I was wondering what your take on this game was Urb, you have great observations usually. How did you think we looked, and what are your concerns?
To all - sorry for posting to the front page. It appears that the thread has now been moved to a more appropriate forum.
Bryce, I'll try to make this very succinct.
GREAT - Todd Blythe. Brett Meyer. Enough said.
Good - Stevie Hicks. He looked as good as he has in a long time.
Average - Both the offensive and the defensive lines. The offensive line gave adequate protection but didn't really open any gaping holes or generate near the rushing attack that I would have liked to have seen. The defensive line did a great job with the run, but could not get any pressure on the QB.
Below Average - The secondary. 380 yds is too many. Part or a lot of this can be attributed to the failure to get any heat on the QB.
AWFUL - Special teams play. Bone-headed decision to not fall on the blocked kick almost cost ISU the game. Bad snap on the FG attempt in the fourth quarter. Kicking the ball out of bounds. Exception - Culbertson for making all of his kicks.
Coaching staff - Too conservative in the second half with only an eight point lead. Game plan to stuff the run was a good decision.
Crowd - Good, but not great. Personally I am tired of all the hand-wringing over attendance at ISU FB games. Going to a big bowl would help attendance IMO.
Atmosphere - I don't like inflatable helmets at the Super Bowl and I didn't here either. Liked the move of the band to the North endzone. I really enjoy night games so I tend to rate the atmosphere as pretty good.
This got a little longer than I had hoped.