-and so we being another football season in Ames, staring down another insanely hard schedule. Literally no gimmes when you include a favorite to win the Big 101112 West/Legends Division, a favorite to win the MAC and the three-time defending FCS champ. Whew.
Several have made the argument that ISU will go 3-9 or worse, Rhodes should be canned, etc. etc. etc. In other words, another typical summer expectation synopsis for the Cyclones. If the OL is riddled with injuries like 2013, 0-12 is in play. Magino can only do so much when the QB is running for his life, getting injured, and then is unable to run for his life due to injury.
My short answer: If the OL stays healthy and the offense can average 28+ per game, they find a way to get to 6-6 and a bowl invite. (It's all any of us want, really.)
But if the OL has to start using backups for extended snaps, look out below.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The White Whale Arrives
As I wrote at this time last year, I wasn't opposed to the idea of bowling in the south end of Jack Trice, I just didn't think it made financial sense.
But Pollard, the mad genius that he is, has found a way to make the numbers work. By adding a massive "Club Section" in the end zone seating area, 3000 fans will get the privilege of spending $750 on a season ticket that before was only $99. Granted, the club section will have amenities the current seating lacks- like a place to go when it gets too hot, too cold or too wet and porcelain toilets rather than Porta Potties. I suspect that section will sell quickly.
My only concern is that there be a plan for families who leverage Jr. Cyclone memberships into a family gameday activity. The current Jr. Cyclone membership won't be able to squeeze into the NE and NW corners under the current "Ya'll come" admittance policy. But $50 for a assigned seat on top of the current $50 Jr. Cy cost would be totally fair, and would move lots of families like mine from the grass to the seats.
If the reality looks in any way similar to the renderings, Trice may officially become a place you don't want to come play- and that will be great fun.
But Pollard, the mad genius that he is, has found a way to make the numbers work. By adding a massive "Club Section" in the end zone seating area, 3000 fans will get the privilege of spending $750 on a season ticket that before was only $99. Granted, the club section will have amenities the current seating lacks- like a place to go when it gets too hot, too cold or too wet and porcelain toilets rather than Porta Potties. I suspect that section will sell quickly.
My only concern is that there be a plan for families who leverage Jr. Cyclone memberships into a family gameday activity. The current Jr. Cyclone membership won't be able to squeeze into the NE and NW corners under the current "Ya'll come" admittance policy. But $50 for a assigned seat on top of the current $50 Jr. Cy cost would be totally fair, and would move lots of families like mine from the grass to the seats.
If the reality looks in any way similar to the renderings, Trice may officially become a place you don't want to come play- and that will be great fun.
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Too Much and Not Enough
The Cyclones have a certain offensive rhythm when they are successful, efficient, and winning. I can't put my finger on exactly how many passes it involves, but there is a sweet spot in their offense.
More than 10 baskets without an assist usually leads to offensive disaster and a loss. Fortunately, that has been a rare occurrence. If Hoiberg is guilty of anything (and this is a minor quibble) is that his squad sometimes goes a pass too far when sharing the ball, which leads to a turnover. Nice problem to have.
That was evident early in their home win against West Virginia. Several possessions ended in a turnover when the extra pass was attempted, often inside and down low. After a time out the extra pass went away and shots went up. Score. The assists were earned, but the team stopped trying too hard.
Again- it's a good problem to have, but its interesting to watch it ebb and flow during the course of a game.
More than 10 baskets without an assist usually leads to offensive disaster and a loss. Fortunately, that has been a rare occurrence. If Hoiberg is guilty of anything (and this is a minor quibble) is that his squad sometimes goes a pass too far when sharing the ball, which leads to a turnover. Nice problem to have.
That was evident early in their home win against West Virginia. Several possessions ended in a turnover when the extra pass was attempted, often inside and down low. After a time out the extra pass went away and shots went up. Score. The assists were earned, but the team stopped trying too hard.
Again- it's a good problem to have, but its interesting to watch it ebb and flow during the course of a game.
Bring Back Mirrored Schedules
I'm old enough to remember when the Big 8 basketball schedules mirrored opponents for the men's and women's teams, and each team would be home opposite weeks.
Back before TV completely blew up scheduling rhythm, games were usually played on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons. The men might be on the road for two games while the women were at home for that week, then they would switch. The convenient part was that each would play the same opponent on the same day- If the men were in Stillwater, you knew the women were hosting the Cowgirls.
That symmetry gave the season a nice bit of predictability.
"Travel partners" only added to this. In the Big 8 days, OU and Okie State went on the road together, as did KU and Mizzou, K State and Colorado, and Nebraska with Iowa State. If you had a home game week, you would play OU on Wednesday and then OSU on Saturday. When you traveled south, you swung through Norman and Stillwater in the same trip. With 14 games spread across 8 weeks, you then had a built in night off during the week that you played your travel partner. Symmetry.
These schedules arose in the days of trains and buses, when a trip from Ames to Oklahoma was a project. Now that every road trip involves an airplane and is paid with a TV rights check economizing travel costs is less important. But two-game road trips with your travel partner conveyed, even subtly, that everyone was working together to make lives easier.
