South Dakota forums

[Thomasrickj]

I’m the one that made that post on our board and I’ll stand by it. I should’ve added I can see it going 35-10 also. I just don’t think so and here’s why. I do think it’s a trap game for you and you’d be nuts to think different. That’s not a slight against Iowa State, it’s just reality. Hell, I’m a huge Cyclone fan and this will be the first time I’ve ever cheered against them, but I played at USD and proud of our ascension in the FCS ranks. We may get humbled quick, I don’t know, but that’s why they play the game.

Maybe one way to look at it is how the SEC and Big 10 view the Big 12. They think the gap is much wider than it really is. That’s a little like we feel. I think the majority of the fans revert back to yesteryear when games like this were automatic. And like one poster said, there’s only been 1 FCS team knock off a ranked FBS team. Montana beat Washington. I’m saying this respectfully but our guys know how to play football. The gap between starters I don’t think is as wide as you think. The gap on backups might be. That’s a given.

The reasoning for our optimism is warranted. The reasoning for your thinking it’s a slam dunk is warranted. I just think obviously this game means more to USD than Iowa State, and I earnestly believe the Cyclones won’t be jacked up like they will for Iowa. When guys aren’t 100% mentally into it, that’s when fumbles, interceptions, etc can mentally affect you.

I’ll end it this way. If Iowa State plays their best and we play our best, then 41-10 could happen. Two things. I just don’t think the Cyclones will play their best number one. Number two is Coach Campbell will not bury the Coyotes. He’s got bigger fish to fry then USD.

I’m just looking for what I hope is a competitive game.

99 out of 100 games I’d say Go Clones. Saturday I’ll be saying Go YOTES. But with zero disrespect to Iowa State

I consider this far from a trap game. ISU is coming home from Dublin and the guys and the crowd will be amped to continue off of a hard-fought victory. Winning in Ireland is a big deal and the guys will want to keep this up to give them momentum heading into the CyHawk game in Ames. The team also had a ton of dumb turnovers in Dublin and if they're not focused on fixing those issues this week then they deserve to either lose or eek out a close game. I'm expecting the Cyclones to come out firing and get off to a 2 touchdown lead early in the game followed by slowing down the tempo in the second half to let the guys not get gassed. Expecting something like a 35-17 victory. The line is 15.5 and if I were to bet on ISU (they're one of the teams I refuse to bet on because they almost always lose against the spread for me), I'd take the Cyclones to cover the 15.5 point spread. The way the right side of the o-line blocked in the second half, Carson Hansen could have an absolute field day with the SD defense.

 

[Nor'MidWester]

USD has a player from Grand View on their team. I think they do, but scouting on FCS budgets would be brutal. My theory is that poorly resourced teams are even worse off than before the portal because scouting resources become more heavily utilized. You are now trying to find 30+ quality players per cycle instead of 20+.

If I'm right, the richer FCS schools should pull away even further. Problem for them is that even the worst P4 scouting departments will scout the FCS powerhouses, so that might increase their churn.

Wonder how much Iowa State spends on scouting outside highschool players. I assume the coaches are all scouts and we don't have any folks with the job title of "scout".

 

[bosco]

I think SP+ (also ESPN owned) was manipulated after this last round of realignment as well. A lot of emphasis on conference affiliation over anything else.

The SEC is Kim Jung Un and ESPN is equivalent of North Korean media. Take that into account when reading or listening to anything from that state ran media organization.

 

[Chitowncy]

Bouman had 23 rushing attempts last year (13 were sacks) for -57 yards and only one double digit carry (12 yards). Giving up just 13 sacks in 14 games is impressive, but I think we are gonna be bringing heat because Bouman is not a mobile QB. We would have to be cautious with the blitzes though, as Bouman is one of those guys that will pick you apart if he has enough time in the pocket. He completed over 68% of his passes last season.

Frankly, I don't think we will bring heat. I'm with you and wish we brought it some more, as I think it adds more deception and unpredictability to the defense and has the ability to stack really big negative plays, but this staff has shown repeatedly they rarely blitz. If the past is any indication (and we've got years and years of Heacock to give us that indication), Bouman will have a decent completion percentage against us as well - around his average or maybe slightly above. If you look at QB stats against us - take last week's game against KSU for example - their QB usually has a decent completion percentage. Not excellent, but not poor either. It's interesting that our strategy is very much a bend, don't break defense and has been for years. I really think we try to bait teams into running with our 3 man front and sometimes only 2 linebackers. It just looks there for the taking. The other team does it time and again and we do just enough to get up from the secondary and linebackers to stop the run. Happens time and time again. KSU beat us in the total yards department as well as yards per rush and yards per pass, but we won the game due to timely stops, less penalties, etc. We're good at getting timely stops. It's happened so much on aggregate over the Heacock term that it clearly is something we're good at.

 

[1SEIACLONE]

This might be a dumb question, but does FCS prey on D2 and D3 the same way FBS preys on FCS with the portal and such?

