Great column but I'm surprised you don't consider Klein and Knott superstars. They are two of the top ten players we've had this decade.
This team has no Sage Rosenfels, no Reggie Hayward, no Seneca Wallace, no Ellis Hobbs, no Tim Dobbins, no Bret Meyer and no Austen Arnaud to lean on in rough times
Is Iowa State really below 90 in total defense?
I don't disagree with the fundamental principle of the article, but I think this is just wrong:
Jake Knott and AJ Klein are every bit the leader of those previous Cyclones, if not more. The ability of the team to overcome losing one of those leaders is key, but I think it discounts the contribution and leadership of those two stalwarts to say they don't compare to previous Cyclone leaders.
Is Iowa State really below 90 in total defense?
Side topic, but the fact that "total defense" is figured by yards per game is completely asinine.
Great column but I'm surprised you don't consider Klein and Knott superstars. They are two of the top ten players we've had this decade.
Agree. They are every bit as good as Tim Dobbins.
We are 93rd for total defense (yds allowed) but are 30th for scoring defense. Also, some more interesting stats, we are 18th for fewest penalty yds per game. We are 30th for redzone defense. We are 47th for turnover margin.
Clearly you are not saying AK and JK do not have the talent or leadership of the aformentioned past players, but I am still unsure what you are suggesting. I am guessing you are more stating something about the team and not about AJJK. Perhaps because this team has better surrounding talent (subjective) than the teams those other players were on, JK and AK are not leaned on as much? If so, I disagree. Even teams with many good players lean of leaders like AK and JK.Not saying that at all. Just that they have a bunch of help.
Clearly you are not saying AK and JK do not have the talent or leadership of the aformentioned past players, but I am still unsure what you are suggesting. I am guessing you are more stating something about the team and not about AJJK. Perhaps because this team has better surrounding talent (subjective) than the teams those other players were on, JK and AK are not leaned on as much? If so, I disagree. Even teams with many good players lean of leaders like AK and JK.
Besides Seneca, I think it is just as easy (if not easier) to single out AJJK for the team's success as the others you listed. If there is any difference, it is due to them playing defense.Leadership isn't what I was getting at. Perhaps it was a poor choice of words. My point was it is hard to single out any one individual on this team for the success, each game has had a separate "star." Yes, AJ and Jake are fantastic players and better leaders, but they haven't had to do it all on their own. Appreciate everyone reading.
Besides Seneca, I think it is just as easy (if not easier) to single out AJJK for the team's success as the others you listed. If there is any difference, it is due to them playing defense.