That ethic evaporated about the same time as basketball shorts stopped being short.
Back before TV completely blew up scheduling rhythm, games were usually played on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons. The men might be on the road for two games while the women were at home for that week, then they would switch. The convenient part was that each would play the same opponent on the same day- If the men were in Stillwater, you knew the women were hosting the Cowgirls.
That symmetry gave the season a nice bit of predictability.
"Travel partners" only added to this. In the Big 8 days, OU and Okie State went on the road together, as did KU and Mizzou, K State and Colorado, and Nebraska with Iowa State. If you had a home game week, you would play OU on Wednesday and then OSU on Saturday. When you traveled south, you swung through Norman and Stillwater in the same trip. With 14 games spread across 8 weeks, you then had a built in night off during the week that you played your travel partner. Symmetry.
These schedules arose in the days of trains and buses, when a trip from Ames to Oklahoma was a project. Now that every road trip involves an airplane and is paid with a TV rights check economizing travel costs is less important. But two-game road trips with your travel partner conveyed, even subtly, that everyone was working together to make lives easier.
That ethic evaporated about the same time as basketball shorts stopped being short.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Bowl Season May Be Ugly
I don't like the match-ups most of the B12 teams face this year. While I don't expect a complete wipeout, looking bad while finishing 2-3 wouldn't surprise me.
Texas will struggle to keep up with Oregon
Ditto Tech versus Arizona State
Baylor will get a serious challenge from The Best Program Nobody Knows aka Central Florida
Bama will crush the Sooners.
Okie State has the horses to beat Mizzou, but will their heads be in it?
Looks like I'll be working on my To-Do list rather than watching football.
Texas will struggle to keep up with Oregon
Ditto Tech versus Arizona State
Baylor will get a serious challenge from The Best Program Nobody Knows aka Central Florida
Bama will crush the Sooners.
Okie State has the horses to beat Mizzou, but will their heads be in it?
Looks like I'll be working on my To-Do list rather than watching football.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Adjustments
Half the fun of watching the Cyclones is studying the second half adjustments. At some point Fred finds a personnel and strategy combination that results in a 15-2 run over 3 minutes that wins the game.
This has to be a maddening group to game plan against, and double tough to adjust to as the game goes along. So much versatility.
This has to be a maddening group to game plan against, and double tough to adjust to as the game goes along. So much versatility.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Finishing Better Than They Start
At some point this Slow Start/Big Finish routine is going to bite our Cyclones on the butt, but for now it is quite the fun ride.
To watch the Hawkeyes lose is a most Cyclone way was fantastic. The second half is classic.
To watch the Hawkeyes lose is a most Cyclone way was fantastic. The second half is classic.
Monday, December 09, 2013
Keys
While coming back from down 18 to win in OT is impressive, not getting behind will be more important long-term.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Role Change 2
Perhaps the dumpster fire that was the ISU offense is going to change- CPR canned the OC and running backs coach.
Its good to see that lousy work isn't tolerated, and that changes will be made when they need to be.
Bring in a few Jucos to fill holes, get everyone on the same page, and go win some games.
Its good to see that lousy work isn't tolerated, and that changes will be made when they need to be.
Bring in a few Jucos to fill holes, get everyone on the same page, and go win some games.
Role Change 1
It was fun to watch ISU deliver some disappointment rather be on the receiving end.
Given how lousy the season was as a whole, the ending was as good as we could have hoped for.
Which moves us to the next post-
Given how lousy the season was as a whole, the ending was as good as we could have hoped for.
Which moves us to the next post-
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Beatdown
The 34-0 shutout of KU was cathartic for everyone involved. It was a nice reward for those who put on enough layers to spend 3 hours in 5 degree weather
It was an important win for two reasons: it gave the program a bit of momentum headed into the WV finale, and it took all of the wind from KU's sails after breaking their losing streak last week. Climbing the standings is a long-term zero-sum game. To climb the standings, you need to consistently beat everyone below you. KU is a team ISU needs to keep a rung below to have long term progress.
WVU appears to be in football trouble, so the best thing to do would be to hand them an anchor to the bottom of the standings.
It was an important win for two reasons: it gave the program a bit of momentum headed into the WV finale, and it took all of the wind from KU's sails after breaking their losing streak last week. Climbing the standings is a long-term zero-sum game. To climb the standings, you need to consistently beat everyone below you. KU is a team ISU needs to keep a rung below to have long term progress.
WVU appears to be in football trouble, so the best thing to do would be to hand them an anchor to the bottom of the standings.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Numbers
While it's fun to have basketball matter, I didn't realize how irrelevant our Cyclones have been on th national stage: the current #21 ranking is their highest in 12 years.
That covers four coaches.
The current play of the team gives me some confidence that this won't be another high water mark for the decade. Fred's teams usually struggle in November and December as the new faces find their role- that doesn't appear an issue so far.
