Football Optimism Moving Forward

[State2015]

The Michigan opening makes me feel infinitely better about the last week. I think there’s zero shot we hold on to CMC from both PSU AND UM. Add in that I’m loving everything I’m hearing about Rogers and staff, I’m in a good spot

 

[AuH2O]

Personally I thought the program would take a big step back when Heacock retired in the next year or two anyway.

Campbell is a really good coach, but Heacock turning bottom of the P4 talent into a top defense in a power conference was absolute Voodoo.

Say what you want about the 3-3-5, since switching to it, Heacock defenses have basically been one of two things:
- Top 1-2 defense in the Big 12
- Top 4-5 defense in the Big 12 with a decimated LB or DB room

 

[Cyclonepride]

Personally I thought the program would take a big step back when Heacock retired in the next year or two anyway.

Campbell is a really good coach, but Heacock turning bottom of the P4 talent into a top defense in a power conference was absolute Voodoo.

Say what you want about the 3-3-5, since switching to it, Heacock defenses have basically been one of two things:
- Top 1-2 defense in the Big 12
- Top 4-5 defense in the Big 12 with a decimated LB or DB room

I agree, since he got here, the defense has been the key to more wins than the offense more years than not.

 

[Erik4Cy]

The Michigan opening makes me feel infinitely better about the last week. I think there’s zero shot we hold on to CMC from both PSU AND UM. Add in that I’m loving everything I’m hearing about Rogers and staff, I’m in a good spot

Could you imagine if somehow Notre Dame & Ohio State HC jobs opened up, too?

 

[twincyties]

I think OSU is pretty locked down right now, but there is noise about Freeman leaving for the NFL

 

[exCYtable]

I just gotta say, it was really dang cool seeing Rocco and Caleb Bacon at the women's game tonight. It was a class move by them and it sure seems to point in the right direction that maybe they're gonna stick it out.

 

[AlaCyclone]

I just gotta say, it was really dang cool seeing Rocco and Caleb Bacon at the women's game tonight. It was a class move by them and it sure seems to point in the right direction that maybe they're gonna stick it out.

Hope so. Football or not, picking up and changing schools in your Senior Year is just such an odd move. So much invested at ISU. I think it makes sense to finish up, graduate and be loved forever. Who knows what one year on the other side of the fence will bring? So, if you are reading Rocco and Caleb, We love you! Stay and be Cyclones legends forever!

 

[ZorkClone]

I just gotta say, it was really dang cool seeing Rocco and Caleb Bacon at the women's game tonight. It was a class move by them and it sure seems to point in the right direction that maybe they're gonna stick it out.

I won’t get to excited about this, but it is nice to see that they care enough about ISU to go to a game.

 

[twincyties]

I understand we're all looking for any positive signs right now. I get it.

At the same time, I think we're all ready too far into everything. These guys could just be looking to max out their remaining time here by engaging with fans, other sports teams, etc.

I'm sure the decision is hard. They can be more loyal to Campbell and looking forward to the PSU opportunity and also be genuinely sad to be leaving ISU behind.

Both these things can be true.

 

[CycloneVet]

I agree, since he got here, the defense has been the key to more wins than the offense more years than not.

I know the defensive injuries put a ton of pressure on the offense to be more productive. I think if healthy we roll into Cincinnati and win. The loss of both starting corners absolutely killed us because they could be left to cover their guy without as much help.

 

[demoncore1031]

Crazy how disconnected the UCF fan base is. I get the 3rd degree regularly from these Hawkeye wannabes about how ISU stinks and UCF has a natty (Lol) and yet they don't show up for their games or watch them at all apparently. Is it too late yet to replace them?

Do they have a good size fan base? They got Florida, Florida State and Miami down their so maybe not. Plus USF, FAU and FIU are all FBS programs.

 

[Kaner04]

Yeah that addition has never sat well with me. They're not even close to our cultural or geographic footprint and they haven't contributed much competitively so far. Plus UCF sounds so generic. Florida Tech or Florida Central would sound a lot better. Their mascot and uniform design is basically the same as Army's.

That being said, Scott Frost may get them rolling again. It's a huge school with a high ceiling.

