

Interesting Recruiting Story

2011-01-28T16:21:00.001-06:00

Not the kind of topic that is often written about in the mainstream press. Mixed view of Bill's program.

I doubt there is a real problem.

Peter

It Happens

2011-01-22T22:04:00.002-06:00

Sometimes the other team just has your number. Its going to happen this year.

Someone I read this week thought that Mizzou is ISU's worst matchup in the league- just not many good options.

Mizzou also had an excellent defensive plan- tall rangy guy on JVB, shadow on Scott, lots of ball pressure- it all added up.

Tonight's result only emphasizes how important winning the close ones is. But realize- we're still ahead of schedule.

Peter

Finishing

2011-01-19T22:14:00.002-06:00

The improvements in Fred's crew compared to last year have been enormous. But the inability to close games out in the last 4 minutes is holding them back.

Peter

Streaks

2011-01-19T17:22:00.003-06:00

I was a freshman in college the last time Iowa State won in Stillwater. Victor Alexander was also a freshman, and played a decent game that night. As I recall that was the first sign that he would be an above-average player.

Streaks like this don't happen by accident- but it is impressive when you consider that some pretty stout Cyclone teams have made that trip. The problem is that Okie State always seemed just a little stouter when they needed to be.

I seldom bet against a streak, so I expect the Cowboys to win somehow. But I suspect ISU will have a shot at the end.

Peter

Saturdays

2011-01-17T10:57:00.001-06:00

The best news for our Cyclones: 4 of their 6 remaining home games are on Saturdays.

Buy your tickets now.

Peter

Magic Defined

2011-01-17T08:27:00.001-06:00

I had a few exchanges over the weekend whether Hilton Magic has returned, and much of the problem is in definition.

My definition is vague, but it surrounds this: Hilton Magic can push an otherwise over-matched Cyclone team to victory. The Magic is often crowd-driven by fans who believe they can have as much influence as they players on the court. When fans come in the door intending to go to work rather than just observe, crazy things happen.

Its really about mindset. Football fans in Lincoln and Iowa City probably have it to a degree. ISU fans have had it in the past. But recent results have created a justifiable "wait and see" attitude when going to games, reactive rather than proactive.

We are on the cusp of something memorable. Ghosts are being awakened.

Peter

Surprise

2011-01-15T19:31:00.002-06:00

I dare say Scotty Drew was outcoached tonight.

Our Cyclones had exactly the offensive sets to get good looks against the Bears' zone, and did enough on defense to keep Baylor from finding a rhythm. The result was a win that looked a little too easy.

Granted, its hard to look bad when you are shooting 50%, but the effort and execution were there on both ends of the floor. Absolutely no hangover from the near miss against KU.

Given the disparity between the two teams on paper, this win may qualify as Magical.

Peter

Underachievers

2011-01-13T08:05:00.001-06:00

I love the hustle of our Cyclones- they know they are limited and undermanned, but they try to make the best of it.

If ISU can be criticized for their defensive strategy in the post, KU can be criticized for not pounding the ball into the post on every single possession. They didn't need to shoot jump shots- they had a layup anytime they wanted it.

Really, Kansas only played about 12 minutes of serious ball, otherwise it was a controlled scrimmage. If they had applied themselves for even 30 minutes, they win by 40. I'd love to watch them play somebody when they really care. Maybe Mizzou will bring out their A game.

Peter

Sick

2011-01-11T22:42:00.001-06:00

The Twister Sisters uncorked a 41-7 run in the second half of a conference game. That's just sick.

One 20+ run in a game, sure. Par for the course with Bill's bunch. But essentially back to back? That's not fair.

Wish I had been there to witness it in person.

Peter

Bookends

2011-01-11T09:13:00.001-06:00

Nebraska and Penn State will make perfect basketball bookends in the
Big 10/11/12.

Peter

The Chiz

2011-01-10T22:41:00.002-06:00

What bothers me now about the Chiz administration was the subtle condensation he had for Iowa State.

It was if ISU's problem wasn't the 2.5 star talent, it was that they just hadn't been coached up properly. Every other coaching staff was a bunch of dorks, you see. He's Coach "Super Genius". He'll show us how its done.