BTW- the Detroit press blames Michigan's loss in Ames not on solid Cyclone play down the stretch but on youth and not having a leader yet.
That covers four coaches.
The current play of the team gives me some confidence that this won't be another high water mark for the decade. Fred's teams usually struggle in November and December as the new faces find their role- that doesn't appear an issue so far.
BTW- the Detroit press blames Michigan's loss in Ames not on solid Cyclone play down the stretch but on youth and not having a leader yet.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Momentum
Looks like ISU is trying to revert to their historic norm.
Given the injuries and youth- the number of Freshmen who are playing is terrifying- Cyclone fans are willing to punt on this year. But the program is losing momentum with every blowout.
I imagine a few coaches are going to lose their jobs, but a angry mob needs to see that changes are being made. The offense is arguably the worst among the power conferences. That can't stand.
If the NCAA really cared about competitive balance, every school would get 3 weeks of practice at the end of the year, bowl game or not. But the NCAA has a financial incentive in keeping the traditional football powers in power, so teams that need the extra practice don't get it.
Given the injuries and youth- the number of Freshmen who are playing is terrifying- Cyclone fans are willing to punt on this year. But the program is losing momentum with every blowout.
I imagine a few coaches are going to lose their jobs, but a angry mob needs to see that changes are being made. The offense is arguably the worst among the power conferences. That can't stand.
If the NCAA really cared about competitive balance, every school would get 3 weeks of practice at the end of the year, bowl game or not. But the NCAA has a financial incentive in keeping the traditional football powers in power, so teams that need the extra practice don't get it.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Context
In the previous 17 Big XII seasons, Iowa State football has finished in the top half of scoring exactly twice: 4th in 2005, 6th in 2000.
That explains only having 37 conference wins across 17 seasons.
Until this club can score regularly, they will struggle. If I knew what would solve it, I wouldn't be a blogger.
That explains only having 37 conference wins across 17 seasons.
Until this club can score regularly, they will struggle. If I knew what would solve it, I wouldn't be a blogger.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Data
I admire anyone who has the time and skill set to work the data like this.
A Cyclone fan with that time and skill set is a double bonus.
A Cyclone fan with that time and skill set is a double bonus.
Cy-Hawk Trend
A friend who is smarter than me pointed out this interesting trend:
Kirk Ferentz is 2-5 in Ames.
His teams that won in Ames finished the year with 10 and 11 wins.
The teams that lost in Ames finished their years with 7, 7, 7, 6 and 1 win.
To look at it the other way, the ISU teams that have beaten Iowa in Ames have finished with 6, 3, 7, 7 and 4 wins. That trend is less definitive.
Since few see this year's Hawkeye club winning 8 or 9 more games, Iowa State should probably win.
Or rather, Iowa should probably find a way to lose.
Kirk Ferentz is 2-5 in Ames.
His teams that won in Ames finished the year with 10 and 11 wins.
The teams that lost in Ames finished their years with 7, 7, 7, 6 and 1 win.
To look at it the other way, the ISU teams that have beaten Iowa in Ames have finished with 6, 3, 7, 7 and 4 wins. That trend is less definitive.
Since few see this year's Hawkeye club winning 8 or 9 more games, Iowa State should probably win.
Or rather, Iowa should probably find a way to lose.
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Now We Know
The loss to UNI only cemented Iowa State's title as Program Hardest On Its Own Fans.
During the game I started joking with the Cyclone fan net to me which painful loss from the past was the most painful- and we had a damn long list to choose from. UNI '13 is definitely on it. Delivered at a moment when your fan base was ready to go nuts, it is the worst loss of the Rhodes era. Considering how badly they played in Memphis, its been a while since Cyclone Football has been worth cheering for.
So our Cyclones are a work in progress. At least we will have no illusions about our underdog status the rest of the way.
During the game I started joking with the Cyclone fan net to me which painful loss from the past was the most painful- and we had a damn long list to choose from. UNI '13 is definitely on it. Delivered at a moment when your fan base was ready to go nuts, it is the worst loss of the Rhodes era. Considering how badly they played in Memphis, its been a while since Cyclone Football has been worth cheering for.
So our Cyclones are a work in progress. At least we will have no illusions about our underdog status the rest of the way.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Patience
UNI should have won in Madison last fall, and the Badgers went on to the Rose Bowl. The Panthers could have won in Iowa City had they gotten a few breaks.
I'm going to assume this game won't be won until the fourth quarter. The heat is going to require lots of rotation of the second team, which should be an advantage for the Cyclones. UNI's first 22 can play, but I hope there is a drop off when comparing ISU's second units to UNI's. If there isn't, we might as well lose since its going to be a long fall anyway. Pull that Band-Aid off early and quickly.
So don't panic if it's tied at 14 at the half. It will be a war of attrition.
I'm going to assume this game won't be won until the fourth quarter. The heat is going to require lots of rotation of the second team, which should be an advantage for the Cyclones. UNI's first 22 can play, but I hope there is a drop off when comparing ISU's second units to UNI's. If there isn't, we might as well lose since its going to be a long fall anyway. Pull that Band-Aid off early and quickly.