I prefer to call them Mickey Mouse university

 

[demoncore1031]

Hope so. Football or not, picking up and changing schools in your Senior Year is just such an odd move. So much invested at ISU. I think it makes sense to finish up, graduate and be loved forever. Who knows what one year on the other side of the fence will bring? So, if you are reading Rocco and Caleb, We love you! Stay and be Cyclones legends forever!

I don't see why Bacon would leave. He's a former walk-on turned starter with one year remaining. Probably wouldn't start at most other FBS programs. I have a good feeling that Rocco will be returning as well.

 

[Kaner04]

Do they have a good size fan base? They got Florida, Florida State and Miami down their so maybe not. Plus USF, FAU and FIU are all FBS programs.

They have a large alumni base just based purely off enrollment. But them being actual fans is another thing. Between larger and better college programs and professional sports, they probably don’t have much everyday support.

 

[xr4ticlone]

I’m hopeful about all of them at the game tonight.

I think Rocco is a great college qb that won’t project at the top of a draft. He’s gonna get a NFL spot, but to start it will be because he’s a solid, smart, locker room guy, who’s probably also gonna end up coaching. He’ll get a shot to develop into an NFL starter, no doubt. And he might over achieve like Brock.

That said, I think he’s got a great family & a dad who can help him navigate all of this as well. Finishing out here & being a stable, ‘company guy’ might mean more to NFL teams than going elsewhere for a check.

I also think Roger’s is a CMC type coach, so the transition won’t be too hard to make. Getting an OC he knows probably helps as well.

I’m gonna think nothing but positive thoughts until we know differently.

 

[danvillecyclone]

Optimism is sky high.

I think Coach Rogers will win a Big 12 Championship in 4 years.

 

[Cyclonick182]

Do they have a good size fan base? They got Florida, Florida State and Miami down their so maybe not. Plus USF, FAU and FIU are all FBS programs.

They sure play like they do. There are Knight license plates, shirts, flags etc all over the metro area but then when you talk to any of them (My girlfriend included) they don't know anything about their teams, go to the games or watch them.... its like a paper fan base if thats a thing.

 

[dukeebear]

I think we’re all pretty bummed about how the last week played out, but I’m a glass half full guy and there are real reasons for optimism moving forward:

1. We’re on an even playing field with our peers.
   In the past we had to battle Texas, OU, Nebraska, A&M, and Mizzou, all programs with much bigger historical profiles. And during that same run K State, Oklahoma State, and Baylor were all rolling. Today, outside of Texas Tech and maybe BYU, we are recruiting against teams that are truly on our level.
2. Our name carries weight now, especially in the Midwest.
   Kids who are 18 to 22 years old know Iowa State as a consistent top 25ish program. When Campbell took over, today’s high school seniors were about eight years old. All they have ever seen is ISU being solid and nationally relevant.
3. Our facilities are legitimately impressive.
   We have the second largest stadium in the Big 12, an upgraded football complex, and we are far removed from the days of practicing at Lied Rec. By conference standards we are in a really strong spot.
4. $13-15 million dollars in NIL is real firepower.
   No, we are not playing in the Penn State or SEC money tier, but we have never recruited head to head with those schools anyway. We now have enough resources to consistently attract and retain the level of talent needed to compete for Big 12 titles.
5. The defense needed a reset.
   Big 12 offenses adjusted, and the 3-3-5 was not going to be the long term answer. A change was overdue, and I am excited to see what Coach Rodgers does with a fresh defensive vision.

I am all in on Coach Jimmy Rodgers. Hopefully he keeps a few key pieces, builds a tough roster, and brings new energy to the program.

You are either with us or against us. Roll Clones!!

Don't agree with the defense comment. Top 30 in scoring defense this year. It still works, especially with us all full strength

 

[TinsleyFan11]

Seeing Rocco, Brahmer, and Bacon at the women's game last night has me irrationally optimistic. Keeping a core of the cambpell era would be massive

 

[ZorkClone]

Seeing Rocco, Brahmer, and Bacon at the women's game last night has me irrationally optimistic. Keeping a core of the cambpell era would be massive

I'm more optimistic seeing that Rocco actually went and talked with the WBB team. Bill thinks very highly of Rocco, but I don't think he would want him to speak if he was planning on bolting.

At the very least it is a nice gesture by Rocco and Co. that they aren't totally mercenary.