Special Teams

It's been great to see a good number of return TDs the last few years. We've had some really long dry spells, especially at kickoff returns. I'll take bonus points whenever we can.
 
Join in KUDOS to our ST's. While their punter was NOT stellar, the kick Ryen took to the house should have been covered by UNI. Good scheme and execution of blocks, as well as the run itself, allowed the TD. Other aspects of ST play, IMHO, were at superior BIG12 level of play.
 
I think it is perfectly fair (and correct) to point out that UNI's punter was awful. Which of course led to some really easy returns for Lazard. There were times he was able to run 10 yards before a UNI player was even close to him. That likely won't happen again the rest of the season.

Kick coverage and punt coverage were very solid. We tackled well and swarmed to the ball. UNI's kick returner not knowing the rules also helped.

Not worried at all about Netten. More worried about our offense not finishing drives and having to settle for FG's, especially after a turnover deep in UNI territory gave us all the momentum in the world.

This was my takeaway from that. Yes, Netten missed, but he really shouldn't have been in either of those positions to start with.
 
This was my takeaway from that. Yes, Netten missed, but he really shouldn't have been in either of those positions to start with.

We are not going to finish every drive with a TD. And yes, I was disappointed with our offense in the first half and glad they did much better in the second. I am looking for continued improvement.
 
Lazard is 6'5" and 223 lbs. I bet he is scary as heck running full speed right at you. It seems really odd to see a guy that big back returning punts. I thought he did an awesome job.
 
We are not going to finish every drive with a TD. And yes, I was disappointed with our offense in the first half and glad they did much better in the second. I am looking for continued improvement.

I thought the second half improvement was actually a pretty big deal. Looking back into recent history, coming together and wrecking the second half namely like that 3rd quarter is not characteristic of what normally happens. I don't know what Rhoads did in that locker room session, but whatever it was, it worked. I hope he does it again.
 
I thought the second half improvement was actually a pretty big deal. Looking back into recent history, coming together and wrecking the second half namely like that 3rd quarter is not characteristic of what normally happens. I don't know what Rhoads did in that locker room session, but whatever it was, it worked. I hope he does it again.

Culture change. Rhoads has constantly referred to it.

One of the biggest things this team has focused on is handling adversity. Rhoads said they have addressed it in practice. Rhoads said that adversity occurs at some point in every game and the Cyclones have not handled it well in the past.

We have a completely different mental outlook on this team. IMO, the team has been purged of individuals who were seen to have a detrimental attitude to the team. Our team captains reflect this. Especially Levi Peters. That is a guy who is known to be ALL IN with everything he does. The attitude seems to be now that if you are demoted to 2nd or 3rd team then you need to continue to be ready for when your number is called and contribute in any way you are asked. If you can't do that??? Then exit, like Devlyn Cousin did just prior to the season after completing Fall Camp.

We have some great young players and leaders. IMO, Rhoads is building around those players like Cotton-Moya and Allen Lazzard and others who have talent and a winning attitude.

Will we suck at times and play poorly or get some bad breaks?? Probably. But how will we respond to that. The good teams confront adversity and respond in a positive manner.
 
Netten had some yips, but special teams were better than in most others under CPR.

I mean, line drives or not, Lazard hung onto the ball, and got mad yardage. It wouldn't have happened against Baylor, but I'm not sure it would have happened against UNI with last season's crew.
 
Netten had some yips, but special teams were better than in most others under CPR.

I mean, line drives or not, Lazard hung onto the ball, and got mad yardage. It wouldn't have happened against Baylor, but I'm not sure it would have happened against UNI with last season's crew.
Really? I think we have been close to very good under CPR for special teams.
 
Maybe people are getting tired of seeing the nonstop ******** of other "fans".

I'm fine with that, but those people often forget that nonstop ******** isn't a one-way street. It can come from both sides of an argument.