The bigger problem today was not the offense, they just could not get on the field, when they were out there they were effectively moving the ball. The defense was just horrible overall, I don't want to hear we only gave up 16 points. Little to no pressure on the QB, their RPO game killed us the entire game and we gave up 3 drives that allowed them to drive down the field and chew up the clock. Granted we did not give up many points, but when the defense is on the field, the offense is not. How many times did we give up a 3rd and long today, at least 3 times,
*** Official #14 IOWA STATE vs Arkansas State Game(Day) Thread ***
- Thread starter CycloneRulzzz
- Start date
The last two games it seemed like our offense was barely on the field in the second half. We still can't stop the run, we're still not good at LB. QB runs have killed us. Iowa and Ark St just ground us down in the second half of both games.
Yeah was it only four? I noticed in the replay that an interior lineman absolutely bear hugged a guy, took him to the ground and then flopped on him.
I'm OK with ISU staying balanced with run-pass, even with opponent's statistical inability to stop the run. But on that specific drive, the run game was steamrolling. One more handoff to Hansen and it's a TD.
Fafita is better than the QB we faced today, so it makes me nervous they will do the same thing we saw today against our defense. Hoping the night game environment at Jack Trice with the themed White out gets everyone pumped! We need to rest up and figure out how to be an effective defense against an elusive QB. Rushing 3 may not be an option in 2 weeks.
A lot of focus on the offensive game plan and I tend to agree. Came out passing to start both halves. For a coach who likes physical football, why not establish the run. And the Rocco sack when we have 2nd & goal at the 2- WTF. Don't be cute against Ark State, just spread them out and run Carson or Abu. TD guaranteed.
And although it worked at the end of the game, not a fan of the pass on 3rd & 5. There was 1:07 left, run it and even if ISU doesn't gain 5, after the punt Ark State gets the ball back with around 15 seconds. That pass is incomplete and Ark State gets the ball back with 55 seconds.
The coaches decision to go for a blocked punt was also a head-scratcher. Our offense was rolling, set up a punt-return and let Rocco do his work.
But my biggest frustration is our defense. Giving up 16 points and forcing 3 FG's is an OK effort. But our defense gave up 160 rush yards to a Sun-Belt team. It was very much like last year where Big12 teams with a mobile QB's had run lanes on the RPO & scrambles. And not being able to control the line/run game allowed Ark State to possess the ball for nearly 35 minutes.
And although it worked at the end of the game, not a fan of the pass on 3rd & 5. There was 1:07 left, run it and even if ISU doesn't gain 5, after the punt Ark State gets the ball back with around 15 seconds. That pass is incomplete and Ark State gets the ball back with 55 seconds.
The coaches decision to go for a blocked punt was also a head-scratcher. Our offense was rolling, set up a punt-return and let Rocco do his work.
But my biggest frustration is our defense. Giving up 16 points and forcing 3 FG's is an OK effort. But our defense gave up 160 rush yards to a Sun-Belt team. It was very much like last year where Big12 teams with a mobile QB's had run lanes on the RPO & scrambles. And not being able to control the line/run game allowed Ark State to possess the ball for nearly 35 minutes.
We will have an advantage that Arizona has not played on the road yet this year, always going to be more difficult to go on the road than playing at home, then throw in the fact that none of their current players or coaches have ever played in JTS hopefully we can pick up another win.
I'll get trashed for this but....... as of right now ISU's wide outs and running backs aren't exactly scaring anyone. Hopefully with more reps that will improve.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
And a near block in the back, but those 4 holds offset themselves as a double double jeopardy which is always actually a touchdown.
On the broadcast they said they brought in 60 new guys, IIRC.
Every time we blitzed we gave up a big play.
We needed to sit in our zone with a S spying the QB.
Yeah, we aren't running DMC or Breece out there this year, that is for sure.
I am aware our defense only gave up 16 points but is it possible that if we did any of a) rushed more than 3 b) used a spy and/or c) played less soft coverage we would have given up even fewer points? Sometimes it feels like we intentionally make the margins razor thin because we believe we will prevail in a thin margins battle, which is a fine enough strategy in a team that is maybe a bit better or at least more talented, but also keeps inferior teams that can execute in games we could end much earlier if we asserted ourselves. CW talks about the "Iowa Anaconda" and sometimes I feel like we do it, too, and in needless situations.
We rushed more than 3 ALOT. That was the problem.
KidSilverhair
Well-Known Member
Blitzing is great, if it actually causes pressure. The blitzing today never got pressure on the QB before he was able to find somebody with 12 yards between him and the nearest Cyclone.
It was a lose-lose today - play back in coverage, give Raynor ages to find a receiver or (more likely) just tuck it and run past six guys for first downs; or bring the blitz that never gets there and let guys break wide open for first downs.
There’s no way to sugar coat this. It was a pathetic embarrassing performance by the coaches and players. Glad they pulled out the W, but that was concerning.