So don't panic if it's tied at 14 at the half. It will be a war of attrition.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Punching Above Their Weight
The DM Register did a good job figuring out the athletic and football budgets for several conferences. Those are hard numbers to parse out.
Iowa State again has the smallest athletic budget in the Big 12, yet is fourth or fifth best in performance. Nice job all around. That kind of result is all we can ask for.
My only quibble is the "Cash Spent per football win" formula only focused on one year being too short. One good or bad year skews the results too much. I would prefer a 3 or 5 year horizon to get a clearer view of things.
The big surprise? Iowa has the fourth biggest budget in the Big 10, yet is last in the league for performance the last two years. Ouch.
Iowa State again has the smallest athletic budget in the Big 12, yet is fourth or fifth best in performance. Nice job all around. That kind of result is all we can ask for.
My only quibble is the "Cash Spent per football win" formula only focused on one year being too short. One good or bad year skews the results too much. I would prefer a 3 or 5 year horizon to get a clearer view of things.
The big surprise? Iowa has the fourth biggest budget in the Big 10, yet is last in the league for performance the last two years. Ouch.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Long Fall
If you follow the links for Iowa and Iowa State, you will find that at the moment both teams combine to be favored in exactly one conference game, Kansas over ISU in Ames.
Ouch.
We Clonies are used to the perpetual underdog role. That is a new experience for fans in Iowa City. Another 2-6 or worse year- I hear talk of 0-8 being a real possibility- and things will get real ugly for Coach-For-Life Kirk.
The goal for the '13 Cyclones: Continue the forward momentum, because there isn't much in Iowa City.
Ouch.
We Clonies are used to the perpetual underdog role. That is a new experience for fans in Iowa City. Another 2-6 or worse year- I hear talk of 0-8 being a real possibility- and things will get real ugly for Coach-For-Life Kirk.
The goal for the '13 Cyclones: Continue the forward momentum, because there isn't much in Iowa City.
Friday, May 24, 2013
The Cyclone Fan's White Whale
The South Endzone Project rears its head again.
I understand that lots of Cyclone fans feel that as long as Trice a sort-of-open south end zone it will have a "second tier" look to it. But right now Iowa State is a second tier football program! Playing not-quite-.500-football doesn't justify a $50 million dollar upgrade.
But let's play what if from a business viewpoint: $50 million would replace 5000 current end zone and hillside seats and add, best case, 10,000 new seats. Dream scenario, $50 per seat for 6 games equals $4.5 Million per season, giving you a payoff of roughly 12 years. But that's best case scenario.
As it stands now, end zone seats go for ~$30 on a season ticket. Hillsides are ~$20. Do you think all those fans are going to suddenly jump to $50 for a high end zone seat? Nope. They will have to be heavily discounted, probably in that $20-$30 range. Half the revenue means double the payback period. 25 years on a project? No. Way. It just doesn't pencil out.
Add in that the number of visitor tickets has dropped dramatically with Nebraska and Mizzou out of the league (not that Mizzou fans travel, but they could have), and the project gets even harder to pull off. I know, luxury suites could be added to drive some revenue, but how much can you charge a high-roller for a lousy view? The article is right- unless someone donates $10+ million for the project, the South Bowl will remain a pipe dream.
Not that it wouldn't be cool and help our Cyclones look First Tier- but they have to win a lot of games before that will become a reality.
I understand that lots of Cyclone fans feel that as long as Trice a sort-of-open south end zone it will have a "second tier" look to it. But right now Iowa State is a second tier football program! Playing not-quite-.500-football doesn't justify a $50 million dollar upgrade.
But let's play what if from a business viewpoint: $50 million would replace 5000 current end zone and hillside seats and add, best case, 10,000 new seats. Dream scenario, $50 per seat for 6 games equals $4.5 Million per season, giving you a payoff of roughly 12 years. But that's best case scenario.
As it stands now, end zone seats go for ~$30 on a season ticket. Hillsides are ~$20. Do you think all those fans are going to suddenly jump to $50 for a high end zone seat? Nope. They will have to be heavily discounted, probably in that $20-$30 range. Half the revenue means double the payback period. 25 years on a project? No. Way. It just doesn't pencil out.
Add in that the number of visitor tickets has dropped dramatically with Nebraska and Mizzou out of the league (not that Mizzou fans travel, but they could have), and the project gets even harder to pull off. I know, luxury suites could be added to drive some revenue, but how much can you charge a high-roller for a lousy view? The article is right- unless someone donates $10+ million for the project, the South Bowl will remain a pipe dream.
Not that it wouldn't be cool and help our Cyclones look First Tier- but they have to win a lot of games before that will become a reality.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Out Iowa City Has Always Wanted
Looks like SUI can finally drop Ames Community College off of its schedule.
They've been looking for an excuse since '98. Now they have one. It was fun while it lasted.