Some but not to the point as the upper level clubs, because many in the FCS do not have NIL money in large amounts to go after many kids. They generally are going to spend what little money they do have on players that were in FBS and are dropping down.
We are at the point that if you are a really good FCS player, you are silly to stick around and not move up with the money that they could make. Few are going to go on to the NFL, so this might be the only paycheck playing sports they are going to get.

 

[yoteforever]

I'll agree with competive, but I'm believing in the Cyclones.
Does LakeBison visit your board often? He was entertaining till he was banned for being a jack wagon on CF.

LakesBison comes to our board on occasion. Sorta an entertaining guy. If you look at his post on our board he was convinced K-State was gonna kick iowa states ass. I simply replied I don’t think so.

Every now and then one of his outlandish statements stick and he rides that horse forever.

In all my posts, I’m not disrespecting Iowa State. Hell, I’m a die hard fan. It’s just my gut feel is it’s going to be a game. That’s all. If I’m wrong I’m wrong. I love the Cyclones. Season ticket holder as well as court side basketball. Because I’m an alum and former player of USD naturally that’s where my heart is.

if we win, awesome. If we’re competitive, great. If we get our asses handed to us, then I have to reevaluate how good we could be. I’m told our portal guys are as good, if not better, then the ones who portaled out. My biggest concern, without question, is our O-line. If they can somehow hold their own I’ll be happy because I do think Iowa States D-line is really good. I honestly believe the Cyclones secondary is a little untested. IF and that’s a big if, our O-line can give Bouman time he could do damage.

 

[Statefan10]

LakesBison comes to our board on occasion. Sorta an entertaining guy. If you look at his post on our board he was convinced K-State was gonna kick iowa states ass. I simply replied I don’t think so.

Every now and then one of his outlandish statements stick and he rides that horse forever.

In all my posts, I’m not disrespecting Iowa State. Hell, I’m a die hard fan. It’s just my gut feel is it’s going to be a game. That’s all. If I’m wrong I’m wrong. I love the Cyclones. Season ticket holder as well as court side basketball. Because I’m an alum and former player of USD naturally that’s where my heart is.

if we win, awesome. If we’re competitive, great. If we get our asses handed to us, then I have to reevaluate how good we could be. I’m told our portal guys are as good, if not better, then the ones who portaled out. My biggest concern, without question, is our O-line. If they can somehow hold their own I’ll be happy because I do think Iowa States D-line is really good. I honestly believe the Cyclones secondary is a little untested. IF and that’s a big if, our O-line can give Bouman time he could do damage.

I wouldn’t overanalyze the rest of the season based on the result of this game. If Iowa State is truly a top-25 team (I think they are), then this game will likely be a 3 score victory for the Cyclones.

 

[ZorkClone]

LakesBison comes to our board on occasion. Sorta an entertaining guy. If you look at his post on our board he was convinced K-State was gonna kick iowa states ass. I simply replied I don’t think so.

Every now and then one of his outlandish statements stick and he rides that horse forever.

In all my posts, I’m not disrespecting Iowa State. Hell, I’m a die hard fan. It’s just my gut feel is it’s going to be a game. That’s all. If I’m wrong I’m wrong. I love the Cyclones. Season ticket holder as well as court side basketball. Because I’m an alum and former player of USD naturally that’s where my heart is.

if we win, awesome. If we’re competitive, great. If we get our asses handed to us, then I have to reevaluate how good we could be. I’m told our portal guys are as good, if not better, then the ones who portaled out. My biggest concern, without question, is our O-line. If they can somehow hold their own I’ll be happy because I do think Iowa States D-line is really good. I honestly believe the Cyclones secondary is a little untested. IF and that’s a big if, our O-line can give Bouman time he could do damage.

The Oline is one unit it seems difficult to build via transfers. Colorado has a hell of a time Prime's first with all new Oline Shedeur was getting blasted regularly (partially his fault too). I don't know how much of USD's Oline is transfers vs next man up.

I am worried about the Yotes running back, crazy good YPC in an area where ISU was weak last year.

 

[Statefan10]

The Oline is one unit it seems difficult to build via transfers. Colorado has a hell of a time Prime's first with all new Oline Shedeur was getting blasted regularly (partially his fault too). I don't know how much of USD's Oline is transfers vs next man up.

I am worried about the Yotes running back, crazy good YPC in an area where ISU was weak last year.

(Don’t tell him that we have all of our LB back)

 

[yoteforever]

This might be a dumb question, but does FCS prey on D2 and D3 the same way FBS preys on FCS with the portal and such?

Not a dumb question at all. In the case of USD, I do think they picked up 1 D3 All-American but that’s not the norm. We rely on two sources. The first are guys like Bouman that would be a #2 at a school like Iowa State or a Reid Watkins, a preferred walk on at Texas that would prefer to play. That’s a kid to keep your eye on. He’s a pretty damn good running back. If he gets in the game I’m told he can make plays. The other source are great players at other FCS schools that know their teams will never make a run for the title. A case in point is our tight end, Dallas Holmes ( nephew of boxer Larry Holmes ) who is 6’5” 250 pounds. He was highly regarded at Layfette but knew they would never compete for a national title at our level.

