Real(istic) Tech fan here

[CyCloned]

I am looking for a very close game. I remember when the Pirate was a TT, this was the worst game of the year. ISU would give up 40 points in the first half and not look good doing it. Wally B. has really made huge changes in the ISU defense, and the TT attack, although not the same as in those days, is not as scarry.

A lot of fans are talking about the turnovers by SJ, which I don't see as being as big of an issue as they do. He did have a couple stupid picks against Iowa, and he does need to carry the ball a little tighter on his runs, but these are things that the coaches are surely working on. His INT last week was a WR error, where someone ran the wrong route and knocked the ball away from the intended receiver.

I will be surprised if TT falls on their faces again this year against ISU.

 

[TheBentStick]

After extensive entering both teams statistics into Excel, I ended up with a huge spreadsheet that I don't frickin' understand. So I poured myself a strong cocktail and pondered the game while staring into the burning spreadsheet in the fire pit. And the result of all this? I think we're gonna kick some Red Raider butt!

Guess I'd better make another cocktail to reward myself for all this hard work.

 

[Cyclonz]

Fans are suppose to worry that's what we do. I'm guessing Jake Knott and AJ Klein are pretty confident.

 

[Wesley]

After extensive entering both teams statistics into Excel, I ended up with a huge spreadsheet that I don't frickin' understand. So I poured myself a strong cocktail and pondered the game while staring into the burning spreadsheet in the fire pit. And the result of all this? I think we're gonna kick some Red Rectum Raider butt!

Guess I'd better make another cocktail to reward myself for all this hard work.

Ditto.

 

[Cycsk]

I think it is going to come down to these things:

1. Who is better coached? Their WRs or our DBs? If we can get some good hits and strips, we could take some of these guys out of the game (I'm talking in their heads, not injuries). I know our DBs are very smart and very well coached. I don't know don't about the Tech WRs. They may have a pile of 4* guys, but there is a huge difference between great athletes and great football players.

2. Can we rattle Doege? We have gotten some pressure on QBs, but haven't done well at getting sacks that were there for us. A big part of the reason we beat Oklahoma State last year was that we got to Weeden early and he got rattled. I like the way McDonough is stepping up and expect him to start getting some stats to show the impact he is having. Or maybe Irving can knock down (or pick off) some passes. I'm glad to see him getting more tackles and moving all over the field, but would like to see him use his height and wingspan to bother the QB and take away lots of passes to his side.

3. Have a few long drives early. If we can eat up the clock early and keep them from benefiting from their explosiveness, we may be able to take them out of the game early. Again, this is what we did early against Oklahoma State and I think it had tremendous impact on the final outcome. Not letting these high scoring teams get off to a hot start is crucial.

4. No turnovers for us. We have done well to overcome our turnovers, but Tech probably won't be as forgiving. If we can control our turnovers, we are in great shape. With as much as they like to pass (and we like to go for the picks), it is quite likely that our DBs and LBs will get their hands on a few.

 

[mt85]

I have no doubt that TT could come into the Jack and walk out with a victory.

This is the conference opener. Both teams will bring the intensity of a rivalry game. The bye week will allow both staffs extra prep time. Due to those factors, I expect this game to be close. I will be surprised if it turns into a shootout.

This is a big game for both teams, and it should have a big time atmosphere. The winner will definitely have a leg up on bowl eligibility.

 

[Cycsk]

I have no doubt that TT could come into the Jack and walk out with a victory.

This is the conference opener. Both teams will bring the intensity of a rivalry game. The bye week will allow both staffs extra prep time. Due to those factors, I expect this game to be close. I will be surprised if it turns into a shootout.

This is a big game for both teams, and it should have a big time atmosphere. The winner will definitely have a leg up on bowl eligibility.

If it turns into a shootout, either we are getting destroyed or our QB has finally arrived!

 

[Doc]

If it turns into a shootout, either we are getting destroyed or our QB has finally arrived!

Arrived? For the 3rd time? He is what he is. This isn't going to be some story where he flips a switch and plays like he did against Iowa last year for the rest of the season. He's looking really good this year, but if he hasn't arrived by now, you're expecting a little too much IMO.

 

[Luth4Cy]

I was wondering how Tech will defend Iowa State. Didn't you guys switch to a 4-3 this season? If so, will you use that 4-3 a lot against us or go into a nickel to deal with the three and four receiver sets? Also, I watched some of the New Mexico game, it looked to me like they had some success running the triple option on you guys.

 

[TTUchris]

I was wondering how Tech will defend Iowa State. Didn't you guys switch to a 4-3 this season? If so, will you use that 4-3 a lot against us or go into a nickel to deal with the three and four receiver sets? Also, I watched some of the New Mexico game, it looked to me like they had some success running the triple option on you guys.