They've been looking for an excuse since '98. Now they have one. It was fun while it lasted.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Forecast: Fugly
Check out the quote in this article:
In other words, ND would prefer to the final score look like a halftime total for a typical ISU game.
That's everything wrong with college basketball.
I expect the game to be painful to watch. Lots of fouls, ND mugging ISU at every opportunity, and as a result, clean open looks will be hard to find. It's tough to get open when the defender is holding your arm.
The good news is that if ISU can get a ~10 point lead, ND will have to do things they don't like. Advantage: ISU. Score early, score often. First team to 60 probably wins.
“We have had games where we’ve held teams to 40, 50 points,” Irish forward Pat Connaughton said. “I think that’s what we want to do in order to come out with this win.”
In other words, ND would prefer to the final score look like a halftime total for a typical ISU game.
That's everything wrong with college basketball.
I expect the game to be painful to watch. Lots of fouls, ND mugging ISU at every opportunity, and as a result, clean open looks will be hard to find. It's tough to get open when the defender is holding your arm.
The good news is that if ISU can get a ~10 point lead, ND will have to do things they don't like. Advantage: ISU. Score early, score often. First team to 60 probably wins.
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Best and Worst
Iowa State's win in Morgantown had the two extremes of Cyclone basketball. The first half was brilliant- free flow on offense, solid defense, a 44-20 halftime lead. But the second half had a 16 minute stretch that was horrid- 14 turnovers, bad rushed shots, and giving up 54 (!) points.
But the Cyclones made enough shots down the stretch to pull out the win, and finish 3-6 on the road. Not great but respectable.
Watching that game confirms that in the B12 and NCAA tourneys ISU can beat anyone- and can lose to anyone, too. Fasten your seat belts.
But the Cyclones made enough shots down the stretch to pull out the win, and finish 3-6 on the road. Not great but respectable.
Watching that game confirms that in the B12 and NCAA tourneys ISU can beat anyone- and can lose to anyone, too. Fasten your seat belts.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Ticket: Punched Take II
Now they are really in. A win in Morgantown and a few in KC will go a long way towards improving on a 12 seed. The Cyclones found themselves in the same situation last year- win in KC and avoid the dreaded 8/9 game. They failed. Learn from the past.
The win over Okie State was exhibit A of how much better the Cyclones do when they simply hustle and play with energy. The game got tight when it turned into Afternoon At The Y midway through the second half. Quick shots, lazy D, the whole bit.
The examples of success and failure are pretty stark.
The win over Okie State was exhibit A of how much better the Cyclones do when they simply hustle and play with energy. The game got tight when it turned into Afternoon At The Y midway through the second half. Quick shots, lazy D, the whole bit.
The examples of success and failure are pretty stark.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Ticket: Punched
Solid road win? Check.
5 Top 25 recruiting classes in a row and you find yourself in 6th place on the NCAA bubble? Fail. Imagine what any of the other B12 coaches would do with Baylor's talent. Scary.
Win three of five down the stretch (Tech, KU and OSU at home, roadies at OU and WVU) and ISU should be the 3 or 4 seed in the B12 tourney and dodge the first round game on Thursday. Wins in KC help seeding in the NCAAs.
With five players averaging 9 points per game, they are a match-up nightmare. Commence havoc.
5 Top 25 recruiting classes in a row and you find yourself in 6th place on the NCAA bubble? Fail. Imagine what any of the other B12 coaches would do with Baylor's talent. Scary.
Win three of five down the stretch (Tech, KU and OSU at home, roadies at OU and WVU) and ISU should be the 3 or 4 seed in the B12 tourney and dodge the first round game on Thursday. Wins in KC help seeding in the NCAAs.
With five players averaging 9 points per game, they are a match-up nightmare. Commence havoc.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
16 of 20
In Iowa State's three most crushing road losses, the opponent (Kansas, Okie State, Texas) scored on 16 of their 20 possessions in the last 3 minutes of regulation. ISU held the lead at that 3 minute mark of each of those games. Full details at the Ames Trib.
One more stop in each game and ISU probably gets the win.
The Cyclones do a nice job of getting ahead with their offense, and don't need to turn into a knock 'em sock 'em, grind it out of defensive team that then struggles to score 50 each night. But a few key stops will go a long way.
Their trip to Waco is a good place to start. the Bears came from way behind to almost beat OU at home. They aren't dead until the buzzer, boys.
One more stop in each game and ISU probably gets the win.
The Cyclones do a nice job of getting ahead with their offense, and don't need to turn into a knock 'em sock 'em, grind it out of defensive team that then struggles to score 50 each night. But a few key stops will go a long way.
Their trip to Waco is a good place to start. the Bears came from way behind to almost beat OU at home. They aren't dead until the buzzer, boys.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Playoff Mode
It's an old cliche, but the Cyclones may as well get into a playoff mindset right now. Losses can be fatal to their NCAA hopes.
Six games remain- all are winnable, and all are also losable. But going 4-2 or 5-1 will get them a solid seed in both Kansas City and the NCAAs. But that kind of finish means getting over their road funk in a hurry. They have been on the cusp of several road wins, but can't make the stop they need. At some point the averages will even out and you will get the break you need. Just hurry.