 

[yoteforever]

I wouldn’t overanalyze the rest of the season based on the result of this game. If Iowa State is truly a top-25 team (I think they are), then this game will likely be a 3 score victory for the Cyclones.

That wouldn’t dishearten me at all. Getting pasted 41-10 would becdifferent

 

[CydeofFries]

The biggest thing I haven't seen mentioned is the coaching changes at USD. They have a new head coach (promoted from within), a new DC (external), a new OC (internal), new OLine coach (external) and those were just the ones I clicked through.

USD was clearly a great FCS team last year, but losing the continuity in the coaching staff is going to negatively affect them especially the first game of their year. That more than anything is why I'm less concerned about an upset even though there plenty of reasons I should be concerned.

 

[Statefan10]

That wouldn’t dishearten me at all. Getting pasted 41-10 would becdifferent

That would surprise me honestly. 31-13 would be my unofficial prediction

 

[RagingCloner]

That would surprise me honestly. 31-13 would be my unofficial prediction

This makes the most sense to me. Probably a 24 ish point game at the start of the 4th

 

[yoteforever]

The biggest thing I haven't seen mentioned is the coaching changes at USD. They have a new head coach (promoted from within), a new DC (external), a new OC (internal), new OLine coach (external) and those were just the ones I clicked through.

USD was clearly a great FCS team last year, but losing the continuity in the coaching staff is going to negatively affect them especially the first game of their year. That more than anything is why I'm less concerned about an upset even though there plenty of reasons I should be concerned.

Overall I can tell you this staff is very cohesive. More so than last year. Our OC went to Fresno State and our new OC should’ve been the OC last year. Not sure I can say the same about our DC. Very good coach at Northwestern but this is a whole new deal.

Clearly Iowa State has more resources than USD. Our recruiting budget compared to yours is maybe 10% of yours. Our recruiting coordinator learned from the best….Matt Campbell. That guys efforts have produced squads to the likes we’ve never seen before at USD. 4 years ago you would’ve hung 50-60 on us, no question. It’s just different now.

 

[yoteforever]

I wouldn’t overanalyze the rest of the season based on the result of this game. If Iowa State is truly a top-25 team (I think they are), then this game will likely be a 3 score victory for the Cyclones.

I honestly think the Cyclones are a top 10 team, if not now, in late October. I think Campbell is one of the best coaches there is in the country. And Heacock is off the charts.

 

[Statefan10]

I honestly think the Cyclones are a top 10 team, if not now, in late October. I think Campbell is one of the best coaches there is in the country. And Heacock is off the charts.

Not sure on top-10 but maybe top-15? And if we are that good we definitely shouldn’t be losing to an FCS team, no disrespect or anything. lol

 

[yoteforever]

None taken. I get it.

I‘m an optimist. Been a Coyote Fan and Cyclone Fan for 50 years. And I still love both teams. Just kinda weird that went forever in the crapper and now both teams ascending in their respective conferences at the same time.

Last year North Dakota State lost to Colorado by 5 and was on Colorados 4 yard line when time ran out. And CU tied for the Big 12. We beat NDSU in Vermillion in what was one of the best college games I’ve ever seen. Go to YouTube if you’re bored and watch the last 5 minutes of that game. Very reminiscent of when Iowa State beat Oklahoma State at night a few years ago.

 

[Statefan10]

None taken. I get it.

I‘m an optimist. Been a Coyote Fan and Cyclone Fan for 50 years. And I still love both teams. Just kinda weird that went forever in the crapper and now both teams ascending in their respective conferences at the same time.

Last year North Dakota State lost to Colorado by 5 and was on Colorados 4 yard line when time ran out. And CU tied for the Big 12. We beat NDSU in Vermillion in what was one of the best college games I’ve ever seen. Go to YouTube if you’re bored and watch the last 5 minutes of that game. Very reminiscent of when Iowa State beat Oklahoma State at night a few years ago.

Watched the NDSU game and was actively cheering for them. Haha not a fan of Prime. Also don’t think Colorado was that good last year. Zero bad losses, zero good wins.

SDSU went to Oklahoma State, the worst team in the Big 12 and got thumped so it goes both ways.

 

[jackrabbit]

None taken. I get it.

I‘m an optimist. Been a Coyote Fan and Cyclone Fan for 50 years. And I still love both teams. Just kinda weird that went forever in the crapper and now both teams ascending in their respective conferences at the same time.

Last year North Dakota State lost to Colorado by 5 and was on Colorados 4 yard line when time ran out. And CU tied for the Big 12. We beat NDSU in Vermillion in what was one of the best college games I’ve ever seen. Go to YouTube if you’re bored and watch the last 5 minutes of that game. Very reminiscent of when Iowa State beat Oklahoma State at night a few years ago.

What is your prediction for how the MVFC plays out. Who wins it and who makes the FCS playoffs?