Yes, we've switched to a 4-3. I don't know what adjustments will be made to 3/4 WR sets, as the first three teams we've played were primarily running teams. New Mexico put up one impressive drive on us using the triple option, which accounted for about 70% of their yards for the game. Other than that, they weren't able to move the ball much. But then again, they suck something fierce.

I'm hoping our defense won't get down on themselves after they get gashed a few times. We know we're not gonna dominate the line and kill every drive like we did against the scrub teams. So how they respond after a 5 minute, 80 yard touchdown drive will be important. Also, I'm looking for some good playcalling from our OC. I know it is SO cliche and over-used, but in the first three games our offense was highly effective....but kinda boring. Seemed like we'd get a big lead quick, then sit on it and get our RBs lots of carries. This game he'll need to throttle up, move chains and end drives with TDs.

I like what I've seen so far and we certainly have a shot, but in a conference road game, I think ISU has the edge here. If it's a pickem, I may be going big on the clones.

 

[intrepid27]

We need one of our defensive ends to go Clay Matthews on TT's QB. I'm starting to feel real good about our secondary but they will nedd some help.

My prediction ISU wins turnover battle 2-1 and wins game 31-28.

 

[cyhiphopp]

I think TT will show up for this one. They should be good and ticked off after last years beat down. However, as the OP stated, they haven't been tested at all. They may not react to well to a punch in the mouth from Wally Burnhams D.

That's one reason why I am glad we played 2 solid teams in Tulsa and Iowa. Our team has had to sack up and make plays to win games instead of having their best opponent be New Mexico and not having to earn anything.

 

[Wesley]

I am glad that our linebackers our top drawer for intercepting and stripping the ball. They should have some opportunities. Maybe Jake McD will intercept a ball also.

 

[longtimeclone]

I think TT will show up for this one. They should be good and ticked off after last years beat down. However, as the OP stated, they haven't been tested at all. They may not react to well to a punch in the mouth from Wally Burnhams D.

That's one reason why I am glad we played 2 solid teams in Tulsa and Iowa. Our team has had to sack up and make plays to win games instead of having their best opponent be New Mexico and not having to earn anything.

Yeah I really question what TT does when things don't go there way. I know they have talent and been dominant in their games but what happens when they can't score on our defense at will or their defense gives up a huge play. ISU has been challenged in 2 of their games and even had to fight from behind. Can TT mentally stay focused in a game beginning to end if it is close? Their starters haven't had to so I could see them crumbling in the second half or the 4th quarter.

Also how will TT handle the crowd? I wouldn't be surprised if this game breaks last week's record for attendance. If this game is close at all, I edge on the side of ISU.

 

[Cyclonestate78]

We need one of our defensive ends to go Clay Matthews on TT's QB. I'm starting to feel real good about our secondary but they will nedd some help.

My prediction ISU wins turnover battle 2-1 and wins game 31-28.

I don't think we need a DE to go off like that. The ISU D-line has been doing a great job this year. They have been getting enough pressure to force QB's to move around and take them out of their comfort zone. Anytime you can force the QB to move their feet typically their accuracy drops off. They have done a nice job when they can't get to the QB of getting their hands up and tipping or knocking down passes. They have also done a very good job against the run. In the first 3 games our linebackers haven't needed to make an extremely high number of tackles like in years past.

Through 3 games....

AJ Klein
2010 - 36 tackles
2011 - 22 tackles
2012 - 19 tackles

Jake Knott
2010 - 24 tackles
2011 - 33 tackles
2012 - 22 tackles

So in 2010 they combined for 60 tackles in the first 3 games, in 2011 they combined for 55 tackles, and in 2012 they combined for 41 tackles. The numbers are indicating that the D-line play has improved each season and is dramatically better so far this season.

 

[agrabes]

Does anyone else pronounce Tech's quarterback's name as "Dweege"? His family should start working on that.


(Yes, I know it's Day-gy.)

 

[Cyclonestate78]

Does anyone else pronounce Tech's quarterback's name as "Dweege"? His family should start working on that.


(Yes, I know it's Day-gy.)

The correct pronunciation of Doege is "Dead-man" That is all.

 

[WhatMeWorry]

I have no idea what to expect with this match, but I do know one thing for sure. We're not ******* around here any more, and we are 'proofed' up to #2. We are going to hit you coming off the bus.

 

[zdorr40]

We haven't won a conference opener in 10 years (2002 vs KU), so yes, I am concerned about this game. However, IMO Rhoads ends another streak. 30-23 Clones.

 

[ribsnwhiskey]

Any Cyclone fan who isn't worried about any game is not a real(istic) Cyclone fan. We were too bad for too long and have been "Lucied" too many times in the past to not have some worries for each and every game.