Six games remain- all are winnable, and all are also losable. But going 4-2 or 5-1 will get them a solid seed in both Kansas City and the NCAAs. But that kind of finish means getting over their road funk in a hurry. They have been on the cusp of several road wins, but can't make the stop they need. At some point the averages will even out and you will get the break you need. Just hurry.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Who you are, who you want to be
With a few games to go there are two groups of teams in the Big 12: five at the top who are pretty good, and five at the bottom just trying to keep up.
It's discouraging to not play very well against OU and Texas, but those teams will blow o it Iowa State when they set their minds to it. Given the financial gulf between The Big Boys and ISU, that should be expected.
But the five schools in the bottom half of this years league are financial peers of the Cyclones, and they are who ISU is really competing against year in and year out. This year, the Cyclones could finish at the top of the bottom half. They already have wins against Baylor and TCU with Kansas and West Virginia on deck. Wins against both not only earns a decent bowl trip, it also solidifies their place at the front of the Small Money league within the Big 12.
But you have to win or you just continue being viewed as a bottom feeder.
It's discouraging to not play very well against OU and Texas, but those teams will blow o it Iowa State when they set their minds to it. Given the financial gulf between The Big Boys and ISU, that should be expected.
But the five schools in the bottom half of this years league are financial peers of the Cyclones, and they are who ISU is really competing against year in and year out. This year, the Cyclones could finish at the top of the bottom half. They already have wins against Baylor and TCU with Kansas and West Virginia on deck. Wins against both not only earns a decent bowl trip, it also solidifies their place at the front of the Small Money league within the Big 12.
But you have to win or you just continue being viewed as a bottom feeder.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Earning It
Even the new guy in the league doesn't respect the Cyclones:
Welcome to the big time. If you don't show up to play the Chump, you become the Chump. Chump.
TCU violated one of the primary rules of being a "good" Big 12 team -- do not lose at home against Iowa State. Ever.
Welcome to the big time. If you don't show up to play the Chump, you become the Chump. Chump.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Trends
As if showing your fan base that Cyclone Football is trending in the right direction to sell more tickets, the implosion in Iowa City presents a big opportunity to position themselves as The Big Show in the state. Its a lot easier to tag one program as Troubled or Loser when there is a big difference between the two. Contrast helps.
You won't win every in-state or head-to-head recruiting battle with SUI, but winning one or two in each class adds up over time. Hayden understood the importance of dominating ISU. It's time to turnt he tables.
You won't win every in-state or head-to-head recruiting battle with SUI, but winning one or two in each class adds up over time. Hayden understood the importance of dominating ISU. It's time to turnt he tables.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Rivals
Attitudes like this are why Iowa State fans relish beating Iowa so much.
There may never be an ISU win over Iowa that isn't considered an upset, because Iowa is the Best Football Program Without A National Title (in their minds).
There may never be an ISU win over Iowa that isn't considered an upset, because Iowa is the Best Football Program Without A National Title (in their minds).
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Numbers Game
An excellent football article in the New York Times of all places. Looking ahead at what Penn State faces, Iowa State's plight in the 80's was brought forth as an example of what happens when your numbers get cut.
I was a student in Ames during the Walden years, and I didn't realize at the time how big the numbers gap was between ISU and, well, everyone else. It doesn't bode well for PSU in the near term.
But those ISU teams hung around better than they should have, and scratched together a 6-5 season in 1990. But being down 20 or 30 players makes the 1990 win in Norman and Marv Seiler's win over Nebraska even more remarkable. Plucky doesn't begin to describe those teams.
I was a student in Ames during the Walden years, and I didn't realize at the time how big the numbers gap was between ISU and, well, everyone else. It doesn't bode well for PSU in the near term.
But those ISU teams hung around better than they should have, and scratched together a 6-5 season in 1990. But being down 20 or 30 players makes the 1990 win in Norman and Marv Seiler's win over Nebraska even more remarkable. Plucky doesn't begin to describe those teams.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Penn State Fan, A Peek Into Your New World
Hello Penn State fan. Let me give you a brief tour of your new world as a fan.
Hopefully you are entering the Acceptance phase of the news that your football program has been put in an induced coma. That will make things easier. It's going to be a struggle for a while. You are going to have to reset your view of the world for a few years until the numbers come back to even and you get some momentum back.
The good news- you have massive infrastructure. Stadiums that hold 100K+ are pretty rare. That's a nice revenue-generating asset to have in your pocket. You have a large fan base that is willing to buy tickets. When the time is right for the bandwagon to get crowded again, you will be flush with cash.
You already know most of the bad. It will be a tough sell to get four and five star recruits to come in for awhile. You will have to do more with less. Start by bringing in tough kids who want to play with a chip on their shoulders, for whom knocking off an Ohio State or Michigan once in a while will be enough of a reward. That's the kind of thing you will need to sell.