Yelling "I will not coach down to you" was perhaps not the best technique for a guy with exactly zero head coaching wins at the time. Way to bond with your new charges.

The look on his face after the SUI win told the whole story- he couldn't believe he won a game at all, let alone against a decent team.

I'm still surprised that Chiz had no idea what to do with anything other than five star talent- that's the sign of bad coaching. The difference between his teams in Ames and his teams in Auburn couldn't be more stark.

So it goes.

Peter

Close

2011-01-10T13:19:00.001-06:00

I have to agree with Randy on this one. You ask your coach to put your team in position to win. Fred has done that in every game so far.

So they haven't won all of them. So what. Nobody does. As long as you win your share, its all good.

Give ISU a shot at beating Kansas at home, and I'll be most impressed.

Peter

Mouth

2011-01-02T21:00:00.002-06:00

I'm old enough to remember when ISU's basketball coaches knew how to swear on the court- think late 90's to early 00's- and to many it was a big problem.

Now the current coach in Iowa City does it and it just displays his intensity.

Huh.

Peter

Our Bad

2011-01-02T20:24:00.004-06:00

We, Cyclone Nation, should take the blame for Nebraska being upset in the Holiday Bowl.

Had Iowa State defeated Nebraska in Ames- and they should have, as they outplayed them- Nebraska would have been matched up against a team with less incentive to win, and who the Huskers might have tried to beat.

Thus- embarrassing loss avoided.

Who knew a failed 2 point conversion would have such delayed repercussions?

So, Huskers, we're sorry. Looking like pompous punks, becoming a national laughingstock on ESPN, having to slide into the Big 10/11/12 with your tail between your legs, that was our fault. Sorry.

Now get out.

Peter

Legs

2010-12-30T21:04:00.002-06:00

I suspect Fred's NBA experience is helpful in managing a 5 1/2 man roster. My random sample of NBA stats reveals that most teams have 6 primary players, who all average in the high 20 to low 30 minute range per game. It's not that big a deal.

What matters is what happens on the off days. NBA practices are surprisingly casual. Lots of teaching- putting things in, walking through tenancies, that kind of thing- but not much full-out scrimmage once the season is underway. There are just too frequent, so rest becomes imperative.

I imagine Fizer wouldn't recognize an ISU practice today- lots of teaching, not much running, trying to preserve legs when the spacing between games is short. The "practices harder than the games" mentality will have wait.

We'll see if Fred's recipe can maintain the same effort once we get into the Big 12 season.

Peter

Hustle

2010-12-30T20:49:00.003-06:00

I loved the hustle in the win over Virginia, especially on the road. Much like their win over SUI, they just seemed in control even when the shots weren't falling.

Best of all, they had the hustle they lacked in the loss to Cal. Every loose ball had a Cyclone on the floor, which is the kind of effort this team needs to make every night.

But like the game in Iowa City, the execution of the take-the-air-out-of-the-ball sets at the end of the game need work. Burning clock is only so helpful if you don't finish the play.

In the end, I don't care that UVa only has a Sagarin of 117, any win on the road for this bunch is a big win. The fact they led by 10+ for 30+ minutes is remarkable. Well done.

Peter

Snark

2010-12-28T13:06:00.002-06:00

This is complete snark-

Is there an optimum number of arrests a BCS football program should incur each year to maximize wins? Stat geeks, to your spreadsheets!

Tip 'o the toque to @brentblum.

Peter

Hoopla

2010-12-21T08:25:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure I agree with the premise- ISU would be much better off with Barnes on campus than off- but the point about the "should have gone to a Big Time School" is spot on.

In the same way that recruits magically lose a star when signing with Iowa State, much of the preseason All-Everything hoopla would have never developed around Barnes simply because that sort of thing doesn't happen in the 515. Nobody good goes there.

Peter

Hubris, Entry #3245

2010-12-16T09:53:00.002-06:00

Seems to roll around every year: "Drop Iowa State from the schedule. Why do we need them?"

