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September 25, 2009
Iowa St Recap
BY: Jason Nafziger
Wins over North Dakota State and Kent State are fine, but the
blowout loss to Iowa should cause major concern.
Stats so far: ISU is 19th with 5.41 yards per rush attempt and 99th with 5.8
yards per passing attempt. Overall, they have scored 23.7 points and gained
383 yards on offense per game. Defensively, they are 86th with 4.27 yards
allowed per rush attempt and 77th with 7 yards allowed per pass attempt.
Overall, they have allowed 22 points and 372 yards per game.
Coming up: The Cyclones face Army, Kansas State and Kansas and would love
to come away with two wins, although one is far more likely.
Jason Nafziger writes about Pro and College Football at
http://onfootball.wordpress.com
July 28, 2009
Cyclone Football 09’: Flop or Not?
By: Cy-Man
As most people have noticed this close to the season and with the close of Big XII media day coverage, not many people out there have the cyclones to finish any higher than last place. With all of the factors considered, not many regular Joe’s can argue with the “experts” ratings. I mean looking at the Cyclones from a distance they have the odds stacked against them. They have a new coach (who came in Lu of an ugly coaching change), coming off a three win season, and sure they return players but not many people think that these returning players will help to any degree.
Now to tell you I think all the “experts” are wrong and that I think the Cyclones are going to win the Big XII championship, but I intend to keep this blog as realistic as possible throughout it’s life. So here is my take and hopefully a little more correct interpretation of the ‘clones chances this year.
Looking at ISU this upcoming year they only thing that is a sure thing with them, is that NOTHING is a sure thing. I honestly think this team potentially could go for another 3 win season beatdown, but I also think that this team could be looking at bowl contention. Look at the factors (that most people don’t see):
1. New Coach: Yeah we all know he is new, but the players LOVE this guy. Paul Rhoads is very much liked and have apparently got almost every player to believe in where he wants to take this team and how to get there. He has IMO became the general and gained the trust of his troops before a game has even been played
2. Schedule Strength: Now believe me I know that no matter who you play in the Big XII it isn’t ever really a weak schedule, but let’s just say that if ISU wants a chance to go bowling this year, they need to capitalize. Home games include North Dakota St, Iowa (which is going to be the hardest game to predict), Army, Baylor, Okie State, and Colorado. The only game at this point that you can 70% mark as a loss is Okie St. and all the other games are toss ups at best! The clones should be able to get at least 4 wins at home, anything less than that should be considered a failure. The road schedule will prove tough but manageable. An early trip to Kent State is a very winnable game, but with one of the country’s worst road losing records, who knows if they will get off the snide. But if the Cyclones want to get to the post season, they HAVE to win against Kent State and Kansas State. Both games are the most ‘winnable’ and need to take place to boost the teams dreams into reality. Texas A&M is very winnable but it is tough to win at the 12th man. I wouldn’t be surprised with a road win at Kansas or Mizz, and I will consider it a HUUUUGE upset if the cardinal and gold can get out of Lincoln with a win.
3. Something to Prove: Straight and simple. After talking to a few players, they want to win, they know they NEED to win, and best of all they KNOW they can win. They players morales are high and they want to do nothing more than to shock the nation. If one thing is for sure about this cyclone team, it is that the effort you see every Saturday is going to be the best effort that the boys can muster that day.
I know it was only three short points but if the boys can turn some of the apparent negatives that all the “experts” want to point out into positives, then you are looking at possibly the biggest surprise in the Big XII next year. Can they do it? yes. Do they want to do it? yes. Will they do it? Only time can possibly tell...