Little secret- those kind of players are fun to root for. Seeing kids outwork and outhustle the five-star recruits is a hoot. When they beat a team with a talent advantage, you will celebrate like you've never celebrated before. Because for a while it will be different.
You will now be happy after every single win, no matter how lowly the opponent. It will be a long time before you are relieved you didn't lose. Admit it- you felt that way at least four times a season. "Good thing we didn't lose to THAT team!"
Here's another bit of good news- you are about to find out who the real fans are, and who were going to games for the good time. The next few years will be the attendance nadir for Penn State, but you can look around and see who is in it for better or worse.
This might be hard, but reset yourself mentally. Prepare to go 0-12 this year. If you end up 4-8 with some close losses, the season will feel like a success. That is your new reality. Someday you will be able to say "I was a fan in '12 when nobody else would be."
Hopefully you are entering the Acceptance phase of the news that your football program has been put in an induced coma. That will make things easier. It's going to be a struggle for a while. You are going to have to reset your view of the world for a few years until the numbers come back to even and you get some momentum back.
The good news- you have massive infrastructure. Stadiums that hold 100K+ are pretty rare. That's a nice revenue-generating asset to have in your pocket. You have a large fan base that is willing to buy tickets. When the time is right for the bandwagon to get crowded again, you will be flush with cash.
You already know most of the bad. It will be a tough sell to get four and five star recruits to come in for awhile. You will have to do more with less. Start by bringing in tough kids who want to play with a chip on their shoulders, for whom knocking off an Ohio State or Michigan once in a while will be enough of a reward. That's the kind of thing you will need to sell.
Little secret- those kind of players are fun to root for. Seeing kids outwork and outhustle the five-star recruits is a hoot. When they beat a team with a talent advantage, you will celebrate like you've never celebrated before. Because for a while it will be different.
You will now be happy after every single win, no matter how lowly the opponent. It will be a long time before you are relieved you didn't lose. Admit it- you felt that way at least four times a season. "Good thing we didn't lose to THAT team!"
Here's another bit of good news- you are about to find out who the real fans are, and who were going to games for the good time. The next few years will be the attendance nadir for Penn State, but you can look around and see who is in it for better or worse.
This might be hard, but reset yourself mentally. Prepare to go 0-12 this year. If you end up 4-8 with some close losses, the season will feel like a success. That is your new reality. Someday you will be able to say "I was a fan in '12 when nobody else would be."
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Change
The most striking thing about this poll? Iowa isn't on it.
It's a real change that the press doesn't consider the GoBlas one of the five best team Iowa State will play this year. That can't sit well in IC.
Or the press doesn't think ISU can win in Kinnick. I can't say I blame them.
It's a real change that the press doesn't consider the GoBlas one of the five best team Iowa State will play this year. That can't sit well in IC.
Or the press doesn't think ISU can win in Kinnick. I can't say I blame them.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Tough Out
As long as Iowa State has the smallest athletic budget in the league, our expectations, especially in football, have to be tempered. Anything above 4 wins has to be considered a success.
Personally, I'm happy if the Cyclones are viewed by the rest of the league as that team they will probably beat, but it will be a damn struggle, especially in Ames.
I think Dave Uebben has a "Punches above their weight" view that is about right.
Personally, I'm happy if the Cyclones are viewed by the rest of the league as that team they will probably beat, but it will be a damn struggle, especially in Ames.
I think Dave Uebben has a "Punches above their weight" view that is about right.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
How Does Iowa State WIn?
The lead of the Pre-Snap Read preview encapsulates the football world's view of Iowa State: How do they win? The damning number is this: Texas signed more 4-star recruits this winter than Iowa State has in 10 years. Combined.
It's numbers like that that pop in my head when more enthusiastic Cyclone fans start talking consistent winning and better bowl games. The raw numbers make it very, very hard.
The raw numbers also make the upset wins all the more special.
It's numbers like that that pop in my head when more enthusiastic Cyclone fans start talking consistent winning and better bowl games. The raw numbers make it very, very hard.
The raw numbers also make the upset wins all the more special.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Promise
New promise from this site- from now on I only link to B12 football projections that have Iowa State somewhere other than last or next-to-last.
No matter how well the Cyclones do in football, it's always assumed to be a fluke.
No matter how well the Cyclones do in football, it's always assumed to be a fluke.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Chicken
The new "Big Four Classic" is a public admission: Iowa and Iowa State are tired of losing to Drake and UNI, and aren't going to take it anymore.
Moving road trips to Knapp and McCloud to the "neutral" WFA says nothing more than "We're chicken". After a few years Iowa and Iowa State will simply let the series end and stop playing either Drake or UNI, and will use those dates for two more wins over East Mudboot State.
Pathetic, weak, and a loss for fans of all four schools.
Moving road trips to Knapp and McCloud to the "neutral" WFA says nothing more than "We're chicken". After a few years Iowa and Iowa State will simply let the series end and stop playing either Drake or UNI, and will use those dates for two more wins over East Mudboot State.
