You might identify some teams as spread teams, others as power running teams, and a few teams might be great defensive teams. Five years ago, given that the two best coaches, Rhoads and Wally, were defensive coordinators, I would have bet that by year 5 ISU would have a strong defensive team. That is very far from the case. Last spring Coach Rhoads said that this years defensive group would be the fastest defense he has had since he has been here. Added speed has not helped. The main problem seems to be recruiting. ISU does not recruit the kids that can play right away. They recruit kids with potential who have to be developed. Not all players develop and unfortunately not all players stay. On defense ISU is probably hurting the worst at the LB position, where it seems quite a few young kids have left the program, leaving no experienced depth this season. If possible, I would like ISU to put an emphasis on becoming a team that is identified as having a strong defense in the next few years.
Team Identity
- Thread starter cyborg
- Start date
In recruiting it's pretty clear Rhoads has put an emphasis in recruiting on the offensive side recently since the defense was generally pretty solid in years 1-4. The defense is hurting for a variety of reasons: inexperienced guys starting, players changing positions, etc. Iowa State can possibly improve recruiting some on defense, but will more than likely never have a lot of guys who can come in and play a lot right away. Just have to develop guys well and recruit the as well as possible to have a chance to compete with the big boys.
First - there is no team identity this year. Zero.
About the defense - I do see the increased speed. However, there is a lot of inexperience on the defense - which has led to guys being in the wrong spot and taking bad tackling angles.
When a program graduates not one, but two NFL linebackers, unless you're a top 10 program - there are gonna be some issues.
The defense is below average this year - everyone knew (or should have known) that coming into the season. However, in a number of games or large parts of games - the unit has exceeded my expectations. The offense has just been so damn awful the defense gets zero help in the game. OU game a perfect example of a unit that played well for all of the first half and the offense was actually controlling the ball. Offense in the 2nd half goes back to sucking harder than a teenager on prom night - and the defense gets rolled.
I still believe Wally is great coordinator - he didn't suddenly forget how to coach this season.
About the defense - I do see the increased speed. However, there is a lot of inexperience on the defense - which has led to guys being in the wrong spot and taking bad tackling angles.
When a program graduates not one, but two NFL linebackers, unless you're a top 10 program - there are gonna be some issues.
The defense is below average this year - everyone knew (or should have known) that coming into the season. However, in a number of games or large parts of games - the unit has exceeded my expectations. The offense has just been so damn awful the defense gets zero help in the game. OU game a perfect example of a unit that played well for all of the first half and the offense was actually controlling the ball. Offense in the 2nd half goes back to sucking harder than a teenager on prom night - and the defense gets rolled.
I still believe Wally is great coordinator - he didn't suddenly forget how to coach this season.
Thank God for basketball. I'll be at the football game, but have mentally checked out of football.
I'm just hoping we win these next few games and give the players and the fans something to look forward to next year. These are the two of the worst opponents we play this year (other than UNI, Tulsa, and banged up TCU), so we have a legitimate shot to beat these two teams.
If we have a functioning offense our defensive identity should be bend but don't break and be opportunistic. Tough to do that when the O keeps going three and out. I'll be curious to see just what the plan is for the offense after this season is over. When I look at the skill position guys in place for next year (Bundrage, Wimberly, Nealy, Montgomery, Lazard, etc.), I think this is potentially a really explosive spread offense. Get those guys in space and expose the one on one matchups with quick throws. But it can't work without an effective offensive line, an accurate QB, and/or an offensive coordinator who doesn't have his head firmly tucked up his ***. CPR has some huge decisions to make on the offensive side of the ball.
I hope that whatever we do, we move to either a traditional spread or pro-style offense. We do not have the line to run a read-option, triple-option or pistol. Plus, the pistol has basically rendered our tight ends insignificant. Brun and Bibbs would be much more effective if we could establish some semblance of a running game and then play-action to them.
Not claiming to be an offensive guru, but the thought of having our current offensive ineptitude next year (while having Bundrage on one side, Lazard on the other and Wimberly in the backfield) makes me ill. If an OC can't stretch the field with three playmakers like that, then I'll start losing my faith in CPR. Until then, I'm a LSFT and I'm backing him completely.
Not claiming to be an offensive guru, but the thought of having our current offensive ineptitude next year (while having Bundrage on one side, Lazard on the other and Wimberly in the backfield) makes me ill. If an OC can't stretch the field with three playmakers like that, then I'll start losing my faith in CPR. Until then, I'm a LSFT and I'm backing him completely.
We are this guy, made up of a lot of different parts, we are anything but scary and we pretty much just bumble along. Maybe we should just put the words Darn Darn Darn Darn on our helmets
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