My favorite post in the thread

Yes, ISU needs to get off of the Iowa Wellfare Program and drop them. Have some dignity, for Cripes sakes! Act like a D-1 program playing in a BCS conference.
ISU needs to go back and pay the financial difference back to Iowa, that the lopsided agreement has provided ISU, over the last 3 decades.
We accept check or cash. A public apology would go a long ways toward repairing ISU's dignity, but I wont hold my breathe.

:

Hubris, indeed.

Peter

Expectations

2010-12-16T09:41:00.003-06:00

While I like John's writing, I take issue with this post.

True, Iowa State's non-conference schedule is really weak. But in June everyone thought ISU's team would be really weak, too. Their 9-2 record, and general level of play, is WAY above where anyone thought it would be.

Their schedule was set up to get them over .500- not to impress the NCAA committee.

The fact they have a mathematical chance at an NCAA bit is remarkable.

Peter

The Key Second Half

2010-12-11T13:56:00.002-06:00

Another watching of the win over SUI reinforced how important the defensive effort was.

My totals for the second half:

18 "empty" possessions in which SUI didn't score
9 steals
9 one-shot possessions, with defensive rebound

That success couldn't be sustained in the last 4 minutes when the fouls came thick and fast. SUI had 6 possessions in that stretch, and managed to shoot 11 free throws, while ISU only got two stops.

One or two more stops and one or two more buckets out of the offensive sets and ISU wins comfortably.

Its good to win, but the places for improvement are obvious.

Peter

Bang

2010-12-10T21:36:00.003-06:00

Scott picked a good night to be on.

I loved his final shot, when every SUI fan in CHA screamed "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!" as he let it go- Bang! Game over.

Exhibit A: First half, aka How ISU Will Lose This Year. Casual D, lazy rebounding, just hoping to stop the other team.

Exhibit B: Second Half, aka How ISU Will Win This Year. Great doubling and switching, forcing lots of turnovers than turned into transition offense, rebounding like the game depends on it (coincidentally, it does). Given the number of blown fast breaks, this game should have be a 15 point win, not 3.

The only downside: I love Diante's game this year, but I'm cool with him putting away the fade-away jumper. The next one he makes will be the first.

Nice road win, fellas. Keep up the hard work on the defensive end.

Peter

Clash of Styles

2010-12-01T22:17:00.002-06:00

When the shots don't fall, it's hard to impose your kind of tempo on the opponent.

Undermanned, first year coach, still learning new roles in a new system, down 1 with a minute to go, on the road? I'll take it.

Baby steps.

Peterclone

Gaps

2010-11-20T21:39:00.003-06:00

While this team has a surplus of heart, they had a deficit of talent, and that kept them from winning the close games: K State, Nebraska, Mizzou.

But there is no question the program took more steps forward. And that's all we ask.

Get busy in the weight room, fellas.

Peter

Do Or Die

2010-11-20T08:45:00.003-06:00

The situation against Mizzou is pretty simple: Win and get a bowl trip. Lose and start off-season workouts.

I expect Maximum Effort for the Clones- I just hope its enough to get them over the top.

Frankly, I've never liked the job Pinkel has done. He should have been banned from coaching for trying to turn Brad Smith into Peyton Manning. Idiot.

Mizzou 28, ISU 24.

Peter

Ownership

2010-11-17T10:56:00.002-06:00

Read this. Now.

It says everything I would hope for moving forward. We're in good hands.

Peter

Banana Peel

2010-11-12T21:00:00.003-06:00

All I ask of Cyclone Football is to beat the teams that, at the end of the year, are behind them in the standings and rankings. Barring a dramatic switcheroo, Colorado falls into the "should beat" category.

I am as surprised as anyone that Hawkins didn't work out- I thought his hire was brilliant. He sure loved playing ISU- 20% of his B12 wins came against us. That's 2 of 10. In four and a half seasons. Ouch.

But considering what has gone down in Boulder this week, a collapse by our Clones wouldn't surprise me at all. It's one thing to be loose when you are the underdog.

It's time for ISU to learn to play as the favorite.

ISU 28-24.

Peter

Gusto

2010-11-06T19:14:00.002-05:00

After all of the years of complaining that Danny Mac was too conservative, we must applaud playing to win.