Pathetic, weak, and a loss for fans of all four schools.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Good Riddance
I hated Frank Martin's style of play at K State- it was more street brawl than basketball, or basketbrawl in the Detroit Pistons of the late 80's-early 90's style. Fugly. Everything basketball shouldn't be.
Add to that Frank's gall at orchestrating a mauling, then complaining that the opposing team shot more free throws. You can't have it both ways, ace.
Hopefully the Wildcats hire a coach with a defensive style that involves more than just "Grab and Hold".
Add to that Frank's gall at orchestrating a mauling, then complaining that the opposing team shot more free throws. You can't have it both ways, ace.
Hopefully the Wildcats hire a coach with a defensive style that involves more than just "Grab and Hold".
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Thinking
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.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Experiments
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.
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.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Big Ending
Looking ahead, ISU needs to build up wins while it can. The B12 schedule ends at K State, at Mizzou, home to Baylor.
Wow.
Wow.
Upside
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.
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.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Finishing
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$m at least you can say "Why the heck not?"
It was fun watching a team continue to run its stuff the whole way, playing aggressive defense, making the extra pass, doing all of the same things that built the big lead. If ISU backed off on anything it was giving up easy shots after offensive rebounds- no point in adding a free throw and giving the Aggies a bit of momentum.
So now ISU sits at 2-0 with a road win. They two best teams in the league are next week, but given their play against UT and a$m at least you can say "Why the heck not?"
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Charts
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.
It's always interesting to read the view of a game from the other side. They bring stats, too.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Hammer
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.
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.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Nails
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.
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.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Hard Hat
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.
If any play symbolized the mental makeup of the Cyclones, it was the winning TD.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tough Outs
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.
Tonight was a heck of a first step.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Cowboy Mission
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.
ISU gets the same as what Tech got last week: OSU 56, ISU 21.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Just Win Baby
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.
Climb the ladder, exceed your budget.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Respect
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.
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.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Slobber knocker
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.
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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Smaller, Slower, Weaker
Iowa State is all of the above, and yet made a$m sweat a bit. It was the kind of effort that will keep fans coming back, especially when the weather is spectacular.
The five-games-without-drawing-a-holding-penalty-streak is just sick, yet a symptom of being smaller, slower, and weaker on the DL than everyone else. Other teams don't get flagged because they don't have to hold (much) to get the job done.
Unfortunately my eyes are not trained enough to tell if ISU is getting better over time, if CPR recruits are an upgrade over Danny Mac or Chiz recruits. I do know that the schedule is getting better, er, tougher.
Heck, I think this team could beat this year's Utah, Colorado and maybe Nebraska. So it goes. FWIW- ISU has lost to 4 of the Sagarin Top 30. Iowa is 0-1. That's a huge difference.
Keep grinding- hopefully the corner is nearby.
The five-games-without-drawing-a-holding-penalty-streak is just sick, yet a symptom of being smaller, slower, and weaker on the DL than everyone else. Other teams don't get flagged because they don't have to hold (much) to get the job done.
Unfortunately my eyes are not trained enough to tell if ISU is getting better over time, if CPR recruits are an upgrade over Danny Mac or Chiz recruits. I do know that the schedule is getting better, er, tougher.
Heck, I think this team could beat this year's Utah, Colorado and maybe Nebraska. So it goes. FWIW- ISU has lost to 4 of the Sagarin Top 30. Iowa is 0-1. That's a huge difference.
Keep grinding- hopefully the corner is nearby.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Deja Vu
This is exactly the situation where CPR has led ISU to gigantic upsets. In a way, beating A$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
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
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Gulf
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Subtle
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.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Turning Point
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.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Bounceback
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.
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.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Uppity
The Lonhorns set the tone early when they went for it on 4th and short inside the 20 on their opening drive:
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:
Texas reminds we Cyclones not to forget our seat on the football bus, and to act accordingly.
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.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Corners
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.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Bottom
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.
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.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Near Miss
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.
We're damn lucky he was too good to be ISU's coach.
Attendance
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.
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.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Woulda, Coulda
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
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.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fighting Instinct
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.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Zero
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.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Collapse
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!
Friday, September 09, 2011
The Usual
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.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Karma
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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Season
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.
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
So Adrian Clayborn, former Iowa DL, dissed Iowa State on Twitter:
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.
@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.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Wishes
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.
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.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Odd School Out
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?
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?
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Timing
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
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
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
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
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Hopin'
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
One poaching every hundred years, thanks.
Peter
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Win-Win
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
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
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Unthinkable
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
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
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Go Big
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
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
Thursday, April 21, 2011
$2
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
$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
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ramping Up
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
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
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Enthusiasm
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
Not that I don't want success, I just have tempered expectations for the Smallest Football Budget in the Big 1210.
Peter
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Non-Story Story
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
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
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
Don't know if that's true, but its a good story about a good kid.
Peter
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Parting Gifts, The Sequel
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
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
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Good News
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
I want to win, but not that way.
Peter
Filthy
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
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
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Parting Gifts
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
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
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Big Boy Pants
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
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
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
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
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