If anyone wants to see what keeping things simple can do for you, (gulp), see: the Iowa/OSU game today. Iowa simply does pretty well in the trenches, and doesn't need anything spectacular from their specialists to make it a game. They need a QB who can play pass/catch, and a running back who can run forward. Yeah, OSU simply had more when it came to speed on the outside late in the game. But, when an O-line is even remotely decent, the playbook doesn't have to be very complex to simply move the chains and give the team a chance late. They've played that way since Ferentz got there, and while it hasn't always been great, there's still a feeling that they have a chance, because at least they know what they can do well.
Is ISU a passing team? Spread? Running? Option?
The O-line looks AWFUL--they made a marginal Baylor D look like Alabama. People can blame Richardson all they want--the fact that he was able to get first downs tonight was remarkable.
I have enjoyed what Rhoads has done to excite the program and make it interesting, but a 'young' team that was supposed to be the fastest he's had looked like a badly-coached high school team tonight. In mid-October, nobody's young. I really think if Baylor played a decent team they'd get worked from all angles. They're good, but not THAT good.
Another note (and I think these little things go a long way): when your team is down 27-0, it looks even worse when the d-backs are talking s**t to the opposing team after another first down, or even a pass break up. That's completely garbage football, and someone needs to be held accountable for it.