Be sure to buy lots of Iowa gas on your road trips, Husker fan.

Peter

Unis

2010-11-03T08:45:00.001-05:00

Doing something like this would be an abomination:

Just say no.

Peter

Fascinating

2010-11-02T08:45:00.002-05:00

Want a full breakdown of A-Rob's winning TD versus Texas? Burnt Orange Nation has it for you.

That kind of analysis is both fascinating and disturbing. Where do people find the time?

Peter

Bullet Dodged

2010-11-01T18:35:00.002-05:00

Saturday's win over KU was the kind of game previous Cyclone teams would have lost. This crew seems to have a good head on its shoulders, and doesn't go into the fetal position at the first sign of trouble. The third quarter was what we expected the first quarter to be like, but at least they got it done and kept KU at bay the rest of the way.

That said, KU gave ISU lots of help. Turner Gill was a complete chicken s**t for not running a couple of plays at the end of the first half, and his playing-not-to-lose made ISU's second half work a bit easier. That's what you get with Rookies. He'd better be a recruiting monster or his tenure in Lawrence won't be pretty.

Thoughts on the final Nebraska game later.

Peter

Gameplan

2010-10-26T21:42:00.002-05:00

If I was a coach forced to play my third string QB, with no backup, my plan would be pretty simple:

Run the ball. A Lot.
Quick passes, three step drop kinds of stuff.
Roll-outs to avoid the rush.
Run some more.

Don't expect to see deep drop backs, looking to throw deep. Quick manageable stuff, which will ideally get the ball out of the QB's hand.

Sacks may be scarce- but important.

Peter

Wonk

2010-10-26T19:11:00.002-05:00

For the football wonks in the crowd, CPR gets into some of the nuts and bolts of how his team prepares.

Peter

Trap

2010-10-24T20:01:00.002-05:00

Iowa State must now avoid the kind of mentality against Kansas that got Texas in trouble against Iowa State.

Granted, I don't know how you can't get geared up to play a team you have lost 5 in a row and six of seven against, but it happens.

When you get a chance to thump a team that's down on its luck, man, thump 'em.

Peter

Taking the Over

2010-10-23T19:14:00.002-05:00

I marvel at the resiliency required to survive two successive beatdowns, then win what should have been another beatdown.

I also marvel at the amazing waste of talent that is Texas when they think they can just pull on the jersey and win. Had the Longhorns not been so impressed with themselves, perhaps they would have covered to 20.5 spread with ease.

Iowa State will never match the talent at a school like Texas- and they don't have to. As long as they find enough talent that still caries a chip on their shoulder, that want to prove to everyone they are good enough to play, they will win enough games.

I prefer my team to overachieve than underachieve. Today they were way, way over.

Peter

Sad

2010-10-23T18:41:00.001-05:00

Five games left to play and their season is already over.

Better luck next year.

Peter

Austin

2010-10-23T09:09:00.002-05:00

While I don't think ISU will come close to winning in Austin- the talent gulf will always be too big versus the Longhorns- I think we'll see a much closer game than the last two weeks.

Utah and OU had statements to make, and they were clearly motivated to do so. Texas made their statement last week in Lincoln. The Horns are notorious for playing down to the level of their competition, and I can't see them giving their best effort against a team that has been crushed the last two week.

ISU loses, but only by 14 or so.

Peter

Bullet Dodged

2010-10-17T20:47:00.001-05:00

Even with the fiasco that was Chiz, I think ISU dodged a bullet by not being able to woo Brewster. Good thing he thought enough of himself not to work for such a downtrodden program as Iowa State. He's a man with upside!

Once in a great while I am prophetic.

Peter

Beatdown

2010-10-16T21:25:00.003-05:00

On one hand its a simple "You don't have the horses to run with us" kind of thing.

But there's also a touch of "Don't even think you can compete with us long term" to games like that.

I hope the 28 redshirts understand the hill they are presently climbing.

The advantage to the new round-robin schedule is an annual test against against the Sooners and Longhorns. We will be able to measure our progress (or lack thereof) pretty easily.

Peter